Commodore Hotel ‘goes it alone’

Thursday, 23 October 2014, 5:24 pm
Press Release: Commodore Airport Hotel

Commodore Airport Hotel

Media Release

October 23, 2014

Commodore Hotel ‘goes it alone’

Christchurch’s Commodore Airport Hotel will begin trading independently from November 1, following the conclusion of an 18- year franchise association with Millennium Hotels.

The Patterson and Ward families have owned and operated the Commodore for more than 42 years, with today’s day-to-day management being the responsibility of Tom’s three sons, Michael, Ken and Thomas, with the next generation following closely behind.

Michael Patterson, general manager of the Commodore Hotel, said that the families and the Commodore have had a great relationship with Millennium Hotels but now seemed the right time for the hotel to develop its own brand and style of service.

“Our independence will enable the hotel to focus solely on providing our guests with the best possible hotel experience in the city, reinforced by the unique family values that are the strength of the Commodore Hotel. We want to ensure a true ‘Kiwi’ experience.

“We have great confidence in Christchurch and the South Island and now that the affects of the earthquake on tourism and business in Christchurch are fading, the potential for growth is strong.”

Last year the Commodore opened the first “new” hotel accommodation in the city since the 2011 earthquakes with the $6.5 million five star 20-room Matai wing, comprising 18 business-level rooms and two suites. This increased the hotel’s capacity to 160 rooms.

Patterson said that the future in Christchurch is looking bright. “In addition to the re-opened hotels of the central city a number of new properties have opened since the Christchurch earthquake and the promise of a redeveloped CBD and Convention centre is exciting for business and leisure travellers alike.

“September has seen an increase in the number of overnight guests and the arrival of China Airlines in December flying Taipei-Sydney-Christchurch looks set to connect the exciting markets within Asia directly with Christchurch and the greater South Island,” Patterson said..

Background

Established in 1971, the hotel opened with 24 rooms. By 1985 the hotel comprised of 105 rooms. Additions of 10 Business Level rooms in 2000 and a further 20 in 2005 took the hotel to 140 rooms. The new Matai Wing takes the number of rooms to 160. Seven well-equipped conference rooms are available in various seating configurations, with a top capacity of 250. The leisure facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and gymnasium. It also has an in-house restaurant and cocktail bar. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

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