Historic hotel re-opens with new name and new vibe

Cambridge is a very pretty small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

There is now a new reason to visit with the the opening this week of Cambridge’s new high-end boutique accommodation The Clements Hotel, named after Archibald Clements, who built the original hotel on the site in 1866.

Following a multi-million-dollar transformation of the town’s original 1866 beaux-arts Masonic Hotel, the 29-room property aims to offer "refined luxury and soulful charm".

General manager Cameron Kellow, who joins Capstone Hotel Management from Scotland, leads the team.

"I'm thrilled to bring my passion for hospitality to The Clements and lead this exciting opening," Kellow says.

"We're positioned to elevate Cambridge's accommodation offering at the premium end of the market, while becoming a destination for exceptional dining, memorable events, and genuine community connection.

"Owners Gerry Westenberg and Jo Pannell have created something truly special here - their meticulous restoration of this heritage building, inspired by London's prestigious Claridge's, honours the past while embracing the future."

Accommodation options range from Deluxe rooms to the luxurious Clements Suite, and include two accessible rooms.

The Gallery Restaurant overlooks the gardens and terrace, while The Clements Café & Wine Bar will evolve throughout the day, from morning coffee and pastries to relaxed daytime fare and evening aperitivos.

The Clements also offers a range of flexible event and meeting spaces and is just 15 minutes from Hamilton International Airport and 1.5 hours from Auckland International Airport.

Opening Late October:, the former century-old horse stables have been transformed into three interlinked private suites with a luxury cottage aesthetic.

Adding a local twist to the story, The Cambridge Distillery Co., located at the rear of the hotel, has crafted a bespoke gin for The Clements.

Room rates start from $NZ415 for a deluxe king room but The Clements is offering an opening special with 20% off room only rates plus a $25 dining credit for stays until October 31,

For more info visit clements.co.nz

Twin hotels add a new lifestyle precinct at Melbourne Airport

Choice is a good thing. And that is even more the case when you can choose between different hotel options that are part of the same dramatic building.

If you need to stay at Melbourne Airport you can now choose between the fun and funky ibis Styles, or its sibling, the more serious Novotel Melbourne Airport.

Both share the same reception and lounge facilities, the same signature restaurant and café, and function facilities. And both are just a hop, skip and jump from Terminal 4.

I chose to check out the ibis Styles facilities and was impressed with the whole operation.

 


The twin hotels are the largest hotel opening in Australia this year.

Vibrant pops of colour and striking lighting design greeting guests when they walk through the front doors.

RELATED STORY Novotel reinvents airport hotels

The aerodynamically inspired L-shaped building offers guests a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms). Despite these numbers there is a calm, relaxed vibe.

The architecture was done by award-winning Fender Katsalidis, and interior design by Woods Bagot.

The ibis property has an urban vibe, with the Novotel design a nod to the colours of regional Victoria.



“We’re thrilled to have our doors open and to be welcoming guests into these stunning new hotels," said David Alexander, who is GM of both properties.

"We are more than just your average airport hotel, offering all the facilities of a city hotel but conveniently located at the airport. Plus we are home to Melbourne Airport’s first wellness hub, Higher State, and the airport’s first co-working space, Aerofoil Workspace.

“From what we have created here, you really don’t have to be flying somewhere to enjoy our incredible facilities and hospitality. We welcome guests to stay with us while exploring all that is on offer right on our doorstep within the airport precinct including URBNSurf, Sunbury wine region and the Essendon Football Club, to name a few."

Small Holdings offers café fare, St ALi coffee and freshly baked goods and sandwiches, while Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar celebrates Italian food culture. My review is here: 

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2024/08/airport-hotel-eatery-delivers-fun.html

Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, with craft brews and barbecue flavours, offers another alternative.

There is currently an opening offer of $239 per night at the ibis Styles and $298 per night at the Novotel, but it finishes at the end of the month.

For further information, please visit all.com. Here are direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

 

# The writer was hosted by ibis Styles Melbourne Airport