Christchurch hotel opens its doors to humans and pets

Christchurch’s newest central city hotel opens its doors to humans and pets

The newly opened Fino Hotel & Suites is believed to be the country’s first pet friendly hotel allowing pets to sleep, stay and play in the same room as their owners.

The 52 suite 4.5 star Qualmark rated hotel opened its doors to guests on Friday 15 July.

The seven story building has completed a major $15m refurbishment and earthquake strengthening. The repairs were covered by a mix of insurance and additional investment.

Fino Hotel & Suites is located in Christchurch’s CBD, at the old Fino Casementi Hotel site and is owned by Select Hotels and Resorts International who also own the Braemar Lodge in Hanmer Springs.

Hotel General Manager Dilan De Silva says the Fino Hotel & Suites is his first hotel to ever welcome pets.

“We are excited about our location, our hotel will cater to a wide range of guests looking to stay in Christchurch’s CBD, we’re just a three-minute walk to restaurants, shops and city amenities.

“We are also unique being the first hotel in New Zealand to welcome pets to stay with their owners.”

The hotel includes 48 apartment suites and four penthouse suites, all of which have balconies and views of the city.

There are three pet suites, where domestic and house trained pets will be allowed to check in and stay with their owners.

The property has meeting facilities for 20 people in the penthouse suites. The ground floor atrium can be used for up to 100 people cocktail style. An event space for 100 people is also being developed.

The hotel also has a beauty spa and a Spanish themed restaurant which is led by food and beverage specialist Miki Stefanovic, formally of Auckland’s Stamford Plaza Hotel.

Christchurch based fashion designer Debbie Lawson from Devál designed the hotel uniforms.

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism’s Caroline Blanchfield says that a pet friendly hotel in Christchurch will be a popular addition to the city’s accommodation offering.

“It’s great to see accommodation providers innovating and diversifying their product to attract a new market segment.

“Fino Hotel & Suites will also be attractive to people transferring for work either to Christchurch or beyond. A pet friendly hotel may will encourage a longer stop in Christchurch.”

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