IHG Opens voco Queenstown After Full Conversion
Pro-invest Group and Connect Hospitality convert a 227-room Queenstown hotel into IHG's second voco in New Zealand.
The short answer
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Pro-invest Group have formally opened voco Queenstown following a complete conversion from Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The 227-room hotel features an alpine lobby, Space Studios interiors, and the Mozzarella & Co. restaurant.
The short version
- Pro-invest Group converted the 227-room Holiday Inn Express & Suites into voco Queenstown.
- Space Studios redesigned all guestrooms with recycled carpets, Antipodes amenities, and 18 upgraded suites.
- Mozzarella & Co. added a wood-fired oven, in-house bakery, firepit terraces, and private dining for 14.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has formally opened voco Queenstown following a full conversion from a Holiday Inn Express & Suites, according to eHotelier [1]. The 227-room property, owned by Pro-invest Group and operated by Connect Hospitality, represents the second voco-branded hotel in New Zealand, introducing renovated rooms, premium suites, and a new restaurant [1].
What prompted the brand conversion in Queenstown?
Owner Pro-invest Group initiated the brand repositioning to capture rising guest demand for upscale lodging in the region [1]. As Ronald Stephen Barrott FRICS, Founder & Chairman of Pro-invest Group, explained to eHotelier, the transition reflects confidence in Queenstown's destination appeal and an ambition to elevate the asset's guest experience with expanded social and dining concepts [1].
Queenstown Lakes Mayor John Glover noted in eHotelier reporting that the district welcomes approximately three million visitors every year [1]. That sustained visitor volume requires higher-tier accommodation options that sustain local jobs and regional suppliers [1]. Connect Hospitality Portfolio General Manager Jason Sabin stated that the location in the centre of Queenstown warranted a premium product to match market expectations [1].
What changes were made to the guestrooms and suites?
Design firm Space Studios executed a comprehensive refurbishment covering all 227 guestrooms and suites, eHotelier reported [1]. Every room received bedding and carpets manufactured from recycled materials, Antipodes brand bathroom amenities, aerated rain showers, and round-the-clock room service [1].
For higher-paying guests, the property established 18 premium suites fitted with upgraded amenities [1]. These specialized suites include Dyson hair styling tools and Marshall audio speakers [1].
| Property Detail | Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Former) | voco Queenstown (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Tier | Select service / Midscale | IHG Premium brand [1] |
| Total Inventory | 227 rooms | 227 rooms and suites [1] |
| Premium Suites | Standard configurations | 18 suites with Dyson and Marshall amenities [1] |
| F&B Concept | Limited service dining | Mozzarella & Co. show kitchen and bakery [1] |
| Interior Design | Standard brand design | Redesign by Space Studios [1] |
What food and beverage venues did the conversion add?
The conversion introduced Mozzarella & Co., a full-service restaurant and bar concept designed around an active show kitchen, eHotelier detailed [1]. The culinary operation incorporates an in-house bakery and a wood-fired pizza oven pairing Mediterranean cooking with local South Island ingredients [1].
Seating options include a dedicated chef's table, outdoor firepit terraces, and a private dining room accommodating up to 14 patrons [1].
How does the public space reflect local culture?
The hotel lobby incorporates an alpine-inspired design centred on an original cultural installation, according to eHotelier [1]. Titled Mīharo, the feature artwork blends woven harakeke (flax) and slumped glass created by Māori artist Cheree Te Orangaroa Downes [1].
The formal opening celebration on Thursday 10 September drew more than 70 industry partners, media figures, and local leaders, opening with a traditional pōwhiri ceremony led by Mana Tāhuna [1]. Southland Member of Parliament Joseph Mooney affirmed that international brand investments of this caliber reinforce destination appeal and encourage repeat visitation across New Zealand [1].
Where does voco Queenstown sit within IHG's regional network?
The property marks the second voco hotel in New Zealand, following an earlier opening in Auckland, eHotelier confirmed [1]. The opening ceremony took place roughly two months after the hotel quietly began accepting guests, giving operational teams led by Connect Hospitality time to establish service standards before hosting regional dignitaries [1].
Reported by
This article was written from the following reporting. Follow the links for the original coverage.
- [1]IHG Opens voco Queenstown Following Full Conversion— eHotelier
Frequently asked
+What brand did voco Queenstown replace?
The property was converted from a Holiday Inn Express & Suites into voco Queenstown, elevating the asset into IHG's premium collection under owner Pro-invest Group and operator Connect Hospitality.
+How many rooms and suites are in voco Queenstown?
The property features 227 refurbished guestrooms and suites designed by Space Studios, including 18 premium suites equipped with Dyson styling tools and Marshall audio speakers.
+What restaurant opened inside voco Queenstown?
The hotel launched Mozzarella & Co., a restaurant and bar with a wood-fired pizza oven, show kitchen, in-house bakery, chef's table, firepit terraces, and a 14-seat private dining room.
+How many voco properties operate in New Zealand?
voco Queenstown is the second voco property to open in New Zealand, joining its established sister hotel located in Auckland.
+Who owns and operates voco Queenstown?
voco Queenstown is owned by Pro-invest Group and managed by operator Connect Hospitality in partnership with brand franchisor IHG Hotels & Resorts.
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