If you could pick a time to open a hotel, winter in the COVID-dominated year of 2020 probably wouldn't be at the top of the list.
But the team at Park Hyatt Auckland are determined to turn the current less than favorable situation into an advantage when the new five-star hotel opens in September.
Guests can book rooms in advance now with the hotel including a $50 voucher for each night booked as an earlybird special.
The hotel is built on the land formerly used by Team New Zealand and fittingly, a nautical theme is carried throughout the design of the entire hotel - from a glorious red gate which serves as a door to one of the many places to eat and drink to the strapped couches and Captain's Bar.
Guests can overlook Waitematā Harbour from just about anywhere in the building and every room will be outward-facing.
The massive atrium is probably the first feature that will give a sense of the scale of this hotel.
In front of the spacious check-in area is an exposed concrete wall which rises from the ground all the way up to the top of the hotel. It's exposed surface is a nod to the heritage of Wynyard Quarter. It's just screaming to be used as a projection wall with America's Cup racing beaming onto it from floor to ceiling, seven floors up, right in the middle of America's Cup Village.
Imagine that.
The hotel is designed by Ali Reda from ar+d in Singapore who worked with local company, Bossley Architects, and ensured Ngāti Whātua were involved from the beginning.
Hyatt Park Auckland Facts:
- The size of the guest rooms begin at 47m square, which is almost double the size of other standard hotel rooms in Auckland. Each room has a walk-in shower and deep bath.
- The presidential suite is a massive to the 245m square.
- All 195 guestrooms have a touch of Māori culture woven into their design, such as custom-designed tukutuku panels and rugs.
- Onemata is the hotel's signature restaurant and will serve local produce with a menu driven by seasonal ingredients supplied by New Zealand food artisans and suppliers.
- The Pantry has more of a cafe vibe where guests and passers-by can pop in for coffee and a meal in a less formal setting.
- The Living Room will be open all day, beginning with a large breakfast serving in the morning and high-tea in the afternoon, always overlooking the Viaduct Harbour.
- The Captain's Bar has a darker vibe and will serve classic cocktails and spirits. It was described as being a masculine space - this is accurate, but is the type of description that might put people off.
Park Hyatt operates an international membership programme, World of Hyatt, which remembers things such as coffee preferences, allergies and other specific things guests request or prefer.
The Park Hyatt Auckland is scheduled to open on September 15.
