Queenstown’s largest hotel officially launches

Media Release from Novotel Gardens Queenstown
8 February 2008

Queenstown’s largest hotel officially launches today

Following a $13 million makeover, Novotel Gardens Queenstown today officially re-launches as both Queenstown’s largest hotel and New Zealand’s largest Accor-owned property.

The 16-month redevelopment has provided the hotel with an additional 70 rooms, a fresh new exterior look, fully renovated public areas, a completely upgraded restaurant and a brand new café and bar with stunning lake, mountain and rose garden views.

Hotel capacity is now 273 rooms catering for up to 546 guests - a 34% increase in potential guest numbers.

Novotel Gardens Queenstown General Manager Carl Braddock says the project reflects a significant investment into the Queenstown region by major global hotel company Accor.

“The property is absolute lakefront, alongside the stunning Queenstown Gardens and yet right in the middle of town. We’ve made sure that the new design enhances its lakefront position and views through our beautiful rose garden,” says Mr Braddock.

“On the exterior, natural timbers and schist have replaced the spires, trellises and parapets that previously made the property so recognisable.

“The hotel has been here for 20 years so is somewhat of an icon in Queenstown. It’s built up a colourful history over that time but, for me, it’s really the people who have made the property what it is today. I’m so proud of all of the staff – throughout the renovation process they worked really hard and always had a ready smile and joke. It’s a great belated Christmas present for all of us to see our work and dreams finally come to fruition.”

Locals have been checking out the changes today (Friday Jan 8) at an open day offering free bubbly, a BBQ lunch, live music, a complimentary pampering from the LeSpa at Sofitel team, and great giveaways and prizes.

The building process has been a success for Queenstown-based Rilean Construction which brought the project in on time and on budget.

The hotel was able to operate throughout the period, with development phases carefully managed to minimise disruption to guests. The first stage began in October 2006 with construction of 20 new rooms above the existing Church Wing and refurbishment of existing rooms, and was completed in March 2007.

A similar expansion and refurbishment of the Earl and Horne wings began in April 2007. It included the renovation of public areas as well as the bar and restaurant - the second upgrade of these areas since Accor bought the hotel in 2003.

ENDS

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