Manning is not discounting the re-entry of the Langham brand in the city, a more boutique hotel and probably on the waterfront. He says the group is also keen to explore other options in New Zealand as part of its growth strategy. This could include Cordis Hotels in Wellington and Christchurch and the management of more boutique assets in Queenstown and possibly other parts of the country.

The rebrand of the existing Auckland hotel will see the property undergo refurbishment from 11 July (after the Lions rugby tour) of all 411 rooms and suites, lobby lounge and exclusive Club Lounge. Other areas, such as Eight Restaurant (which will remain) and the banquet venues have already been renovated.

The Langham Auckland’s managing director Franz Mascarenhas says the hotel will continue to trade through the refurbishment and disruption will be minimal. Room renovations will be carried out in phases where guest floors will be closed off entirely and refurbishment works will be isolated to the designated areas only.

‘The city has to build more upper scale hotels and in the future this hotel will trade against them,’ says Manning. ‘The real luxury segment is small and probably (its future) is down on the waterfront.’