Sofitel offshoot brand SO/ has opened its doors in Auckland, with AccorHotels welcoming the community, including “nosy neighbours”, to eat, drink, stay and play at the city’s new social hideout.
SO/ Auckland is housed at 67 Customs Street East, within the former Reserve Bank building and has been designed as a vibrant, energetic example of rebellious modern lifestyle. It is the first SO/ branded hotel to open in the Pacific region and the seventh globally.
The property features 130 rooms in either SO Studio, SO Cozy, SO Comfy or SO Club layouts, while a separate floor has been dedicated for Penthouse guests. Design layouts in each of the rooms can be selected by the guest as either Vapour, Liquid or Solid, with different styles across each.
Guests can opt for either City or Harbour view rooms, with the latter offering outdoor balcony access. Room facilities include separate bath and rain shower, free wi-fi and non-alcoholic mini-bar.
The hotel was designed by New Zealand fashion mind ‘WORLD’. Drawing on his unique and colourful style, WORLD drew on Auckland’s volcanic history, the building’s history and the natural landscapes of New Zealand as his inspiration. This theme is also reflected in staff uniforms, wallpaper, suite artwork, neon art installations and more.
Furniture and lighting was provided by Dutch design house Moooi, while Marcel Wanders designed the enormous ground-floor chandelier hanging in the hotel’s Mixo Bar.
A public bar offering views of Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island features on the hotel’s rooftop, while a fine dining establishment on the 15th floor is overseen by French Executive Chef Marc De Passorio, former owner of Michelin-starred restaurant L’Esprit de la Violette.
For guests seeking to relax, a day spa offers treatments such as Himalayan detox therapy, Tibetan sound healing, chakra balancing and peeling Chlorella masks. Other guest facilities include the SO/ Fit fitness centre and the Club Signature Lounge. A café is due to open on-site next year.