Jetsettersblog

Westin Brand Continues Its Expansion In Asia Pacific – Hotel set to open on the waterfront of Auckland’s central business district in 2007

Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced today that Auckland’s prestigious waterfront precinct will become home to a 173 room Westin hotel – the first time the Westin brand has entered the New Zealand market.

It will be New Zealand’s first purpose built five star hotel and promises to become a new Auckland icon. Due to open by mid 2007, The Westin Auckland will be the fourth Westin property in the Pacific region, joining the renowned Westin’s in Melbourne, Sydney and recently opened resort and spa on Denarau Island, Fiji.

Located on the water at Lighter Quay, Viaduct Harbour in Auckland, the latest Westin property will feature 173 rooms including nine suites, an Executive Club lounge, an all day dining restaurant, a bar and café, 11,000 square feet of meeting space, health club and spa. Lighter Quay is one of New Zealand’s most prestigious waterfront neighborhoods and is located in the Viaduct Basin - on the waterfront of Auckland’s central business district.

“The location of this spectacular new hotel on the water at Lighter Quay as well as its thoughtful design to feature Westin’s signature products and services will be sure to help visitors to Auckland relax, rejuvenate and restore during their stay,” commented Miguel Ko, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

Property developers of the hotel, Melview Viaduct Harbour Limited (a subsidiary of Melview Developments Limited) are regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading property development companies. The $300 million Lighter Quay project – where the new Westin is located – is Auckland’s largest single development that also incorporates luxury waterfront apartments.

“Melview is pleased to be able to deliver the first purpose built five-star hotel to New Zealand and to introduce the internationally recognised ‘Westin’ brand to Auckland. New Zealand’s tourism industry is growing strongly and the demand for top end accommodation of the standard of The Westin is in short supply”, Melview Developments Managing Director and founder Mr Nigel McKenna said today.

The signing of The Westin Auckland, Lighter Quay between Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Melview also marks the return of Starwood Hotels & Resorts to New Zealand, as well as another major step in the hotel groups’ fast-track expansion in Asia Pacific. This is the eighth Westin development announced by Starwood in just the first three quarters of 2006. New developments announced earlier in the year include Westins in Guangzhou, Zhejiang and Beijing in China; Bangalore and Sohna in India; Fiji and Langkawi, Malaysia.

Auckland Great Day Out See first hand why Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” on this full day tour combining the “Discover Auckland” and “Auckland’s Must Do Four” sightseeing tours. Discover the magnificent harbours, trendy shops, panoramic views and meet some locals on a unique encounter at the Auckland Zoo. Also included is the Pride of Auckland Coffee Cruise.