HM Q&A The new premier penthouse at Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort
Refreshed for recovery MINOR HOTELS IS INVESTING IN ITS NEW ZEALAND PORTFOLIO WITH MAJOR RENOVATIONS TAKING PLACE AT KEY OAKS PROPERTIES, AS AREA MANAGER NEW ZEALAND, JAMIE O’DONNELL, TELLS RUTH HOGAN.
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amie, tell us a bit about the hotels under your remit and how they differ?
With a presence in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown, Minor Hotels has solid coverage in key destinations across New Zealand. Oaks Wellington Hotel is one of our full-service hotels and I was fortunate to manage the building during the construction and launch phase in September 2019. The property also features the widely popular Oak and Vine restaurant which was recognised by TripAdvisor in the top 10 Everyday Eats in New Zealand. Our Queenstown portfolio also offers spectacular Serviced Apartment accommodation and is centrally located just outside of Queenstown itself, with unobstructed views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Oaks Queenstown Club Resort is currently undergoing a full remediation plan and we are working alongside our stakeholders to focus on a superb outcome and relaunch of the property in 2025. 30
HM The Business of Accommodation
Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort is in the final stage of remediation, with many of our new Premier rooms currently available to book. Our guests have been thoroughly enjoying the new room product throughout 2023. Under the Avani brand, we have upscale Serviced Apartment accommodation in Auckland, Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, located in the iconic Metropolis building.
How will the renovation of Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort enhance the offering?
The property is being fully remediated, and we are looking forward to the launch of Stage 2 of the project just in time for the Christmas trade to Queenstown. This will mean both front blocks will be in operation with unobstructed views, with all construction works occurring behind them. These rooms will be the newest in town with enviable features such as smart room automation, and some with spas on the balcony overlooking the view of The Remarkables, creating the perfect social media shot. The final phase, which is being undertaken, now will deliver not only a significant number of refurbished rooms, but premium common areas and facilities including a restaurant and bar delivering the best of the region’s produce, a day spa, fitness centre and conference space. This will align with the significant opportunities we see globally in the health and wellness space.
