Big hotel complex tipped for Taupo

An international hotel chain has been linked to a $100-million four-star hotel, serviced apartment and conference centre overlooking Lake Taupo.

A group of 10 overseas and New Zealand investors are believed to be involved in the development of a six-hectare site north of the township, which has views over the lake and toward Tongariro National Park.

Resource consent applications are expected to be lodged with Taupo District Council next month.

The complex is likely to include a 250-bed four-star hotel, 100 serviced apartments and a 600-person conference centre.

It is understood Novotel and Grand Mercure are interested in running the hotel and serviced apartments.

Both companies are part of the international Accor Group which manages 4500 hotels around the world.

Accor would not confirm if it was involved, but it was understood the group had been looking for a suitable project in Taupo.

"The group has hotels in most of New Zealand's major city and resort locations, but Taupo has been a noticeable hole in the network," an industry analyst said.

"There is a rumour the development may include Accor's four-star Novotel brand and Grand Mercure Apartments brand.

"The Novotel would target conference and incentive business, while the Grand Mercure Apartments will cater for longer-stay guests."

In January, Accor is to open a new Novotel in Christchurch, and a Grand Mercure in Picton, bringing to 29 the number of hotels in New Zealand within the network.

Accor is not expected to have any money in the proposed Taupo project but would be responsible for management of the hotels and facilities.

Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper said he had heard a new hotel development had been proposed.

"I can't confirm if it is going ahead but Taupo is fortunate an operator is considering establishing a presence in the town.

"I'm confident the proposal is genuine and the investors will have done due diligence and go ahead."

Taupo was a young tourism destination centre compared to Rotorua, and international operators were becoming more aware of what the town had to offer for tourists, he said.

Destination Lake Taupo conference co-ordinator Di Christie said a big conference centre "would open up a whole new world" for the town.

Ms Christie was unaware of any new hotel being built but welcomed any proposals. "The more the better."

The Hilton Lake Taupo recently opened after a $50m refurbishment of the former Terraces Hotel. It has 13 hotel rooms and 100 apartments.

A conference centre is due to open early next year.

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Anthony   #1   10:55 pm Nov 27 2009

It's happening in Timaru as well, a grand, six storey high, 100 room hotel overlloking the plaza, I think it'll be quite nice and a great boost to the economy.

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