The Hotel Britomart: A Sustainable Luxury Experience
Nestled in the heart of Auckland's vibrant Britomart precinct, The Hotel Britomart is not just another lavish destination. It’s an experience where environmental consciousness meets genuine Kiwi manaakitanga. Here, guests indulge in contemporary elegance while leaving a gentle footprint, a balance that’s no small achievement.
As the proud winner of the ‘Best Hotel’ award at recent Hospitality New Zealand Awards, The Hotel Britomart is recognized for both its opulence and its commitment to sustainability. General Manager Clinton Farley emphasizes that luxury isn’t about excess - it’s about thoughtful touches, a deep respect for our whenua, and taking a broader view of sustainability. The hotel’s prestigious 5 Green Star accreditation speaks volumes about its commitment to sustainable practices. From energy-efficient design to carefully sourced, custom-created materials, The Hotel Britomart sets itself apart—even down to the toilet paper. When Clinton couldn’t find any suitable options, The Hotel Britomart partnered with a supplier to create a product that met the hotel’s high standards.
“We wanted to source a product that met our criteria, gave back to the community, and supported New Zealanders. From those discussions, Six For Good was created by leading hospitality supplier Astro Hospitality. The products support six children’s charities through product sales, and we’re proud to be part of something that does good in Aotearoa,” says Clinton.
“Sustainability isn’t about giving guests less; it’s about ensuring that amenities and products are sustainably sourced, letting our procurement processes guide us. We won’t accept low-quality, cut-rate products—we want sustainability to blend seamlessly with luxury.”
Being a New Zealand-owned, independent hotel means that The Hotel Britomart can do things a bit differently from other large hotel chains. The Hotel Britomart is passionate about crafting unique experiences for each guest. From the moment you walk through the doors, our dedicated team welcomes you with the genuine warmth of manaakitanga, reflected in the intentional absence of a traditional hotel front desk, beginning the guest journey by standing beside you and leading the way, rather than staying behind a barrier. The lobby features artwork by esteemed Māori artist Shane Cotton, depicting the story of Kupe, the first Polynesian explorer to reach the shores of New Zealand. His wife naming the land Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Farley’s leadership is rooted in humanitarian values and kindness, which he sees as an extension of the hotel’s sustainability focus. Staff are paid a living wage, encouraged to engage with guests, and treated as whānau—resulting in exceptional customer service. “A happy and engaged team leads to happy guests and ultimate business success”, says Farley.
Among the 99 rooms and five Landing Suites, each guest experiences The Hotel Britomart’s distinctly New Zealand approach to luxury. Landing Suite guests begin their Hotel Britomart journey about 10 days before their stay, with a call from the Guest Relations Manager to discuss their travel purpose and preferences, allowing the hotel team to tailor the experience. Exclusive experiences, like private tours of Britomart’s hidden gems or after-hours meetings with local high end fashion stores and retailers, are part of the service.
Guest safety and security are paramount at The Hotel Britomart, with surveillance covering the nine downtown blocks and security personnel available to escort guests when requested.
The New Zealand hospitality sector is facing some challenging times in the economic climate, and appreciate the current initiative to promote New Zealand as a year-round destination to help combat the peaks and troughs in visitor numbers.
Clinton believes the key lies in adaptability and unwavering sustainability, ensuring that The Hotel Britomart continues to embrace responsible practices while catering to the evolving needs of discerning travellers.
The Hotel Britomart is a new chapter in sustainable luxury, and uniquely New Zealand accommodation.