Boutique Queenstown hotel The Carlin is celebrating its first year in business, despite global tourism disruption and staff shortages.
More than 2000 visitors have spent the night at the opulent new hotel since it opened in April 2022, and 11,000 guests have dined at The Carlin’s contemporary fine dining restaurant, Oro.
The Carlin Hotel founder and chief executive officer, Kevin Carlin said occupancy is increasing in the hotel’s first year, signifying that the Queenstown luxury tourism market is strengthening slowly.
“Despite many domestic and international travel disruptions over the past year, we still welcomed a significant number of guests seeking an extraordinary and luxurious New Zealand experience,” Carlin said.
“We are pleased to have provided this for our guests and are delighted to have been the residence of choice for many of Queenstown’s high-end visitors.”
Recent guests of The Carlin include royalty and high-profile international sportspeople, several TV and film stars, and billionaires.
“While we have hosted various VIPs over the course of the year, The Carlin is not exclusive to billionaires and celebrities,” said Carlin.
“Many visitors to Queenstown, and sometimes, even locals, have opted to reside at The Carlin to celebrate a special occasion, such as an anniversary or birthday. We welcome all people to experience an outstanding level of service that’s beyond five stars, and we provide the same outstanding level of service to all of our hotel guests.”
The Carlin Hotel and Oro Restaurant were designed, constructed, and developed by Kevin Carlin and his property development company, Queenstown Views Villa Ltd. This hotel real estate asset is now for sale by Carlin’s development company. The hotel and restaurant management company, Carlin Hotel Property Management Ltd, is not for sale and the hotel and restaurant will be continued to be managed and operated by Carlin and his hospitality team to the same beyond five-star standards.
The Carlin has won several global accolades over the past year, including the award for the World’s Best New Hotel 2022 and Best New Hotel with a View in Australasia by the Boutique Hotel Awards. The hotel also achieved Qualmark five-star status, has been welcomed into the prestigious Condé Nast Travellers’ Organisation, Small Luxury Hotels of the World group and has joined a partnership with the Rolls Royce Club (one of only four hotels in the world).
“We are exceptionally proud of our achievements, as well as the excellent reviews from our guests on the superior quality of our suites, Michelin Star-experienced chefs and personalised service,” Carlin added.
