October 1 signalled the beginning of a new era for the Britomart precinct, with The Hotel Britomart officially opening its doors to guests. Bringing a vibrant new combination of food, retail, and beautifully crafted accommodation to downtown waterfront Auckland, The Hotel Britomart demonstrates the very best the city has to offer.
Designed by Cheshire Architects, the 10-floor hotel on Galway Street in the Britomart precinct offers 99 guest rooms and an even more premium stay in its five Landing Suites, which bring the luxurious coastal flavour of The Landing in the Bay of Islands to the centre of the bustling Britomart neighbourhood.
The Hotel Britomart is locally designed, built and owned. It’s a place that does detail like no other: there are interior timber accents and an exterior of hand-made bricks; organic cotton sheets and built-in sofas; hand-crafted vases and a mini-library of New Zealand books in every room and suite.
Some of the hotel rooms have panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour, while others take in vistas of the city skyline or of sunny Takutai Square in the heart of the Britomart neighbourhood.
“The Hotel Britomart aims to provide a sanctuary so calm that the only challenge you will face is uncurling yourself from the comfort of your room to enjoy all that downtown Auckland has to offer,” says Clinton Farley, The Hotel Britomart General Manager.
As New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council, The Hotel Britomart is sustainable from the ground up.
“Our guests can rest easy in their compostable hotel slippers knowing that the environmental heavy lifting is being done for them,” says Farley.
The Hotel Britomart’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just about making the building efficient. It’s also about supporting local economies and showcasing the work of local artisans, businesses, designers, and regional producers.
With a focus on sustainable seafood, kingi – a brilliant all-day restaurant in the atmospheric laneway of the heritage Masonic House (right next door to The Hotel Britomart), will be the new spot for locals and visitors alike.
“We wanted our diners to be able to come to kingi and not spend the earth. There’s no pressure, it’s a neighbourhood home away from home,” says kingi Executive Chef, Tom Hishon.
“What was really appealing about bringing kingi to Britomart was the idea of being part of the long-term vision for Auckland. It’s the chance for us to be part of something bigger than just our restaurant,” says Hishon.
