Auckland’s Hotel Grand Windsor, MGallery by Sofitel has been recognised among the best in the world at the Boutique Hotel Awards in London, winning the esteemed ‘Best New Hotel’, as well as taking out top honours as Australasia’s Best New Hotel and Australasia’s Most Inspired Design Hotel.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential Awards programme globally, the Boutique Hotel Awards finalists are nominated by travel industry experts and luxury travel journalists to be independently evaluated. More than 300 nominees from 80 countries this year were reviewed with judges looking for the character and feel of a unique experience.
The Boutique Hotel Awards is the first and only international awards organisation exclusively dedicated to recognising unique excellence among boutique hotels. It is the only independent awards organisation in hospitality where each and every property is visited personally by an experienced hotel judge, who specialises in each category, and where decisions on winners depend on true first-hand guest experience at the property.
Judge’s comments on Hotel Grand Windsor reflected the outstanding attention to detail and customer experience. Remarking on design; “The design was beautiful, elegant, understated and calming. It felt a world away from the hustle and bustle of the central city, it was amazing how you could just step away from it.”
When it came to service; “All staff seemed to be very knowledgeable about the services, times and options available during our stay. As well as knowing the background to this historic building’s history. The staff effortlessly struck the balance between attentive and intrusive. We got the sense that staff were happy to be there. At no time did we sense any tension, fatigue or desire to clock off.”
And finally, location; “The location was ideal as an oasis from the city. Once you stepped through the doors you forgot you were amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. However, if you wanted it, it literally could not be more convenient.”
Ronnie Ronalde, Group Operations Manager for CPG Hotels (the in-house management company of hotel owner CP Group), which operates the Hotel Grand Windsor, was honoured to accept the award at the Gala in London and said the accolade was not just the first international award for the Hotel, but an extremely important milestone.
“It is a delight and a privilege to be recognised amongst the World’s best boutique hotels at these distinguished awards. We are truly setting the benchmark for the boutique hotel experience in New Zealand and look forward to continuing to welcome discerning travellers from around the globe as our guests.”
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