Novotel Christchurch Celebrates Reopening

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square reopened its doors this week (Monday 19 August), and became the latest central CBD hotel and second Accor property to resurrect itself since the rebuild of the city began, following the earthquake in February, 2011.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square General Manager Carl Braddock said the reopening of the Novotel marks an exciting and substantial step in the much-needed recovery of Christchurch’s tourism and accommodation industry.

“After working countless hours and Host Hotels & Resorts investing more than twenty million dollars to bring the hotel back to its former glory, we are totally over the moon to welcome back the first guests to Novotel Christchurch.

“We are confident that locals and our guests will be proud of what has been achieved over the last two years and bookings are already streaming in. We aim to have the heart of Christchurch beating strongly again in no time and help accelerate the city’s central business district and tourism industry recovery,” said Carl.

To commemorate the opening, Novotel team members took to Cathedral Square on Monday, cooking up free mini burgers and a shot o’ soup for locals bustling through the central city on their lunch break. The hotel also held celebratory drinks in the evening to mark the occasion, culminating in a business card draw for a luxury stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside for two.

Visiting Christchurch for a second time after honeymooning in New Zealand last February, Pietro and Ilaria Torresin (Peter and Hilary) from Verona, Italy, were the first guests to officially check in to Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square. They received a very special welcome by General Manager Carl Braddock and his team, who greeted them at check in with much enthusiasm and celebration.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square joins Accor’s Ibis Christchurch, also owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, in offering modern accommodation, dining, conference and gym facilities. The hotels also boast with some of the best views over Christchurch central city, and iconic Cathedral ruins.

The revitalised 13- storey Novotel features extensive contemporary meeting and conference facilities, and will play a significant role in Christchurch’s capacity to host large tour groups and major conferences, while also boosting local employment.

Headed up by German chef, Phillip Knoedler, who comes from a background of Michelin Star restaurants in Europe, Novotel’s The Square Restaurant and Bar has been designed to delight guests and locals alike. The Butchery and Grill live kitchen offers a culinary experience like no other, where patrons can enjoy a veritable theatre of hearty steaks sizzling in front of their eyes while they dine.

Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport, the Novotel is surrounded by the burgeoning and innovative central city shopping district, as well as the planned convention centre, performing arts and Justice and Emergency services precincts.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square will host an official opening celebration on the anniversary of the first earthquake, 4 September.

ENDS

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