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Date Set for Opening of Novotel Christchurch Airport

More than 120 newly-employed Novotel Christchurch Airport staff are days away from welcoming the first guests to the $80-million hotel.

The 4.5 star hotel will open on Monday, 25 November 2019 – two years later than expected.

Novotel Christchurch Airport General Manager Olivier Lacoua says it’s looking fantastic.

This is not your average airport hotel and as soon as the doors open, anyone who walks inside will realise it has been worth the wait.

Olivier Lacoua, General Manager, Novotel Christchurch Airport

“It is impressive with luxury fittings, including marble, copper tiling and extensive American Oak panelling.”

The six-storey hotel has 200 premium rooms, including 10 suites and 10 accessible rooms.

“The sixth floor is definitely a highlight. Its bar, restaurant and conference facilities boast floor to ceiling windows with expansive, panoramic views across the runway and the Southern Alps. There is no place like it in Canterbury.”

Olivier Lacoua says Novotel was not part of the construction of the hotel so cannot comment on the delays.

“All we can say is that those who oversaw this project wanted to ensure the hotel was perfect in every way – we are pleased they did that, it’s looking great.”

Olivier Lacoua says it’s an exciting but very busy time for the team.

In the past two weeks, we’ve made 200 beds and have brought in more than 3.5 tonne of food and over 2000 bottles of South Island wine. Our chefs are now training in the hotel’s kitchen and testing all the equipment which means that, every now and then, staff have the welcome job of taste-testing their dishes.

Olivier Lacoua, General Manager, Novotel Christchurch Airport
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