Langham Announces Expansion of Cordis Auckland
Date: February 2018
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Name: Cordis, Auckland (was The Langham Auckland…started life as a Sheraton until 2005) – completion late 2020
No. of Keys: 650 rooms and suites – the new tower adjacent and connected to the existing hotel will house an additional 250 premium rooms and Cordis signature suites. The size of the new rooms will start from 32 square metres and the brand new Club Lounge will feature panoramic views of the harbour and Auckland Tower.
The hotel currently has event space in excess of 2,000 square metres, including the Great Room which is one of New Zealand’s largest pillar-less ballrooms.
There are plans to add a new event space of approximately 400 square metres that will offer natural light and multiple configurations, allowing for more flexibility in hosting special occasions and key events.
The eight restaurant will feature an additional 60 seats and an improved interactive food display areas.
The hotel will also offer a new destination bar with courtyard and outdoor seating.
“The successful re-positioning of Cordis, Auckland combined with the economic growth and positive tourism outlook in New Zealand makes us confident that this is the right time for the owner of the hotel to commit its financial resources for the expansion of the hotel,” said Simon Manning, chief sales and marketing officer of Langham Hospitality Group.
“On a broader outlook, with New Zealand’s International Convention Centre scheduled to open in 2020, Cordis, Auckland’s enhanced facilities and increased inventory will be in a strong position to support the country’s development of the robust conventions and events sector,” added Manning.
“In addition, Langham Hospitality Group is very much committed to New Zealand and is in active discussions to manage other hotels in Auckland.”
Says Franz Mascarenhas, managing director of Cordis, Auckland: “The expansion will meet the increasing demand for business and leisure travellers visiting Auckland as a result of the successful tourism campaigns by Tourism New Zealand.
We also see more families and couples doing staycations over long weekends and special occasions. Our enhanced dining experiences, wellness programmes at our Chuan Spa and the Cordis Kids programme will ensure every stay will be an unforgettable one.”
The hotel’s new tower is scheduled to be opened in the fourth quarter of 2020, in time for The America’s Cup and Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC), two major events slated to be held in Auckland the following year.
THPT Comment: Just this week (May 2018) Langham have announced they have appointed Stefan Leser as CEO of Langham Hospitality Group’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Based in Hong Kong, he will oversee all aspects of the group’s global portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences, and will be providing strategic guidance to achieve the company’s vision, implementing organisational processes for all divisions, and leading the global expansion drive.
Commenting on his new role, Leser said: “Langham Hospitality Group has a solid reputation with a fine collection of hotels in four continents,” said Leser. “The company is definitely ripe for expansion into new markets and I look forward to leading the team to deliver highly personalized service and support the future growth of the group’s outstanding portfolio of hotels and residences.”
He brings to the table more than 30 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industries, most recently at Jumeirah International where he was the group chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors.
At the Dubai-based company, Leser was responsible for several significant milestone projects, such as the launch of Jumeirah Al Naseem, the group’s luxury hotel overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
First Seen: Langham website