The first international five-star hotel in the Bay of Plenty region, Pullman Rotorua has been officially opened and promoted as a dynamic and cosmopolitan hotel for the high-end domestic and international traveller.
The hotel has been in the works for close to five years, after the Chow brothers bought the former Zen Centre historical glass building, in the Rotorua CBD in 2015.
The ceremony was opened by Reverand Tom Poata with a karakia, before Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa representatives led two moving waiata that echoed throughout the foyer. Mayor Steve Chadwick said the opening was “incredibly exciting” and every aspect of the building had been designed to reflect the city’s identity.
Pullman Rotorua has a range of upscale accommodation options for guests to choose from, including superior king rooms, superior twin rooms, deluxe rooms and executive suites.
Locals and visitors alike can start or finish the day with the very best tastes of New Zealand at the hotel’s modern brasserie, Barrel & Co Bar and Grill.General manager Richard Bungeroth is ready to deliver the five-star experience to Rotorua and lead a team of over 100 staff.
“Pullman Rotorua is perfectly suited for travellers, especially families, couples and business leaders looking for a world-class stay in one of the country’s most attractive tourist destinations”.
“The city has beautiful forests and lakes for mountain biking, luging and water sports, spas for relaxation and wellness, and renowned geothermal attractions. No matter what visitors are in Rotorua to experience, we’re in the centre of it all at the Pullman and we’re addressing a need at the top end of the market which wasn’t being met before,” says Bungeroth.
The 130-room hotel has panoramic views of the city and lake area and also features a bar, gym, an executive lounge as well as conference facilities including four private event spaces for 120 people, theatre style, and a boardroom/private dining room.
Barrel & Co Bar and Grill will deliver an entertaining dining experience centred around an intimate open kitchen and a focus on locally sourced produce, a premium grill selection and an impressive craft beer and local wine menu showcasing every growing wine region in New Zealand.
Rotorua’s tourism economy is substantial with approximately $828 million spent by visitors in 2019.
