RWC: Newcomer keeps lid on room prices

Hotel rooms near Auckland Airport will go for just $129 a night during the Cup. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Hotel rooms near Auckland Airport will be sold for just $129 a night during the Rugby World Cup and $190 a night at the end of the tournament.

Formule 1 Auckland Airport opened yesterday, promising to hold down its prices.

The cheap 125-room hotel at 2 Leonard Isitt Drive off George Bolt Memorial Drive has family rooms for three adults or two adults and two children and is being launched with the slogan "sleep well at the best price".

A queen-sized room is advertised next month for $129 and booking staff said they had plenty of rooms available.

Firoze Wadia, hotel general manager, said price-gouging was not part of the business plan during the tournament.

The hotel still has rooms available throughout the cup and the only minimum stay requirement was during the final (two nights).

Standard rates of $79 will apply during the cup except on game nights when the hotel will sell rooms for $129 next month and $190 during the semifinals and final.

Formule 1, managed by Accor, will cater to a segment of the market not met by the fancier Novotel Auckland Airport, developed opposite the international terminal and opened in May.

Wadia said: "We will help establish Auckland Airport as one of the most significant hubs in the Asia Pacific."