After much anticipation, international luxury lifestyle hotel SO/ Auckland has removed the bollards and rolled out the red carpet, welcoming guests and nosy neighbours to eat, drink, stay and play in the heart of the city.
Renowned Kiwi fashion innovator WORLD has provided flair throughout the hotel as the signature design partner for this very individual, designer lifestyle hotel. WORLD’s influence includes the hotel’s bold emblem design, which reflects the volcanic history of Auckland, the natural beauty of New Zealand and the history of the building itself.
Located in prime position at 67 Customs Street East, SO/ Auckland occupies the former Reserve Bank and home of the country’s gold reserves. As the seventh addition to the SO collection of rebellious lifestyle hotels around the globe, and the first to open in the Pacific region, SO/ Auckland shatters conventions.
Playing on the volcanic theme, guests can choose their room design style from Vapour, Liquid and Solid in all SO Cozy, SO Comfy, SO Club and SO Studio rooms. A floor has been dedicated to Penthouse Suites, each enjoying their own exclusive style; SO Lofty features a Caldera theme and SO VIP, an Exposure theme. Set to become one of the city’s most Instagrammable hot spots and the place to be seen, SO/ Auckland is the city’s hottest travel and lifestyle destination for locals and visitors alike.
“We’re ecstatic to finally open the doors to Auckland’s most audacious hotel,” said SO/ Auckland General Manager Stephen Gould. “It’s been an exciting journey with the global SO team since 2011 to prepare for opening including two years of immersion with the brand at SO/ Bangkok. Every touch of a SO/ hotel is unique to its location and thanks in large part to our signature designer WORLD, we have unlocked a destination truly unique to our shores,” he said.
The HI-SO rooftop bar, with expansive views of the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island, is set to transform the way Kiwis and visitors socialise this summer.
A feat for New Zealand’s already bursting culinary scene, SO/ Auckland’s Harbour Society restaurant on the 15th floor is home to French Chef Marc De Passorio, former owner of Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Esprit de la Violette. Marc sold L’Esprit de la Violette and jumped at the chance to make Auckland his next culinary home.
Preparing what’s set to become his signature dish, vodka crayfish, Marc explained: “I’m so pleased to have touched down in my new, beautiful home. In 2012 I visited New Zealand for the first time and fell in love with the country; the fantastic produce and wine as well as the amazing scenery wherever you go, fresh air and generous, friendly people.”
