The highly anticipated The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt has opened, delivering the city’s only premium four-and-a-half-star apartment-style hotel.
The new-build 60-room apartment hotel, spanning five levels built by Sarin Investment, is centrally located on High Street, overlooking the Hutt River and Wellington Harbour in the distance.
The elegantly decorated rooms offer privacy and space, as well as kitchen facilities and a dining area, allowing for tailor-made self-sufficiency. Providing a range of options to suit all-purpose stays. These include a studio option (27 square metres plus), one bedroom option (45 square metres plus), and a dual key exclusively designed for families and groups (27 plus 45 square metres).
Boasting an electric blue colour palette, owner and developer Raman Sarin said The river and surrounding hills have inspired the Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt design elements.
“We wanted our guests to have a feel of a green, serene Aotearoa. Thus, the natural elements are seen in the interior design, including the hall carpets and exterior screen,” said Sarin.
The group wanted to ensure it adhered to its reputation of delivering high-standard projects and internally believed it had met those.
“We can finally focus on doing what we do best, operating a family-run hotel with great efficiency, passion and care for our guests.”
The Sebel is a premium brand of Accor, which is the largest hotel operator in New Zealand.
By operating in Lower Hutt, the hotel will offer world-class services to customers, who can also take advantage of Accor’s global distribution network.
Finding its home on the ground floor of The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt is Grazie, a new Italiano restaurant and pasticceria bringing a slice of authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of Lower Hutt. Where possible, produce will be sourced locally, with fresh pasta, pizza, bread and pastries made onsite. A relaxed dining space will be available for locals and guests dining inside and alfresco in the surrounding courtyard.
“We are so proud of the end result - this hotel will be a real asset to all of Hutt Valley. The location is ideal for leisure travellers wanting to enjoy access to the river, walking and bicycle trails, and shopping to corporates here for business and conferences held at the nearby Lower Hutt Events Centre.”
Sarin Hotels have hired 40 staff, the majority of which are local, to work in the hotel and restaurant, creating career opportunities for the local community. Sarin is also pleased to contribute to the economic growth of the Hutt by creating employment opportunities and bringing visitors and businesses to the region through quality accommodation and dining experiences. The hotel will also provide a boost to the nearby Events Centre, and support a number of new facilities being built in Upper Hutt, including the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport and the Lane St Film Studio.
The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt opening is also timely with the $700m RiverLink urban development project, which would turn the central city towards Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River and support the revamped central city.
Jo Miller, Chief Executive of Hutt City Council, said The Sebel Hotel is a quality offering in the heart of the Hutt region that fills a gap in the hospitality industry. The hotel will enhance the city centre and complement the planned RiverLink revitalisation programme of work.”
Sarah Derry, CEO of Accor Pacific, added The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt’s riverside location holds great appeal for visitors to the region. She also said it is an outstanding property, built to a high standard with impactful details, and providing an impressive Italian culinary experience for hotel guests and the local community.
