Hospitality Business Magazine

Christchurch welcomes new modern minimalist luxury hotel

After a $23 million investment and a four-year design and build process, The Mayfair will open in June this year.

General Manager Rick Crannitch has returned home to manage The Mayfair, bringing his luxury hotel experience from Melbourne. Crannitch says the vision for Christchurch’s newest boutique offering is ‘refreshing’,

“The Mayfair is a fresh take on luxury, meaning that luxury no longer means formality. Instead, it’s relaxed, thoughtful, and welcoming at every touchpoint: a beautiful space, complemented by attentive service.”

The Mayfair General Manager, Rick Crannitch.

Architect Tim Field describes the overall aesthetic of The Mayfair as ‘modern, minimalist and elegantly detailed’,

“There’s a timeless drama to the black exterior juxtaposed with glass, and concrete that gives the hotel an iconic street presence.”

Inside the hotel, guests can expect to enjoy extra-spacious suites, designed with elegant simplicity in mind. The intent is for discerning globetrotters to feel at home: local knowledge and attentive Kiwi hospitality mingle with internationally sourced premium features such as American oak, and Italian ceramics, all carefully accented by mood lighting.

Jeff Merrin of Lume Design says the interior design direction was established to compliment an abundance of natural light from floor to ceiling windows,

“We settled on a strong palette of rich warm tones to create a sense of elegance and luxury whilst remaining comfortable and relaxed.”

The Mayfair Executive Chef, Nick Tatom.

Also part of the innovative new hotel are thoughtfully integrated guest technology and energy-efficient power conservation systems that help to minimise the carbon footprint.

The hotel’s hospitality attraction ‘Majestic at Mayfair’, will offer a unique food and beverage experience with a bespoke a la carte menu, accompanied by high tea with a twist by day, and a premium cocktail bar by night. Local Chef Nick Tatom, well known for his time at Christchurch establishment Hello Sunday, has joined the team as Executive Chef and is delighted to be part of the rejuvenation of Victoria Street.

ChristchurchNZ’s Acting General Manager of Destination & Attraction, Tracey Wilson has welcomed the upcoming launch,

“The Mayfair hotel is another great example of the regenerative, innovative spirit of Ōtautahi Christchurch, and a cornerstone for the revitalisation of Victoria St in particular.

Finishing touches to The Mayfair, underway late April.

It’s great to see local investors stepping up with a vote of confidence in our central city; future-proofing the industry with sustainable, intelligent design, and ultimately elevating the experience of what Christchurch offers as a destination.”

Mayfair Luxury Hotels Limited is an independent boutique hotel company, formed in 2018, by owners with a rich depth of both New Zealand and international experience, spanning business, property, and the travel industry. The directors are Sam Stapley, Glen Stapley and Justine Johnson.

Sam operated a hotel resort in New Zealand before establishing and leading a boutique hotel management company in Japan. Glen is a Chartered Accountant and was managing Director of Duns Limited Chartered Accountants, he has owned and led numerous businesses including hotels, a construction company, a development company, and a project management company. Justine has been in business for 20 years where she is heavily invested in the Childcare industry and has a reputation for leading business transformation. All three directors share a passion for the regeneration of Christchurch city for the benefit of locals and international visitors alike.

The Mayfair at 155 Victoria Street Christchurch is the first opening for the company and will employ between 35-40 staff.

The first appointment for the Hotel is Rick Crannitch, General Manager. Rick brings his experience in luxury hotels from Melbourne including the famed Adelphi (voted best boutique hotel in Victoria), and the luxury five-star Royce Hotel.