QT Auckland has taken the top spot and is named Best Hotel at the 2025 Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.
Design-led hotel QT Auckland was crowned Best Hotel at the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence, in a competitive category featuring seven finalists from across the country.
QT Auckland General Manager Michael Stamboulidis said the team was stoked to be recognised by the industry.
“QT Auckland continues to go from strength to strength, in no small part due to the excellent team of hospitality professionals we have across the hotel, Esther and Rooftop at QT. Everyone, both front and back of house, is dedicated to ensuring each guest who walks through the doors leaves with a quintessential QT experience, delivered with our ‘unexpected & unrequested’ service. This award is a testament to their talent and hard work.”
Since opening its doors in 2020, QT Auckland has become renowned for its playfully luxe aesthetic, exceptional food and beverage offerings and outstanding hospitality. Inspired by its harbourside locale, the rooms and public spaces take cues from the oyster, creating a bold urban hideaway with blended textures and moments of intrigue around every corner.
Known for its bold campaigns and exciting collaborations, Stamboulisis promises that the hotel has no intention of slowing down, with partnerships in the pipeline that will continue to deliver unrivalled experiences for guests and locals.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Esther, was a finalist in the Best Restaurant category, with Executive Chef James Laird a finalist for Chef of the Year. A true celebration of regional flavour, the restaurant has a sustainability-first approach, sourcing the freshest local ingredients.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment.
“These awards come at an important time for hospitality in New Zealand. Operators up and down the country are working incredibly hard day-to-day and week-to-week, the businesses honoured tonight encapsulate this work ethic, reflecting the strength and creativity that is helping the sector move forward,” Armitage said.
“This balance is essential for the future success of hospitality and accommodation providers across the country.”
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