The highly anticipated opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka is only a few months away.
Construction, which began in early July 2019, has not been smooth sailing for all parties involved after being forced to shut down due to the country’s COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown.
Despite this, the hospitality industry remains optimistic and NZB is encouraged by the opening of a trans-Tasman bubble, which will enable many of their Australian patrons to return back to the Karaka Sales Centre for their forthcoming sales.
The hotel will offer 122 stylish guest rooms, including four suites, a restaurant and bar, along with conference facilities set amongst the picturesque grounds at Karaka.
New Zealand-based architecture and design company, Pacific Architecture, has been at the forefront of the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka’s development. Interior design lead Kurt Taylor is pleased with the entirety of the project as it enters the final stages.
“Overall, the development is progressing well and we are excited to see the exterior nearing completion,” Taylor said.
“Painting and window glazing are almost complete, with the interior works well underway.”
Conveniently located just seconds from the motorway exit, the new hotel and its grandiose interior draws inspiration from that of an elegant country home and the guest room design itself is a rejuvenation of New Zealand’s working stud farms.
“Guests should walk into the rooms and feel like they’ve been invited into someone’s home,” Taylor said.
“Each room has been made with natural, honest materials with a textural focus.
“The lavish room size allows for zones of use, including a reading nook with lounge chair, throw blanket and floor lamp.
“Guests also have the option of intimate in-room dining around a multi-function glass and burnished steel table.
“The generously appointed bathrooms have been created with an oversized stone vanity and large walk in shower,” he said. Pacific Architecture wanted the lobby, bar and restaurant areas within the shared spaces of the hotel to form parts of a larger, integrated space.
“Whilst they need to have their own identities, the spaces are designed to be shared and fluid.
“The lobby is designed to feel like an extension of the guest rooms, resonating with the lounge or library of the home that guests have been invited into.
“There is a generous terrace adjoining the bar and restaurant overlooking the swimming pool, with large fireplaces bookending.
“The large wooden dining table in front of the restaurant fireplace will facilitate a shared family dining experience as you would at home, with a matching fireplace arranged outside the bar to create a convivial atmosphere.”
NZB Director and Operations Manager, James Jennings, has overseen the development of the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka since its inauguration.
“We are extremely pleased with the progression of the hotel to date and we look forward to its grand opening, as well as hosting an array of clientele on the grounds at Karaka.
“We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to welcome back many of our buyers, particularly our Australian purchasers, who are now able to return to kiwi soil after the implementation of a successful trans-Tasman bubble.
“We are very impressed with the designs around the entrance, lobby, bar and restaurant which we think is going to make it a wonderful hub, not only for our clients over the duration of our sales, but for the general community at large.”
It is anticipated the hotel’s official opening will be in October of this year.
