The studio has docks for iPods, lovely furniture and pleasing art. Photo / Supplied
The studio has docks for iPods, lovely furniture and pleasing art. Photo / Supplied
Elisabeth Easther enjoys the serenity at a boutique hotel in the capital.
A taxi from the airport costs: About $48 or $22 for a shuttle - the drive is almost all along the waterfront, so it's one heck of a scenic way to arrive.
Check-in experience: Serene, the staff are welcoming and relaxed, making for an elegant experience from the get go. At Ohtel, nothing is a problem.
Room: Ohtel has everything from suites to studios. I'd enjoyed this studio before and liked it so much I came back for more. It's groovy, with docks for iPods, lovely furniture and pleasing art. There's a mid-century Scandinavian vibe going on.
Price: Room rack rates are from $365 to $635 and the best deals are via Ohtel direct (just phone and ask).
Who owns it: Alan Blundell, having spent 22 years in the world of architecture, was visiting New York when he had his eyes opened to the boutique hotel scene. When this Wellington site came up for sale, Alan knew it was the perfect spot to create his dream eco-friendly hotel. Not only does Alan have a great eye for design, he'll also watch for a parking space and then park your car in it.
Green: Ohtel goes green wherever possible, hot water is solar, and they recycle and use locally produced goods wherever possible.
What's so good about the place: It's cool: pure and simple. The furniture, the art, the people - you can even arrange a fondue party in their groovy lobby for between six and 12 people. Close to Wellington's many delights including Oriental Parade, it's a winner - with free wifi.
And the bad? Not being able to live here 365 days a year.
Toiletries: There's everything you could need, from shaving gear, to paracetamol to toothbrushes. The Lather soap, shampoo and conditioner are lemongrass-based. I don't pocket hotel condiments any more, but at Ohtel I made an exception to my rule.
When this Wellington site came up for sale, owner Alan Blundell knew it was the perfect spot to create his dream eco-friendly hotel. Photo / Supplied
Food and drink: The mini bar is well stocked and includes a cocktail shaker (with recipe suggestions on the backs of coasters), which means you can let your bar-tending fantasies run wild without ever leaving the room.
The bed: Sublime.
Bathroom: There are no doors, but thick curtains provide modesty when required.
Value for money: Not cheap like a hostel, it's worth every penny.
Exercise facilities: There's a cardio bike, hand weights and an infrared sauna on the first floor, or you can pop across the road to the fabulous Freyberg Pools if you want to work out.
Perfect for: Business, pleasure and everything else in between.
Would I return? Again and again.
CHECKLIST
Ohtel is at 66 Oriental Parade, Wellington 6011. Phone: (04) 803 0600.
