HM can exclusively reveal InterContinental Wellington, New Zealand, is about to undergo a major refurbishment, one that will include a new room category, Club Lounge and reception arrival, as well as a revamped meeting floor and food and beverage outlets.
InterContinental Hotel Group’s Director of Operations for Australasia, Bill Edwards, said the renovation would bring the property up to a world-class standard.
“Wellington is a key city destination and an important part of our global network of InterContinental Hotels and Resorts,” he said.
“The scale of this refurbishment is indicative of our commitment both to Wellington and the InterContinental brand values.
“We’re delighted our partner, Columna Capital Holdings, has chosen to refurbish as this will ensure InterContinental Wellington remains one of the top hotels in New Zealand.”
A design team from Chada has been appointed to deliver a “contemporary and sleek look with a warm yet sophisticated ambiance”, according to the hotel.
The fit-out will be undertaken by Watts and Hughes Construction, a New Zealand business with extensive experience in both the construction and property development sectors, and renowned for its commitment to exceptional quality of design and construction.
InterContinental Wellington General Manager, Scott Hamilton, said the layers of detail and design in the refurbishment are in response to catering for travellers with discerning taste.
“Our guests appreciate memorable experiences and a sense of occasion – it’s our job to continue to deliver excellence so both our business and leisure guests benefit from our global expertise,” he said.
Hamilton said InterContinental Hotels and Resorts’ aim is to connect guests with the local environment through enriching experiences.
“One of the special features of Wellington is the harbour and its interaction with the landscape and people,” he said.
“Our refurbished Club InterContinental Lounge, offering personalised service to guests staying in our exclusive Club InterContinental Guestrooms, will span the total width of the hotel overlooking the whole harbour and provide truly stunning views, day and night.”
The 64 Club InterContinental Guestrooms and Suites will be totally recreated, featuring state of the art electronic room controls which include the curtains (operated by the touch of a button while still in bed), digital lighting, air conditioning/heating and frosting of the glass in the shower windows.
The newly defined 84 Deluxe Guestrooms are scheduled to be available from December 2013 and again involve a total conversion of three levels of the hotel. Deluxe Guestroom enhancements will include new king-sized beds, digital audio units and reconfigured bathrooms with walk-in showers and the double option of handheld and rain shower heads.
The renovation commences on October 1, 2013, starting with the accommodation rooms and Club InterContinental lounge, followed by a total refurbishment of The Lobby Lounge, Chameleon Restaurant and meeting rooms. A new sense of arrival will be created within a redesigned reception supported by the Concierge team’s wealth of local insights.
The new-look InterContinental Wellington is scheduled to be completed by mid-2014.