The highly anticipated The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt is set to open next week (May 10, 2023), delivering the city’s only premium 4.5-star apartment-style hotel.

The new-build 60-room apartment hotel, spanning five levels built by Sarin Investment is centrally located on High Street, overlooking the Hutt River and Wellington Harbour in the distance.

The elegantly decorated rooms offer privacy and space, as well as kitchen facilities and a dining area, allowing for tailor-made self-sufficiency. Providing a range of options to suit all-purpose stays. These include studio (27 sqm plus), one bedroom (45 sqm plus) and dual key exclusively designed for families and groups (27 plus 45 sqm).

Boasting an electric blue colour palette, owner and developer Raman Sarin says The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt design elements have been inspired by the river, and surrounding hills.

“We wanted our guests to have a feel of a green, serene Aotearoa. Thus, the natural elements are seen in the interior design including the hall carpets and exterior screen.

“We wanted to ensure we adhered to our reputation of delivering high standard projects and internally believe we’ve met those. We can finally focus on doing what we do best, operating a family run hotel with great efficiency, passion and care for our guests.”

The Sebel is a premium brand of Accor – the largest hotel operator in New Zealand.

“We are proud to be operating from Lower Hutt and to be offering world-class services to our customers who can also take advantage of Accor's global distribution and loyalty network,” says Sarin.

Finding its home on the ground floor of The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt is Grazie - a new Italiano restaurant and pasticceria bringing a slice of authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of Lower Hutt. Produce will be sourced locally where possible with fresh pasta, pizza, breads and pastries made onsite. A relaxed dining space will be available for locals and guests dining inside and alfresco in the surrounding courtyard.

“We are so proud of the end result - this hotel will be a real asset to all of Hutt Valley. The location is ideal for leisure travellers wanting to enjoy access to the river, walking and bicycle trails as well as shopping to corporates here for business and conferences held at the nearby Lower Hutt Events Centre.”

Sarin Hotels have hired 40 staff, the majority of which are local, to work in the hotel and restaurant, creating career opportunities for the local community.

“We are pleased to contribute to the economic growth for the Hutt by creating employment opportunities and bringing visitors and businesses to the region through quality accommodation and dining experiences. The hotel will also provide a boost to the nearby Events Centre, and  support a number of new facilities being built in Upper Hutt, including the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport and the Lane St Film Studio,” said Sarin.

He says The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt opening is also timely with the $700m RiverLink urban development project, which would turn the central city towards Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River and support the revamped central city.

Jo Miller, Chief Executive Hutt City Council, said: “The Sebel Hotel is a quality offering in the heart of our city that fills a gap in the hospitality industry. The hotel will contribute to enhancing the city centre and complement the planned RiverLink revitalisation programme of work.”

Sarah Derry, CEO Accor Pacific, said:” The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt’s riverside location holds great appeal for visitors to the region. It is an outstanding property, built to a high standard with impactful details, and providing an impressive Italian culinary experience for hotel guests and the local community.”