Avani Hotels and Resorts is eyeing an October 2017 debut into the New Zealand market following its NZ$11 million (US$7.6 million) acquisition of the Metro Suites business in Auckland.

The company is planning to refurbish and rebrand the Metro Suites, which currently occupies 40 storeys and includes 370 keys, into the Metropolis Avani Residences as part of a “major room refurbishment programme”. Rooms will offer living and dining areas, along with kitchens and laundry facilities. Additional facilities will include a 22-metre heated swimming pool, spas located indoors and outdoors, a sauna, gym and a steam room.

Avani’s future debut property is located in the city’s central business district within walking distance of the waterfront precinct and close to key landmarks including Vector Arena and Sky Tower.

According to Avani’s group director, Alejandro Bernabe, the Auckland hotel market is “very strong” and the opportunity to purchase the Metro Suites in order to launch the Avani brand’s New Zealand debut “presented itself as a compelling acquisition opportunity to expand our foothold within the Asia Pacific region”.

Avani currently operates 18 hotels and resorts in 12 countries.

avanihotels.com