EVT launches its new budget accommodation concept, LyLo, in Auckland this week.
Making its debut at 54 Cook Street on December 1, LyLo is a style-led and socially conscious budget lifestyle brand that caters to cost-conscious travellers. EVT conducted target audience research to identify gaps in the budget sector to help inform the LyLo concept.
Speaking exclusively to HM, EVT CEO Jane Hastings said the budget segment is evolving rapidly and will play an important part in the recovery of travel.
“The budget sector plays a critical role in tourism industry and this sector is rapidly evolving to meet the needs of today’s travellers,” she said.
“For this sector, cheap used to mean basic, but today’s traveller is seeking a lifestyle accommodation experience. Understanding the needs of this market in terms of sustainability, wellbeing, privacy and community informed the LyLo design which is centred around multi-use communal spaces to play, work and rest. LyLo is the evolution of budget lifestyle accommodation, and our customers are loving it.”
The Auckland flagship was created in collaboration with CPRW Architecture; Auckland design firm Mood designed the beds and mirrors for the rooms, while Made of Tomorrow supplied the bedside tables.
It features 190 private sleeping pods, 37 private double rooms with shared amenities, and 70 private ensuite rooms.
The self-contained pods feature a King single bed, Bluetooth storage locker, power points and charging ports, a privacy screen, and individual lighting, a fan, and mirror. Female only pod rooms are also available.
There are also many communal spaces to encourage guest interaction including a large, shared kitchen, several breakout spaces, and Miss Lucy’s bar.
Thoughtful eco-friendly features including the use of recycled building materials, recycled America’s Cup sails as bathroom amenity holders, EV charging stations, recycling, water and power conservation initiatives and zero use of small plastics and paper.
Auckland-based artist Flox created an impressive Kiwiana mural design at the entrance to the property, featuring korimako (or bellbirds) which have recently returned to Auckland for the first time in 100 years.
“Our flagship LyLo property has been designed for travellers to stay in an epic and affordable way by giving them all the perks of communal and social travel but with the privacy of their own comfortable sleeping space,” said LyLo Managing Director, Tim Alpe.
“We’ve torn up the rulebook and turned budget accommodation on its head. Lylo Auckland is meticulously designed based on real insights into what a traveller needs with stylish finishes. We are excited to open what will be a super affordable place to sleep for savvy travellers.”
Alpe said LyLo will be the largest lifestyle budget accommodation of its kind in New Zealand and will set a new benchmark for the sector globally.
Jucy Snooze experiences in Christchurch and Queenstown will also transition to LyLo properties in 2023.