MEDIA RELEASE

NZ hotels shine ahead of Rugby World Cup

Insiders’ Select ranks the world’s best hotels based on value, service and customer ratings

Auckland, 6 May – New Zealand Hotels are again amongst the best in the world, according to online travel company Expedia’s latest Insiders’ Select list (www.expedia.co.nz/insiders-select.aspx). Three New Zealand hotels were named in the top 100 for the first time in 2011, which is a good sign for the local tourism industry only months out from the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup. Auckland’s SKYCITY Grand is ranked 18th, with the Waterfront Suites in the Bay of Islands in 34th position and Mantra Marina in Queenstown at no. 64.

The Cedarbrook Lodge in suburban Seattle was labelled the world’s favourite hotel according to Expedia travellers worldwide, surpassing three southern Italian hotels for first place – Rome’s iQ Hotel Roma, Hotel Antiche Figure in Venice and Hotel Berchielli in Florence.

Streamlined down from 1,000 to the top 500 Hotels in 2011, the Expedia Insiders’ Select list provides a clear snapshot of the world’s premier hotels based on the reviews of Expedia customers and Expedia experts worldwide. Launched in 2007, the annual list compares a vast range of hotels and resorts in terms of service and experience to determine the greatest value for the consumer.

Louise Crompton, Senior Manager Marketing for Expedia.co.nz, says: “To have an unprecedented three hotels in the top 100 is a very pleasing result ahead of the Rugby World Cup, and a great reflection of what New Zealand offers in terms of quality and value for discerning travellers.

“We all know where you book matters and there’s no better judge than travellers themselves. By valuing the opinions of Expedia customers we are able to help other travellers consider their options and make the most of their travel experience,” she said.

The full Expedia Insiders’ Select list is available at www.expedia.co.nz/insiders-select.aspx.

Expedia Insiders’ Select Top 10 Hotels in the World
Ranking Name Star Rating Location Price* (per room per night)
1 Cedarbrook Lodge
3.5 Seattle, USA From NZ$189
2 iQ Hotel Roma
4 Rome, Italy From NZ$180
3 Hotel Antiche Figure
3 Venice, Italy From NZ$240
4 Hotel Berchielli
4 Florence, Italy From NZ$190
5 Hotel Monterey Kyoto
3.5 Kyoto, Japan From NZ$186
6 The Nines
5 Portland, USA From NZ$108
7 Les Terres M Barka
5 Marrakech, Morocco From NZ$145
8 K&K Hotel Central
4.5 Prague, Czech Republic From NZ$165
9 Hotel Teatro
4.5 Denver, USA From NZ$189
10 Sofitel New York
4.5 New York, USA (Manhattan) From NZ$241

New Zealand hotels in the Top 500
Hotel Star Rating Location Price* (per room per night)
SKYCITY Grand (18th)
5 Auckland From NZ$151
The Waterfront Suites (34th)
5 Bay of Islands From NZ$159
Mantra Marina (64th)
5 Queenstown From NZ$129
The Langham, Auckland
5 Auckland From NZ$190

* Prices are based on travel dates of 28 – 30 June, 2011 and include all fees and taxes and are correct as at 15:00 (AEST) on 29 April 2011

-Ends-

About Expedia.co.nz
Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's leading online travel company, operates Expedia.co.nz in New Zealand. Expedia helps New Zealanders plan and book their travel by providing a personalised service, the latest technology and a wide selection of holiday packages, cheap flights, hotel deals, car hire, in-destination attractions & activities and travel insurance to suit their travel needs.
Expedia.co.nz, the Airplane logo and Where You Book Matters are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Expedia, Inc. in the US and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. © 2011 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

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