SkyCity, NZ’s largest casino operator, is finally opening its new 5-star hotel, Horizon. The hotel overcame delays that have kept it from opening since 2019. Air bridges will connect the hotel to the rest of the SkyCity Precinct in the heart of Auckland. Focusing on art, architecture and quality service, the new hotel seems set to impress.
The Delays
Next door to Horizon Hotel, SkyCity Entertainment Group (SkyCity) is concurrently building Auckland’s new International Convention Centre. It’s also building a large neighbouring high-rise carpark. These three giant construction projects ended up competing for attention from the companies tasked to build them.
A devastating fire tore through the building works of the convention centre in late 2019. It burnt for over forty-eight hours and shut down parts of the Auckland central business district (CBD). Toxic smoke billowed across the city, and weather conditions prevented the blaze from being smothered.
“The fire was classified as a “sixth alarm”, the most dangerous category possible for fires in New Zealand.”
Legal battles and construction delays followed. Three years on, their legal woes have finally been sorted out and their 5-star hotel is finally ready to open.
Horizon Hotel’s Highlights
The hotel has a Gold level Qualmark New Zealand accreditation. This puts it in New Zealand’s top tier for customer experience, services, facilities and sustainability. Qualmark accreditation is internationally recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
The 303-room hotel, designed by Moller Architects and Warren and Mahoney, features a glass curved façade across the entirety of the building. Moller Architects have worked extensively with SkyCity before, creating the famous Sky Tower and SkyCity’s existing five-star hotel, The Grand. The interior focuses on a feeling of natural warmth, with timbers, natural stone and marbles used.
Hotels display a massive amount of art, and Horizon is no exception. They commissioned local artists to paint and sculpt all works, including a yet to be unveiled 12-story high art piece in the Atrium.
A feature of the Horizon Hotel is its connection via glass air bridges to other buildings in the SkyCity complex. An air bridge extends from it to the existing SkyCity Hotel across the road. This links hotel patrons directly into the heart of the SkyCity Entertainment Precinct; SkyTower, the casino SkyCity Auckland, and the myriad of high-class restaurants, bars and entertainment options available there.
Other highlights include: 303 five star rooms, 10 suites, 25 minutes from Auckland Airport, its located in the heart of Auckland CBD, it’s on a vibrant laneway with great shopping, its an easy walk to the viaduct and harbours, it has 24-hour reception, concierge and multilingual staff, valet service and car parking, a fully equipped 24-hour gym, signature restaurant with a private dining room.
And if you can’t make it across to SkyCity Casino from the hotel, you can always play online in your room.
New Management
Operations and Front Office Managers for Horizon Hotel will come from within the ranks of SkyCity’s other existing hotels.
Ruth Ruddock will move into the Front Office Management position at SkyCity’s Horizon Hotel, from being the Guest Relations Executive at The Grand by SkyCity. Ruth was also on the project team creating Horizon Hotel.
Perry Chan will be the new Operations Manager for Horizon by SkyCity. He’ll be moving across from the SkyCity Hotel in the same position.
Bookings are now open for accommodation and functions at Auckland’s newest five star hotel, available from March 1st, 2024.
