Poster child

The world of hotel statistics can be rather mystifying. It seems everyone wants to lay claim to the title of biggest, best or newest, and technically speaking, most seem to be able to verify any particular claim.

Keeping statistics to a minimum, there's a couple of things to which the new Holiday Inn Wellington can lay claim. Surprisingly, it's the first under the Holiday Inn monicker in New Zealand's North Island, and just the third in the country. It's also Wellington's largest hotel.

The brand, which falls under the umbrella of Intercontinental Hotels Group, is often touted as the most recognised hotel brand in the world a valuable association for developer Melview. However, in Wellington, the new Studio of Pacific Architecture- and Peddle Thorp-designed structure is like a contemporary revision of something familiar.

Holiday Inn Wellington is a new kid on the block in a city whose hotels boast occupancy rates of upwards of 70%. That statistic, says Melview Development's Nigel McKenna, combined with foresight, analysis, and a little bit of risk balanced by a modicum of common sense, was one of the key decisions behind the 17-storey, $80 million project.

"We had owned the site for a couple of years, and identified a niche for a contemporary, design-focused, well-located hotel," says McKenna.

"Wellington has one of the highest occupancy rates in New Zealand."

By signing management rights to Holiday Inn, Melview continues its relationship with the Intercontinental Hotels Group a new Intercontinental Hotel is planned for Queenstown but McKenna sees the style of the Wellington hotel as offering something more than the economy and consistency for which the brand is typically renowned.

"Holiday Inn Wellington is like a new poster child for the brand," says McKenna. "It's a global brand, and travellers today are brand aware. So in one respect, the hotel offers a level of certainty. However, the design, which accommodates a dramatic, long and narrow site, the levels of finishing and the amenities are very contemporary."

The hotel's general manager, Heather Idoine-Riley, confirms this.

"The hotel isn't what you'd expect from a traditional Holiday Inn. It's very contemporary, comfortable and design-led. The strong design philosophy has produced a distinctive, Wellington-style property."

For corporate and government travellers, as well as general tourists, the hotel's location is a boon within easy walking distance of a number of consistently popular destinations, such as Westpac Stadium, Parliament Buildings and Lambton Quay.

Because of the long and narrow site, the hotel is articulated to effectively maximise views and outlook.

"The angled vertical fins orientate most rooms to capture plenty of light and expansive views of the harbour, western hills or city views," says McKenna.

The fins are also a strong visual component, created with pre-cast concrete panels and engineered for an uninterrupted line.

Smoothing the transition from the street are a number of retail spaces: a florist, cafe and hairdresser. Inside, the double-height lobby, with marble floors and leather reception desks, suggests a quality of finish more typical of a 5-star hotel.

The hotel's restaurant, Plate, designed by Tom Skyring in conjunction with Studio of Pacific Architecture, opens up to an outside terrace, also moderating the street transition. The restaurant is an opulent space with warm-hued limestone floors, mesh curtains and softly spinning chrome light fittings.

To appeal to the business and conference market, the second floor features a suite of five conference and meeting rooms all with floor-to-ceiling windows, an unusual feature in a central-city hotel. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, gym, Jacuzzi and sauna. Of course, there is also a selection of fully serviced rooms.

The 280 guest rooms include standard rooms, 19 suites and, at the top of the building, a presidential suite. All are furnished with fully equipped kitchenettes and high-quality fittings, and accented with bold contemporary fabrics.

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Jamie Cobeldick