Hospitality Business Magazine

Cordis plans to lead Auckland social scene

Following the multi-million dollar refurbishment of Cordis, Auckland, the Hong Kong-based Langham Hospitality Group has announced new expansion plans.

Set to be complete by late 2020 with a total of 650 rooms and suites, the recently rebranded Langham Auckland hotel plans to  reinforce its position as the city’s leading meetings and conference property with its new and extended event space, complemented with food and beverage enhancements.

The new tower adjacent and connected to the existing hotel will house an additional 250 premium rooms and Cordis signature suites. The size of the new rooms will start from 32 square metres and the brand new Club Lounge will feature panoramic views of the harbour.

The hotel currently has event space in excess of 2,000 square metres, including the Great Room which is one of New Zealand’s largest pillar-less ballrooms. There are plans to add a new event space of approximately 400 square metres that will offer natural light and multiple configurations, allowing for more flexibility in hosting special occasions and key events.

Poised to be positioned as the  social centre of the community, the city’s award-winning Eight restaurant will feature an additional 60 seats and improved interactive food display areas. The hotel will also offer a new destination bar with courtyard and outdoor seating. The existing Lobby Lounge will continue to serve its signature High Tea by Cordis experience and a specially curated a la carte menu inspired by the freshest local seasonal produce.

“The successful repositioning of Cordis, Auckland combined with the economic growth and positive tourism outlook in New Zealand makes us confident that this is the right time for the owner of the hotel to commit its financial resources for the expansion of the hotel,” said Simon Manning, chief sales and marketing officer of Langham Hospitality Group. “We believe that the core essences of this new hotel brand, which are individual in style and design, reflective of its location and culture, and a provider of heartfelt service to our guests, will resonate well with corporate and leisure travellers to Auckland.”

“On a broader outlook, with New Zealand’s International Convention Centre scheduled to open in 2020, Cordis, Auckland’s  enhanced facilities and increased inventory will be in a strong position to support the country’s development of the robust conventions and events sector,” added Manning. “In addition, Langham Hospitality Group is very much committed to New Zealand and is in active discussions to manage other hotels in Auckland.”

Says Franz Mascarenhas, managing director of Cordis, Auckland: “The expansion will meet the increasing demand for business and leisure travellers visiting Auckland as a result of the successful tourism campaigns by Tourism New Zealand. We also see more families and couples doing staycations over long weekends and special occasions. Our enhanced dining experiences, wellness programmes at our Chuan Spa and the Cordis Kids programme will ensure every stay will be an unforgettable one.”