The Ibis Hamilton Tainui hotel reopened to the public today after a seven-month refurbishment. The result is a fresh, vibrant, inviting space that the hotel is encouraging the public to use – not just hotel guests.
Gone are the green and beige accents in the reception area. So, too, are the red doors and aubergine hallways. The 126-room hotel has undergone a complete refurbishment and fit-out following its stint as a managed isolation facility.
Ibis Hamilton Tainui general manager Philip Hilton said the design refresh was inspired by hotel management company Accor’s ‘Plaza’ concept and included paint, soft furnishing and furniture changes. Hamilton-based design consultancy Designwell spearheaded the redesign in consultation with hotel owner Tainui Group Holdings and Accor. The Plaza design concept will be a first for an Accor hotel in the Pacific.
![Sonny Karena, chairman of Te Haa o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa (THaWK), leads the karakia at the re-opening of Ibis Hamilton Tainui. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/NOYIP3G2JJG5HJNH66DQMD3D2Q.jpg?auth=28ffc8ce7b40bf43568a993b3757f77142e36c578e554ee4f94c6900f5e192c7&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back - and just in time to accommodate Fieldays visitors,” said Hilton.