Experienced hotelier, Mathew Simister has been appointed General Manager of the new-build Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park, which is expected to open early December this year.
Simister is returning home to New Zealand with IHG Hotels & Resorts to open the company’s newest flagship Holiday Inn hotel in the region – the country’s first new-build Holiday Inn to open in almost a decade.
While studying, Simister joined the InterContinental Wellington before relocating to work at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove on the Australian Gold Coast as part of the IHG ‘Future Leader’ programme. He then spent time in senior roles at IHG properties in Adelaide, Sydney and the company’s head office.
On his return to New Zealand, Simister says he’s excited to be spearheading the opening of such a significant hotel opening for IHG in Queenstown.
“The chance to manage a new-build hotel opening doesn’t come along every day, let alone in the tourism mecca of Queenstown, so I absolutely jumped at the opportunity to be part of this landmark Holiday Inn hotel opening for IHG,” said Simister.
“Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park will enjoy a couple of firsts, including the first full-service hotel to open within the new Remarkables Park town hub and lifestyle development, as well as launch the first Holiday Inn ‘Open Lobby’ in New Zealand.
“Open Lobby is a new global concept by Holiday Inn which combines the traditional hotel lobby, lounge, bar and restaurant areas into the one open, inviting, comfortable and energetic space. Think of it like a laid-back living room, the perfect place for guests to eat, drink, work, meet, relax, and socialise.
“As we come to the pointy end of the development, we have been focused on building a talented hotel team who look forward to welcoming our first guests in December.
“On a personal level, I have enjoyed an incredible career journey with IHG in Australia, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue this back in my homeland and reconnect with the Kiwi lifestyle,” added Simister.
The hotel will feature 182 rooms and suites – many with views of the surrounding mountains, as well as comprehensive meeting facilities and a high-tech gym.
Guests can blend work and pleasure in the Open Lobby and move seamlessly between the Giants restaurant and bar, Rolling Giants Café, a lobby fireplace, media lounge, cosy seating areas, and the E-Bar – a tech area with access to computer power points for charging devices and wireless printing.
Perfectly positioned to explore all sides of Queenstown and the greater Central Otago region, the hotel is situated in Frankton’s town centre hub and lifestyle destination, an easy 5-minute drive from Queenstown Airport and a 30-minute drive to The Remarkables ski area.
