World’s Best New Hotel, Australasia’s Best New Hotel, Australasia’s Most Inspired Design Hotel
Auckland’s Hotel Grand Windsor, MGallery by Sofitel has been recognised amongst the best in the world at the Boutique Hotel Awards in London, winning the esteemed ‘Best New Hotel’, as well as taking out top honours as Australasia’s Best New Hotel and Australasia’s Most Inspired Design Hotel.
Widely regarded as the most influential Awards programme globally, the Boutique Hotel Awards finalists are nominated by travel industry experts and luxury travel journalists to be independently evaluated. More than 300 nominees from 80 countries this year were reviewed with judges looking for the character and feel of a unique experience.
The Boutique Hotel Awards is the first and only international awards organisation exclusively dedicated to recognising unique excellence among boutique hotels. It is the only independent awards organisation in hospitality where each and every property is visited personally by an experienced hotel judge, who specialises in each category, and where decisions on winners depend on true first-hand guest experience at the property.
Judge’s comments on Hotel Grand Windsor reflected the outstanding attention to detail and customer experience. Remarking on design; “The design was beautiful, elegant, understated and calming. It felt a world away from the hustle and bustle of the central city, it was amazing how you could just step away from it.”
When it came to service; “All staff seemed to be very knowledgeable about the services, times and options available during our stay. As well as knowing the background to this historic building’s history. The staff effortlessly struck the balance between attentive and intrusive. We got the sense that staff were happy to be there. At no time did we sense any tension, fatigue or desire to clock off.”
And finally, location; “The location was ideal as an oasis from the city. Once you stepped through the doors you forgot you were amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. However, if you wanted it, it literally could not be more convenient.”
Ronnie Ronalde, Group Operations Manager for CPG Hotels (the in-house management company of hotel owner CP Group), which operates the Hotel Grand Windsor, was honoured to accept the award at the Gala in London and said the accolade was not just the first international award for the Hotel, but an extremely important milestone.
“It is a delight and a privilege to be recognised amongst the World’s best boutique hotels at these distinguished awards. We are truly setting the benchmark for the boutique hotel experience in New Zealand and look forward to continuing to welcome discerning travellers from around the globe as our guests.”
An MGallery by Sofitel property, the original 1920’s Art Deco architecture and interior design within the Hotel Grand Windsor provided the aesthetic foundation for the extensive redevelopment, successfully transforming the property from a three-star to five-star hotel while still operating, over the course of 12 months, starting in 2016.
Hotel Grand Windsor boasts a bespoke range of rooms, from the Classic to Superior, as well as Luxury rooms and Junior Suites. Crowning the accommodation on offer are the sumptuous ‘Duchess’ and ‘Windsor’ suites.
Cooke’s Restaurant & Bar pays homage to the eatery of the same name in the first Windsor House, with a special focus on using only the freshest local produce, carefully crafted with a strong focus on nourishing wholefoods, and a nod to the iconic dishes from the original restaurant which have been revamped with a modern take. The newly-introduced High Tea is also receiving widespread acclaim.
Conference facilities and Spa are set to be introduced to the Hotel in the near future.
Hotel Grand Windsor joins the line-up of prestigious New Zealand luxury accommodation that have won Boutique Hotel Awards. In 2016 Bay of Many Coves Resort won Australasia’s Best Relaxation Retreat and in 2015 Azur Lodge won Australasia’s Best Relaxation Retreat.
The full review can be seen here: http://www.boutiquehotelawards.com/luxury-hotels/hotel-grand-windsor
ENDS
For more information, images or interviews please contact:
Alice McKay
Applause Communications
E: alice@applausecommunications.co.nz
M: 021 847 795
