Wyndham Hotel Group has further expanded its presence in New Zealand by opening its second Auckland property, Ramada Suites Albany in the city’s North Shore.

Albany’s first major accommodation development in more than six years, the 66-room Ramada Suites Albany offers stylish accommodation in Auckland’s North Shore region and reflects the tourism potential of New Zealand’s largest city outside its CBD.

The development is the fourth joint venture between Wyndham Hotel Group and local developer Safari Group, after the 42-room Ramada Suites Auckland, Federal Street and the 44-apartment Ramada Suites Christchurch City, both opened in 2015; and the 54-room Ramada Hotel & Suites Queenstown Remarkables Park, opened in 2016.

“Tourism is now New Zealand’s number one export and Auckland remains the top market both in terms of spend and international arrivals,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim.

“Ramada Suites Albany is our second property in Auckland in less than two years and is a testament to our strategic efforts to expand our presence in key, high-growth areas like the North Shore region.”

Suitable for business or leisure guests, Ramada Suites Albany offers stylish accommodation options within walking distance of the region’s key attractions, including Westfield Albany, North Shore Stadium and Massey University.

“There is a thriving business and leisure market in Auckland’s North Shore region that needs to be serviced and Ramada Suites Albany is a great example of the potential major hospitality players are beginning to see in the city’s suburbs,” said franchisee, Sajad Bassam, Managing Director of Crown Group Ltd.

Featuring a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom short stays, as well as residential apartments with cooking and laundry facilities, the property also offers free Wi-Fi, on-site parking and a café.

“We are immensely proud of this fourth collaboration with Wyndham Hotel Group,” said Robert Neil, Director of developer Safari Group.

“There was strong interest in the serviced apartments, which suggests that investors are open to looking outside the Auckland CBD.”

Globally, Ramada offers more than 860 properties across 63 countries, including 62 properties currently open and operating in the South East Asia and Pacific Rim region.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management