SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – 24 November 2022: Marriott International, Inc., today announced it has signed an agreement with Albert Street Operations Ltd to introduce its JW Marriott brand to New Zealand. The property, currently known as Stamford Plaza, is slated to be fully converted into Marriott’s JW Marriott brand by mid 2024.  

The iconic city hotel co-owned by CP Group,  global investment firm Alvarium Investments through its locally owned Auckland office and Archipelago Capital, will undergo a NZ$20m refurbishment in phases, and is expected to reopen on December 16, 2022.

With its prime CBD location, JW Marriott Hotel Auckland is expected to bring its signature luxury brand, inspired by the principle of mindfulness, to Auckland. The 286-room hotel will delight guests with warm and thoughtful service and encourage them to be fully present - taking mindful moments that help them revitalize mind, body and spirit, and celebrate with family and friends.   

“There are now more than 100 hotels in 35 countries and territories that carry our founder’s name, JW Marriott. This latest signing is another example of Marriott’s dominant expansion in the region and a testament to our confidence in the recovery of travel, particularly the luxury market which we believe is set to thrive in Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region,” said Richard Crawford, Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Marriott International.

Alvarium Investments Founder and global Co-Chair, Andrew Williams agreed it was an opportune time to capitalise on current market conditions.

“We see New Zealand as a secure real estate market, buoyed by a rebounding hospitality and tourism sector, and well-positioned post the peak of the pandemic. This co-investment aligns with our long-term approach of working with teams that have a proven high-performing record to drive returns for our clients and our firm through timely investment opportunities. We are proud to introduce the iconic JW Marriott brand into the Auckland market with our partners CP Group and Archipelago Capital."

Managing Director of CP Group, Prakash Pandey, said, “we couldn’t be happier to be commencing a partnership with Marriott International. As the world’s largest hotel company, they have the proven power to deliver the very best commercial outcomes for this landmark asset. Importantly to us, Marriott are the global leaders in luxury hotels and I am confident that together we will deliver a new standard of hospitality excellence in the Auckland market.”

JW Marriott Hotel Auckland is anticipated to feature an executive lounge and lobby bar, 100-seat buffet restaurant and a smaller speciality dining venue that will extend a culinary offering to truly nourish the body. A 320m2 function space and four meeting rooms will allow guests to connect socially over meaningful gatherings. In addition, the property will include an indoor heated swimming pool, large fitness centre, spa and sauna. There are also plans to introduce the brand’s signature JW Garden, a thoughtful, multi-sensory experience, that will support the hotel’s culinary programs.

Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International noted, “Marriott International is committed to growing our luxury portfolio, with New Zealand being one of our top priorities.  The introduction of the JW Marriott brand in New Zealand reflects our confidence in the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific luxury market, and follows the success of the JW Marriott Gold Coast, as well as the forthcoming openings of W Sydney, The Ritz Carlton Melbourne and the St Regis Gold Coast.”

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About JW Marriott

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. JW Marriott is a tribute to the founder of Marriott International, J. Willard “J.W.” Marriott, who prioritized his own well-being so that he could take better care of others. Inspired by his approach to life and rooted in holistic well-being, JW Marriott properties offer a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels in more than 35 countries and territories worldwide that cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers who come seeking experiences that help them be fully present, foster meaningful connections and feed the soul. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com. 

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc., (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 8,200 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.Marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.MarriottNewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.