Mon dieu! Pullman embraces French invasion

Champagne, soupe á l'oignon and coq au vin. Francophiles are in for a treat in more ways than one when the French rugby team arrives to take on New Zealand.

Pullman Auckland is having a Tricolore makeover this week in celebration of the upcoming footy series between the French and New Zealand.

The French mood is permeating the hotel from the lobby to the spa, from the bar to the dining room and in the hotel’s menus.

The Pullman Auckland general manager Rob McIntyre says the activities go on until Bastille Day (July 14).

“It’s a pop-up Paris concept throughout the hotel,” McIntyre says. “We’re red white and blue throughout for more than a month.”

Here’s a taste of what the Pullman Auckland has planned.

·        The lobby features French floral displays and music with an installation featuring projections of Parisian images.

·        Spa at the Pullman treatments include détoxication aromatique (detoxifyng aromatic body wrap) and a free Pre de Provence soap with every treatment.

·        A special ‘Parisian Escape’ package[1] featuring accommodation for two, champagne and macaron tasting platter, buffet breakfast, valet parking and late checkout.

·        A French-inspired menu featuring classics such as boeuf bourguignon will be available in the hotel’s The Café restaurant. The menu has been created by executive chef Arun Pillai, who after being trained by esteemed French chef Raymond Blanc, has a passion and flair for creating fine French food.

·        Wait-staff are joining in the fun donning specially designed aprons.

·        Champagne is the beverage du jour for the entire month.

McIntyre says the makeover is a great way to celebrate the hotel’s French heritage as a member of the international Accor Hotel group.

“We love to support our team but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the wonderful rugby the French play. We’re certainly getting into the spirit of things.”