$10m makeover gets under way for Stamford Plaza

Singaporean management chain Stamford Hotels and Resorts is spending $10 million refurbishing its Auckland property in the hotel's most expensive makeover.

Paul Evans, Stamford Plaza Auckland's general manager, said a six-month upgrade saw 120 rooms on the top three floors refurbished. A further 166 rooms are to be refurbished during the next six months.

The last major work on the hotel was in 2006, he said.

"That saw a soft refurbishment of all rooms and suites. This latest refurbishment is the most extensive rooms refurbishment in the building's 28-year history."

Work carried out on levels eight, nine and 10 was on 36sq m executive rooms and 155sq m governors suites. Those rooms now have new wall coverings, carpets, blinds and curtains, upgraded bathrooms, new king-sized beds with luxurious linens and bespoke furniture, according to Evans.

"In addition, they are equipped with the latest in-room technology: new 40-inch wall-mounted LED televisions with the latest IP-based interactive technology, green technology for energy efficiency, smart sensor lighting and smartphone connectivity and free Wi-Fi," he said.

Stamford Hotels and Resorts is one of the largest owner/operators of top hotels in Australia and New Zealand, where it has 2000 rooms and employs about 2000 people. Its hotels are in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland.

The chain was formed in 1995 by parent company Stamford Land Corporation.