Five-star Pullman hotel for Rotorua

The former Zen Building on Arawa St is being transformed into a new five-star hotel. Photo/File

New Zealand's largest hotel operator, AccorHotels, has announced that a new five-star Pullman hotel will open in Rotorua in late 2018/early 2019.

Last week, Chow Group Management Ltd announced it had awarded the hotel management contract for its Rotorua hotel development - in the former Zen Building on Arawa St - to Accor, and aimed to open at the end of next year or the start of 2019.

AccorHotels already operates two other hotels in Rotorua, Novotel and ibis.

Currently undergoing a refurbishment from a commercial building to a 130-room hotel, the new property will be 500m from Lake Rotorua and will carry a five-star brand.

According to a statement from AccorHotels New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia senior vice president, Gillian Millar, the hotel will boast panoramic views of the city and lake area and feature a sophisticated executive lounge - a hallmark of every Pullman hotel - business lounge, chill-out lounge, restaurant and bar, gymnasium, car parking as well as five meeting rooms catering for conference and events.

Senior vice president AccorHotels New Zealand Fiji and French Polynesia, Gillian Millar said the Pullman Rotorua hotel would be a significant economic contributor and boost for tourism in New Zealand.

"We're delighted to be opening a new Pullman hotel in New Zealand which will enhance Rotorua's accommodation offering in the five-star end of the market," Ms Millar said.

"Pullman Rotorua will not only offer leisure and business guests a sophisticated accommodation experience but the local economy will also benefit through employment, supplier partnerships and added expenditure that will come with increased visitors to the region."

Pullman is part of AccorHotels rapidly expanding international luxury brand portfolio with more than 65 Pullman hotels in the Asia Pacific region, and more than 100 globally.

Chow Group Management director John Chow said the renovation had started with architectural plans and the next stage was the physical work, which would begin in July.

"The entire project will create a pipeline of work opportunities from the refurbishment works stage on site, through to providing hospitality roles and ongoing employment," Mr Chow said.

In selecting AccorHotels, Mr Chow said it was the preferred partner based on several criteria, including sales and global distribution network, customer focus, loyalty programme, and a proven footprint in New Zealand.