The Voco brand made its New Zealand debut with the opening of Voco Auckland City Centre, and this May, the hotel is celebrating its first year of sky-high stays, accolades, and sustainable milestones centred on its ‘tread light’ philosophy.
Last week, the dual-branded tower development, Voco Auckland City Centre, which also includes the Holiday Inn Express City Centre, was awarded a trifecta of Master Builders Commercial Project awards and was crowned winner of the Commercial Project Award Over $25 million, Built Tourism and Leisure Project Category, and the Master Builders Supreme Award for 2023.
In just 12 months, Voco Auckland City Centre has cemented its reputation as one of the city’s most popular and glamorous rooftop destinations. Bar Albert, NZ’s highest hotel rooftop bar on level 38, serves over 8,500 cocktails.
On the 26th of May, Voco Auckland City Centre hosted a first birthday soiree at Bar Albert, attended by over 80 special guests, including hotel partners, suppliers, and media. Signature Bar Albert cocktails, Champagne and canapes flowed while music entertainment duo Jasper and Jane Hawkins brought the vibes to the party.
Pro-invest Hotels Area General Manager for New Zealand, Fraser McKenzie, said Voco’s first year in New Zealand had been a bright journey.
“We’re proud to have delivered signature Voco moments to over 50,000 guests. We’re proud of the hotel’s contribution to the city’s tourism and hospitality economy, particularly with Bar Albert giving both in-house guests and Aucklanders an exciting social experience and a taste of the ‘Voco life’ high above the city,” said McKenzie.
Voco aims to offer refreshingly different accommodations, and its sustainability hallmarks have been designed to tread lightly on the environment. The company has worked hard to achieve Level Three and Level Four Green Engage certification thanks to initiatives like bedding made with 100 percent recyclable materials (equating to over 150 plastic bottles per room recycled).
“Our team’s fun, unstuffy service style has meant that we’ve charmed many new loyal guests to the Voco brand, and it’s been fantastic to give IHG Hotels & Resorts’ One Rewards business and leisure guests a new, upscale hotel to-work, stay and play in Auckland’s city centre. Conferencing, meetings, and events have performed strongly across our five versatile meeting rooms, a vibrant restaurant, and a rooftop bar. With stylish decor, state-of-the-art technology, and stunning city views, our unique spaces continue to inspire and impress guests.”
