Updates on So Sofitel Auckland?

[yngflyer]

Anyone have an ETA on the new So Sofitel Auckland?

 

[AviationNZ]

Anyone have an ETA on the new So Sofitel Auckland?

Last I heard there were building delays but still due to open in 2017. No idea whether that was in the first half or second half.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Didn't John Key open the hotel on Aug 15? I seems to be available for booking - I looked the other day for Xmas and there were rooms available.

 

[kermatu]

Unless I have the wrong building, looked a fair way off completion when I walked through the area last month.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Ah I must have the wrong Sofitel? It's not this one then ? Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Habour - Luxury Waterfront Hotel

 

[kermatu]

Ah I must have the wrong Sofitel? It's not this one then ? Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Habour - Luxury Waterfront Hotel

Correct - there's a new one being built on Customs Street. Very central but probably won't get great views and as I understand it won't have an Exec lounge.

 

[yngflyer]

Thanks everyone we loved the so Sofitel singapore so hoping this one is open soon

 

[kermatu]

Finally looking like the building is taking shape. All but the lowest 4 floors appear, from the exterior, to be done in terms of basic construction.

 

[kermatu]

Last I checked (a couple of months ago) looked like bookings were being taken from September. A staff member at the Auckland Pullman told me opening was now slated for November. That would accord with my very general observation of how the building looked from the outside.

 

[kermatu]

Word is it may have an executive lounge after all. Does anyone have info on this?

 

[kermatu]

Hotel to open next week I believe. I've been in contact re a possible stay (or stays) in January. So far communication and info provided has been good.

Pricey, but does have an Exec lounge. Some rooms have balconies. Can't imagine many would have great views.

 

[kermatu]

Here are the Club Signature (EL) benefits



Not sure what lounge on 2nd floor and access to rooftop terrace means.

 

[kermatu]

Have 2 bookings for early 2019 but if anyone else stays here before please post here.

 

[kermatu]

Pretty disappointed to learn via TripAdvisor that many aspects of the hotel are not yet open. Including the lounge and the spa. None of this communicated to me in the many emails I’ve had with the hotel. Let’s see how they respond to my queries and complaints. Supposed to stay shortly, pre-paid rates but card not yet charged.

 

[kermatu]

Lots of apologies. A promise that all benefits will be honoured, although not in a lounge or spa, but in one of their other facilities or in the room. Plus discount of $200 per night every night I stay before the lounge is actually open. Pretty decent recovery if it sticks...

 

[kermatu]

Well, it stuck. Plus got a lot more besides. By no means a perfect hotel. Service recovery and general treatment superb though. Have another stay shortly to report on, then will try and give some considered feedback and pics.

 

[AviationNZ]

Well, it stuck. Plus got a lot more besides. By no means a perfect hotel. Service recovery and general treatment superb though. Have another stay shortly to report on, then will try and give some considered feedback and pics.

Have you stayed at the Sofitel AKL Viaduct before? How do you compare overall?

 

[kermatu]

Have you stayed at the Sofitel AKL Viaduct before? How do you compare overall?

No, sorry. My regulars are Pullman and Hilton, with several Novotel airport stays too for the late arrivals.

Viaduct has always been too pricey. No lounge, no views. Have heard positive things, but from many chats with fellow platinums in the Pullman who have also stayed at the Sofitel Viaduct, the Pullman seems to win (and certainly on my criteria).

 

[kermatu]

Sorry for lack of posts. Some of my info may now be out of date as the hotel starts to properly open.

The fancy lobby / lounge sadly doubled as the Exec lounge space for my two stays in January.



About 10 people could sit. And not very comfortably, especially if wanting to work or use a table. Fortunately very few Platinum or Club Signature guests, so it was ok. And hotel was less than 40 per cent full so not a lot of lobby traffic.

 

[kermatu]

Some examples of the actual canapes: