An iconic heritage building in the heart of Wellington has been reimagined to form the new Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, opened in November 2020.
The landmark Edwardian-era building on Cuba Street was originally one of many People’s Palace hotels that were built by the Salvation Army in the late 19th and early 20th century. After an extensive renovation, this 116 room property has been transformed into a visual feast for the senses, enthralling guests with eclectic spaces inspired by seafaring and the literary world.
From the entrance on Dunlop Street, guests are transported into a sensory wonderland. The grand bar sits proudly in the heart of the hotel, where guests can enjoy award- winning New Zealand wines or a curated cocktail list. Flowing from the bar is the sumptuous lounge area, filled with books and oddities, and the pastel green dreamscape of the Parlour, perfect for people-watching. The full-service Lola Rouge restaurant will open later this year, offering Pan Asian-inspired cuisine.
Gaurang Jhunjhnuwala CEO of Naumi Hotels Australia & New Zealand told WILLIAMS MEDIA, “We say to expect the unexpected with all of our hotel designs and this most definitely applies to Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington. We’ve taken an iconic heritage building and created a 116 bedroom visual feast for the senses, working with New Zealand artists and designers to create a bohemian vibe and bold, memorable spaces for our guests. The location on Cuba Street is such a vibrant neighbourhood and we wanted that to translate into the design of Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington, respecting the history of the building and it's own stories, whilst giving everything a playful Naumi twist."
The hotel dazzles with the talents of local and international artists and designers. The large scale floral backdrop in reception is created by Art Dep’t NZ. Completely covered in gold leaf, it features bespoke 3D flower lights by Angus Muir Lighting Design. Underfoot are bespoke rugs with a striking floral design created by artist Karl Maughan.
Choose from six bedroom types, ranging from cosy studios to an exquisitely furnished Executive Suite. Rooms cleverly optimise space, honour the heritage of the building and infuse a modern design twist.
Bespoke bedhead textiles and Art Dep’t NZ 3D “Squiggle” artworks adorn the walls, with pops of bold colour and floral accents. High ceilings and and decorative windows accentuate the heritage-chic experience.
The Executive Suite is influenced by the “English Print House” style, packed with botanical references and eclectic modern furniture combining the old and new worlds. The suite features a spacious lounge area, dazzling bar, mood lighting, and large spacious bathroom.
Cuba Street and the lively surrounding neighbourhood is home to the quirky, the alternative and the fun, with a high/low combination of art galleries, record stores, cheap eats and fine dining on the doorstep - the perfect setting for this most vibrant hotel.
Toni Brandso, Director of Material Creative said, "We have worked with an amazing team of consultants and contractors to transform this 116 room property into a visual feast for the senses, enthralling guests with eclectic spaces inspired from seafaring, the literary world, and a story of enduring love! Upon entry to Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington maximalism takes over. Our vision for a wondrous Edwardian garden full of lush florals was crafted by some amazing artists."
"The corridors at Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington were inspired by the fictional character 'Lady Naumi' and her husband's journey on the Silk Road. Each level is a tonal gradient of one colour. Mimicking the changes in hue at sunset and sunrise, each corner you turn is a different experience."
"The use of tartan was inspired by the process and aesthetic of pulling and weaving silk, our nod to the fictional character 'Lady Naumi' and her husband's journeys on the Silk Road. We featured iridescent details in the hotel, as the luminous colours seem to change from different angles. The perfect compliment to our cacophony of pattern, texture & colour in the common spaces of the newly completed Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington" said Brandso.
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Inside The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi, Queenstown New Zealand