First Guests Welcomed at Re-opened Novotel Christchurch

(PR.co.nz) Revisiting Christchurch after honeymooning in New Zealand last February, Pietro and Ilaria Torresin (Peter and Hilary) from Verona, Italy, were the first guests to check in to the recently reopened Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square.

The Torresins received a special welcome by General Manager Carl Braddock, who said the reopening of the Novotel marks an exciting step in the much-anticipated recovery of Christchurch’s tourism 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.

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square reopened last week (Monday 19 August), becoming the latest central city hotel to resurrect itself following the devastation of the February 2011 earthquake. The hotel joins Accor’s Ibis Christchurch in offering not only some of the best views over Christchurch central city and iconic Cathedral ruins, but also the high calibre of accommodation, dining, conference and gym facilities so needed within the central city.

The rejuvenated and contemporary 13- storey Novotel offers world-class meeting and conference facilities, and is expected to play a significant role in Christchurch’s capacity to host large tour groups and major conferences. The reopening of this iconic Christchurch hotel will also serve to enhance local employment, while offering residents another reason to venture back into the CBD for dining.

Headed by German chef Phillip Knoedler, who offers a background of Michelin Star restaurants in Europe, Novotel’s The Square Restaurant and Bar is sure to prove a culinary treat for guests and locals alike. The Butchery and Grill live kitchen also offers a second-to-none gastronomic experience, where guests can enjoy a theatre of steaks sizzling while they dine.

The fine dining celebrated at Novotel was highlighted last week, as team members took to Cathedral Square on opening day to serve up free mini burgers and a shot o’ soup for locals during their busy lunch break. The festivities continued into the evening, with the hotel holding drinks to celebrate the occasion, culminating in a business card draw for a stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside for two.

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

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

Media Release on 26 August 2013 by

Media Contact:
Ginni Post, Accor Hotels
Email: ginni.post@accor.com
Phone: +61 2 9280 9874
Website: http://www.accorhotels.com/hotel-directory/gb/australia-pacific/new-zealand/christchurch/christchurch-hotel.htm