Former New Zealand Reserve Bank in Auckland to become a Pullman Hotel

Accor is to introduce its new 5-star Pullman brand to Auckland, New Zealand, with a Pullman hotel being developed out of the former New Zealand Reserve Bank in Customs Street, in the heart of the central business district. The hotel is due to open in the second quarter of 2010.

The NZ$100 million project is being developed by the New Zealand-based CP Group, and will involve the conversion of the Reserve Bank building and the construction of an adjoining tower that will connect with the existing building. The hotel will have extensive conference facilities for up to 800 delegates as well as a major restaurant, rooftop swimming pool, gymnasium and day spa.

The hotel enjoys a prime location on Customs Street, just a few streets from the waterfront and within easy walk of the city's major business addresses. The hotel is also close to popular dining and and entertainment areas, including the waterfront Viaduct precinct, downtown shopping, ferry terminals and the Britomart rail and bus transit centre.

Pullman Auckland will add to Accor's current portfolio of Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, all seasons and Formule 1 hotels in the city. Accor currently operates 29 hotels and resorts in New Zealand.

The launch of the Pullman hotel brand is part of Accor's drive to reposition its brands, which will in particular elevate Sofitel into the luxury segment. This strategy has created the opportunity to launch Pullman as a new brand of hotels positioned in the upscale segment and targeting the corporate and conference/meeting markets.

Pullman hotels will provide specific services and facilities to create an atmosphere that balances conviviality, calm and connectivity. These will include a 24 hour IT solutions manager on site, there will also be 'Pullman Welcomers' who will not only be responsible for welcoming, but also for immediate actioning of guest requests.

There will be wireless and broadband communications, chill out zones, executive floors and lounges, health club facilities and the latest in hi-tech facilities for meetings and function organisers. Fast communications and connectivity is facilitated by the latest equipment with further enhancement likely as a result of a partnership with Microsoft.

The Pullman Auckland will have 290 large guest rooms, a first class day spa, pool, gymnasium and a restaurant and bar. It will also feature extensive meeting and conference facilities for up to 800 delegates.

"We have been looking for a suitable upscale project in Auckland to complement our wide range of mid-scale and economy hotels in the city, and this project offers an outstanding location that will prove popular for business travellers, conference groups and leisure travellers," said Paul Richardson, Accor's Vice President New Zealand and Fiji.

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