A design-led hotel bringing theatre, art, skyline views and a creative hub to Auckland city.
A new hotel has arrived in Auckland’s CBD, and it’s impossible to miss.
Radisson RED Auckland has officially opened on Lorne Street, marking the hotel brand’s debut in New Zealand and adding a playful, art-infused
Set in the heart of the city’s arts district, across the street from the Auckland Art Gallery, and a short walk to the Civic Theatre and Town Hall, the hotel is more than a sophisticated place to stay; it’s a social hub, cultural hotspot and design statement rolled into one.
“Auckland was the natural choice for Radisson RED’s New Zealand debut,” says General Manager Reinout Engel. “The hotel sits right in the city’s creative heart, surrounded by galleries, theatres, music venues and cultural institutions. This is a neighbourhood driven by energy, ideas and self-expression, exactly what RED stands for.”
Bringing a touch of theatre to the city centre
Radisson RED Auckland’s theatrical personality is impossible to miss, from the street to the moment you step inside. Its striking black exterior stands in deliberate contrast to its heritage neighbours, making a confident architectural statement. Inside, that sense of drama continues, with a monochromatic palette punctuated by flashes of intense red, gallery-style art installations and immersive lighting.
Engel describes it as bold, social and creatively charged. “It’s playful but polished, a hotel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but takes experience, design and connection seriously.”
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Advertise with NZME.Filling a gap in the city’s “upper-upscale” hotel market, RED sits between traditional luxury hotels and boutique lifestyle properties. “We offer 322 high-quality rooms and suites, contemporary design, vibrant social spaces, all at a price point accessible for modern travellers who value atmosphere as much as comfort,” says Engel.
RED is ideal for “young-minded, curious, design-aware, socially connected travellers”, says Engel. “That includes creatives, business travellers, eventgoers, international explorers, and locals looking for something different in the city.”
A hotel in tune with its surroundings
Auckland’s cultural landscape, especially its inner-city galleries, theatres and venues, has influenced the hotel’s DNA, alongside the real urban energy of its CBD setting.
“It’s shaped everything from the mood of the spaces to how guests move through the hotel. There’s a sense of performance, drama and storytelling embedded throughout. The hotel feels like an extension of the surrounding cultural precinct,” says Engel.
Designed for work, play and stay, RED is ideally placed near Auckland’s main attractions, restaurants, major convention centres and business hubs. For business or leisure travellers, it provides a playful twist on traditional stays.
The hotel’s bold design is a showstopper, with bright reds, layered textures, curated artwork, and sensory lighting. “As soon as you walk through the doors, you feel a Hollywood-lights vibe with a touch of theatre, reinforced by red curtains and a stage area for performance.”
If the rooms and suites feel like stepping into a VIP area backstage, that sense of drama is by design. In the 55m² Park View Suite – where a separate living area has uninterrupted park views, and a spacious bathroom is complete with a rain shower and freestanding tub – a marble-topped desk and red velvet chair add to the showtime fantasy.
Art is a key focal point in every space, and RED has worked with Auckland’s creative community on the collection. “We collaborated with artists through Black Door Gallery, and some works were commissioned specifically for RED Auckland, making them unique to our space,” says Engel.
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Advertise with NZME.New Zealand’s largest outdoor rooftop space
The hotel’s rooftop is a standout feature, set to be one of the largest outdoor rooftop spaces in Australasia when it opens soon. Designed for sunset drinks and events big and small, it provides sweeping views of Albert Park, the city skyline, and a glimpse of the harbour. The plan is to introduce live performances, making it a destination for a cocktail, an Asian-fusion bite and a show.
The rooftop is also home to a flexible meeting and event space that can be divided into four sun-lit rooms of differing sizes. Designed for meetings, conferences, launches and celebrations, this area can accommodate up to 219 guests. “We wanted spaces that break away from traditional conference formats, built for atmosphere, design, and a sense of occasion,” says Engel. Events here can transition directly into the rooftop bar, creating an easy progression from formalities to celebration.
Auckland’s dining scene is thriving, and RED enters the conversation with a distinctly playful energy. The restaurant, bar, and lounge are designed as social spaces equally suited to relaxed downtime or informal meetings. The all-day, lobby-level restaurant serves international flavours and local produce, while the lounge bar pours a selection of creative cocktails and New Zealand wines. An extension of the bar, the wintergarden is perfect for meet-ups, late-night snacks and private events. “Our culinary approach is modern, playful, and globally influenced,” says Engel. “The food and drinks offering is just as good for a casual catch-up as it is for a night out.”
Pet lovers take note: RED is one of Auckland’s few pet-friendly hotels, and has one of Auckland’s loveliest green spaces, Albert Park, just around the corner. For those who want to stay active, the fully equipped fitness centre is open daily from 5am to 11pm.
Radisson RED Auckland’s location in the arts and theatre district also makes it a natural pre- and post-show pit stop for a rooftop drink and a bite, whether catching a show Civic Theatre or a film festival movie at Academy Cinema.
“We hope RED brings fresh energy, creativity, and confidence to Auckland’s hospitality scene,” Engel says. “Beyond being a place to stay, we want the hotel to become a genuine social hub, somewhere locals actively choose to hang out, connect, and experience RED.”
From immersive art and rooftop views to lively social spaces and flexible events, RED Auckland adds a bold new thread to Tamaki Makaurau’s urban fabric. A place where work, play, dining and culture collide under one confident roof.
Click here for more information and to book.
