Hilton Hotels & Resorts Enters Queenstown, New Zealand with Signing of Management Agreements for Two Landmark Hotels

Hilton Worldwide has announced the signing of management agreements for two new-build Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Queenstown – one of New Zealand’s most popular leisure destinations.  The signing of these agreements marks the brand’s entry into the resort town and expands the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio in New Zealand to four hotels.

The development will comprise a 178-room 5-star hotel to be named Hilton Queenstown and a 4-star hotel, featuring 98 one-bedroom apartment-style rooms, to be known as the “Kawarau Hotel, Managed by Hilton”.  Construction on both hotels is well underway with completion expected in 2011.

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, said, “One year after the opening of Hilton Lake Taupo, our presence in New Zealand continues to grow with the signing of these two properties in a new leisure market for our brand. We are looking forward to bringing our signature, style and authentic Hilton hospitality to this popular tourist destination.”

Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is generally recognized as one of New Zealand’s premier domestic and international tourist destinations. A centre for adventure tourism, it also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, and is gaining popularity as a honeymoon destination. Locally, Queenstown has a reputation as one of New Zealand's wine and cuisine centres.

“Queenstown has spectacular scenery and is an extremely popular year-round alpine and lake resort town. There has been an increase in demand in recent years for high quality, internationally-branded hotels there. We have identified Queenstown as a strategically significant location for Hilton Worldwide and we feel this project represents a development of the highest quality and world-class design. In addition to our award winning properties in Auckland and Taupo, this development will form an essential part of our growing network of hotels in New Zealand,” said Martin Rinck, President, Hilton Worldwide – Asia Pacific.

The development financier, BOS International, said it is delighted that Hilton Hotels & Resorts, a brand with a reputation for quality and high calibre management, will be taking over the running of the two hotels.

Hilton Queenstown will feature 178 luxury guest rooms ranging in size from 44 – 52 square metres.  The hotel's meeting and event facilities will include a main conference room of 535 square metres, a second conference room of 520 square metres, two boardrooms and a fully-equipped business centre.  These facilities make Hilton Queenstown an ideal venue for corporate meetings and events.

The hotel will also feature an array of food and beverage outlets including a signature lakeside restaurant and bar, and a stylish lobby lounge.  There will be leisure facilities including an indoor heated, swimming pool, a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art health club and a seven-room health spa.  There will also be a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms.  Four world-class golf courses are also in close proximity to the hotels.

The development is situated on a north facing, waterfront site that offers panoramic views across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. Both properties are approximately seven kilometres to Queenstown Town Centre, just over one kilometre from Queenstown Airport and are less than two kilometres from the entrance to The Remarkables Ski Fields. The properties will also be accessible from Queenstown centre by water taxi and ferry.

Hilton Queenstown and the Kawarau Hotel, Managed by Hilton will join the highly successful Hilton Auckland and Hilton Lake Taupo.