Starwood opens New Westin Hotel in Auckland

Overlooking Viaduct Harbour, The Westin Auckland, which has just opened, marks the global brand's entry to the New Zealand market and the launch of a new style of boutique hotel experience.

With just 172 rooms, The Westin Auckland combines the intimacy of a small, personal property with signature Westin style, instinctive service and personal renewal.

Surrounded by water on two sides, and built around an expansive central lagoon, the elegant boutique property on Melview Developments' Lighter Quay celebrates its maritime setting.

The waterfront restaurant, café and bar open onto wide public esplanades which face the Viaduct and Lighter Quay Marinas. Two private hotel docks enable Auckland boat enthusiasts, by arrangement, to sail right up to the bar and restaurant.

The Westin Auckland is also features a Late Club, offering an intimate bar setting until the early hours, five nights a week. The Westin Auckland is one of the first major hotels in the city to adopt a non-smoking policy, underpinning Westin's commitment to improve guest wellness by offering a clean, refreshing environment.

The guest rooms are also some of the most spacious in Auckland, all with balconies, and many with views across Viaduct Harbour or Lighter Quay.

"All elements of the hotel, and the Westin brand, have been meticulously researched and planned to deliver an experience of renewal," said The Westin Auckland General Manager Greg Findlay. "Westin understands the rigors of travel and everything we do is aimed at responding to our guests' individual needs - their experience will be one of renewal and rest."

"The Westin experience is about facilitating personal relaxation, and we do this in many ways, from keeping our guest rooms smoke-free, to offering superb in-room massage treatments, as well a luxury spa. We also create a soothing setting with our evening ritual of lighting candles at dusk throughout the public areas of the hotel. Ultimately, our aim is to send guests home feeling even better than when they arrived."

Located on the corner of Viaduct Harbour Avenue and Halsey Street , The Westin Auckland boasts a prime maritime location at the base of Lighter Quay. Yachts will be permanently moored alongside the glass walls of the ground floor, providing visitors with a unique perspective.

For a relatively small and exclusive hotel, The Westin Auckland has a generous open aspect to its stylish public areas. The hotel's restaurants and bars were all designed by acclaimed interior specialist, Tom Skyring. Dining options include Q, the signature restaurant, and Toast - the waterfront café. Guests can also unwind at The Office bar or The Late Club.

The hotel's spa, part of an 8,000 square foot wellness centre, will also be open to the public with its own entrance on Halsey Street. The spa is adjacent to the gym, sauna, steam room, indoor lap pool and spa pool.

Melview Developments is also building a second Westin property in New Zealand - the $100m 178-room Westin Queenstown - part of the extensive $800 million Kawarau Falls Station tourist development, scheduled to open in 2009.

See other recent news regarding: Starwood, Westin, Auckland, New Zealand, Hotels