The Langham, Auckland was rebranded to Cordis, Auckland on 1 November, making it the first in the Pacific region for this new upper upscale brand by Langham Hospitality Group. The 411-room hotel joins other Cordis hotels already in operation in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, with future hotels in destinations such as Bali, Phuket, Nanjing, Hangzhou and Ningbo, Donqian Lake.
“The launch of Cordis Auckland marks a significant milestone in our long-term growth plan to introduce Cordis Hotels and Resorts here in the Pacific,” says Simon Manning, chief sales and marketing officer of Langham Hospitality Group.
“New Zealand attracted international arrivals of over 3.3 million last year (2015/2016) and the number is expected to continue to grow by over 10 per cent annually. Based on the size of our hotel and large inventory of rooms, we see an opportunity to re-brand it to an upper upscale property to complement the growth of Auckland city and the buoyant tourism environment.”
“Cordis is not a homogenous brand. At Langham Hospitality Group, we want to bring a higher level of service from an upper upscale brand into the market. Each Cordis will be individual in style, architecture and design, all reflective of its location and culture, delivering heartfelt service that is devoted to the well-being of our guests, from corporate travelers, honeymooners to multi-generational families,” adds Manning.
Franz Mascarenhas, managing director of the Cordis, Auckland, says, “Our hotel is a much loved property in the city. I am delighted to share that as part of the re-branding, we will have a 100 per cent renovated hotel in the city. We started with the refurbishment of our function rooms and Eight restaurant which have all been completed. All our 411 guest rooms and suites and lobby will be refurbished by February 2018. We are excited to present a new brand, new hotel and new experiences to our guests in Auckland.”
“I believe the hotel’s prime location in the center of the city combined with Cordis’ heartfelt service by our colleagues will continue to create memorable stays for all our guests. Cordis, Auckland looks forward to the continued support of the local community as we lead as the city’s social hub, hosting major events, conferences, international delegations and the city’s most heartfelt weddings,” he adds.
The launch on November 1 also marked the introduction of new facilities and services which include the following:
The Lobby Lounge - New Cordis High Tea and Cordis Beers
Freshly transformed into a welcoming oasis with plush high-back chairs and a stylish, contemporary setting, The Lobby Lounge (formerly known as the Palm Court) seats 75 and will continue to serve Auckland’s favourite High Tea, re-designed to reflect Cordis’ contemporary style. The new Cordis High Tea will feature an exquisite plated array of handcrafted sweets, pastries and scones complemented with a personalised tea sommelier service offering fine teas, coffees or a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne. The Lobby Lounge will also be open for all day dining, coffee and creative cocktails, and serve a menu of three special Cordis-curated craft beers by Auckland’s Ubernaut Brewery. Each Cordis beer is crafted to reflect the unique characteristics of Auckland, Hong Kong and Shanghai, the three cities that now each have a Cordis Hotel.
The Shop
Cordis, Auckland’s gift shop where guests can take home a piece of the Cordis lifestyle opens today as The Shop. Retailing a variety of New Zealand products from local artisan suppliers and makers, there are specialty gifts, local food and beverage delights, luxury New Zealand made clothing and accessories and signature Cordis Dream bed linens.
New Room Types
In line with the Cordis initiative to provide tailored stays devoted to the wellbeing of our guests, the Hotel’s Superior and Deluxe rooms will now include a ‘Double-Double’ category featuring the choice of two double beds that will be perfect for families or guests who want a larger bed in a twin share. Suites with kitchenettes will also be introduced to cater to families, independent travelers and long-staying guests.
Electric Bikes
Continuing our commitment to protect the environment, the hotel’s new eZee electric bikes will be available for guests to book (complimentary) to explore the city’s friendly bike trails and the hotel’s neighborhood during their stay. These attractive electric bikes are energy efficient and are equipped with a unique 19ah battery for longer rides between charges. A basket is attached to the bike for guests to store any items that they may purchase during their ride.
Cordis Kids Program
Our smaller VIPS will also enjoy special attention when they check into the hotel. Cordis Kids, a new program dedicated to children under 12 will be fronted by the newest member of the Cordis team, Cody, our new red panda mascot. Children will receive their own individual back pack complete with a dental kit, slippers, activity pack with a scavenger hunt element that will end in a sweet treat (an ice cream at our restaurants). Parents and families can also order from child-friendly room service menus and also request special amenities for babies and toddlers when they stay with us.
Heartfelt Weddings with a Swarovski Sparkle
Continuing our tradition as Auckland’s leading venue for weddings, couples tying the knot can celebrate with our new ‘Heartfelt Weddings’ package which will feature two specially tailored wedding packages and the ‘Swarovski Sparkle’, a premium package that marks a new partnership with Swarovski, one of the world’s leading creators of crystal ware and jewelry.