A 244-Room Luxury Hotel Has Been Announced As Part of Auckland's Commercial Bay Development

Named after the original 1840s trading post, Commercial Bay is a development that aims to completely reshape the area bounded by Britomart, Viaduct and Auckland CBD — or what you may recognise as the spot formerly occupied by Westfield Downtown. Come 2019, the $1 billion development will welcome a laneway shopping experience, an 800-seat dining hall and a restaurant named after two prize-winning racehorses.

Developer Precinct Properties today announced that a new luxury hotel and commercial office space will complete the mixed-use development. Operated by the InterContinental Hotels Group, the $298 million development will take over HSBC House at 1 Queen Street.

The five-star InterContinental Auckland will be a 244-room property occupying levels 1 to 13. Around 90 percent of the hotel's guest rooms will offer views across the Waitematā Harbour. A rooftop bar will feature on level 21 of the building, while the lower levels will include the retail and hospitality offerings of Commercial Bay. The brand's luxury Club InterContinental will be an option for those looking to splash out on a personal chauffeur and lounge access, while the will also include gym and meeting facilities.

The InterContinental hotel is due for completion in 2022.

Phase one of the Commercial Bay retail is on schedule with retail giant H&M opening its flagship four-storey store on 30 August 2018. Over 100 new retailers are expected in phase two of the new development (scheduled September 2019), including international labels like Canadian accessory brand Hershel Supply Co., luxury Italian handbag company Furla and designer boutique Superette.