New Zealand’s capital is set to get its first internationally-branded luxury hotel in almost two decades when the Sofitel Wellington opens in 2014.
The 130-room, NZD$35 million tower is being developed by leading property and hotel company, CP Group, who also own Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.
It will be the third Sofitel in New Zealand and the first in the nation’s capital. The announcement makes Sofitel the only five-star international luxury hotel brand to be present in New Zealand’s three most important destinations – Auckland (the business capital), Queenstown (the tourism capital) and now Wellington (the political capital).
The hotel – the third Sofitel in New Zealand and the first in the nation’s capital – is being developed out of the former Apple and Pear Board Office Building, a fine post-modern building.
The building will be stripped back and extra floors added, with the fit-out to be undertaken by renowned interior designer Brett Taylor of CDA Architects, to showcase Sofitel’s distinctive art de vivre and stylish elegance. Taylor was also involved in the design of the pace-setting Sofitel Queenstown.
“The development of the Sofitel will play a major role in further elevating Wellington’s international profile,” said Sofitel New Zealand’s Area General Manager, Wouter de Graaf.
“It is a long time since a hotel development of this status and quality has been announced in the national capital and it will help attract significant increases in tourism, business travel and conferences to the city.”
Located on Bolton Street, in the centre of the city, Sofitel Wellington is within walking distance of Parliament House, Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, the habour and a great selection of boutique shops, restaurants and bars.
The interior design will feature a sophisticated monochromatic colour theme that will be accented with yellows to create a very striking decor with strong French touches. All rooms will feature the signature Sofitel ‘MyBed’, a personal espresso machine and iPod docking station.
The Sofitel Wellington will also boast a ground-floor restaurant that will showcase the best local produce and wines from the nearby Martinborough and Marlborough regions as well as a good selection of French and imported wines.
As with its sister properties, the hotel will offer Sofitel Food and Beverage rituals including the finest French pastries, wines, cheeses and breads, all of which create a uniquely European experience for guests.
Sofitel Wellington will feature extensive function and meeting rooms including a 120 square metre conference room and two smaller meeting rooms. In addition, the Sofitel will feature a fitness centre and indoor pool.