SIGNATURE STYLE FOR Royal Lakeside Novotel Rotorua

The Royal Lakeside Novotel Rotorua has taken on a contemporary new style known as the ‘Novotel Signature Range’ in a hotelwide refurbishment that was completed late last year. Boasting a fresh new look and feel the décor now features avocado greens, warm burgundies and stimulating reds, carefully woven among new design features that include natural timber in-room fittings, luxury bathroom amenities, mega bath sheets, state-of-the-art showerheads, luxurious feather duvets and pillows and electronic in-room safes large enough to hold a laptop. High speed broadband has been connected to all accommodation rooms. Public areas, including the conference rooms all have wireless access. As part of the refurbishment a custom designed business centre with an executive boardroom has been introduced. The centre has four workstations with high-speed internet access, internet computers, printer, photocopier, and fax. The boardroom has state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment – including a Smartboard unique in the hospitality industry, leather chairs and a large board table to seat up to 12 people.

SKYCITY IS 10 YEARS OLD

SKYCITY has begun a year long celebration of its 10 years in existence with a $40,000 fireworks display atop the Auckland Sky Tower. The five-minute themed birthday display on February 1 marked the special occasion with 10 large bangs at the end to signify each year of operation. Since its beginnings SKYCITY has grown to one of New Zealand’s top 10 and Australia’s top 150 companies, with 25,000 direct shareholders, 4500 staff and a long series of awards for its status as a tourism attraction, sponsor of the arts, wealth creator and innovative marketer of its fun and entertainment offerings. Customers, investors, and staff will be able to join in the celebrations to mark the decade throughout the year.

REFURB COMPLETE FOR Langham Hotel

Langham Hotel Auckland has completed its $12 million refurbishment. The hotel, on Auckland’s Symmonds St, has upgraded all 410 rooms and suites in a traditional context but while maintaining modern luxuries. The hotel’s award-winning signature restaurant, Partingtons Restaurant, is also undergoing a significant makeover both from a design and menu sense. The 2005 New Zealand Chef of the Year, Marc Soper, will head the restaurant and guests have been able to experience his innovative menus from early February. A new coffered ceiling, chandeliers, carpets and furniture will make The Winery as enticing as its fabulous cocktails. Already a popular lobby bar, it will be the ultimate place to meet and unwind while optimising Langham’s sophisticated hospitality.