When the Grand Mecure Hotel in Auckland offered so generously to accommodate me during New Zealand Fashion week it was just as I had decided not to make the trip.
I wholeheartedly wanted to attend to experience my collaboration with Wynn Hamlyn (more on that later), witness my friends from Salasai showcase their 10th-anniversary collection and I had been asked to walk the catwalk for Kathryn Wilson. So many things I wanted to see, but justifying the airfare and accommodation and all the associated costs was not realistic for me having recently started a new agency.... adult priorities and all that.
It was the generosity of Grand Mecure Hotel that made my NZFW trip a reality.
My personalised bathrobe
Velvet couches in the suite - Wearing Karen Walker
Crystal Chandeliers cast pretty patterns all day and night
And so I arrived, almost midnight late Sunday night expecting a room with a bathroom, you know the usual hotel box, but instead was personally escorted to one of their Executive Suites - a room the size of an apartment complete with dining room, harbour views and enough space for me to have the biggest sleep over ever (had I known in advance to invite some pals). Those who follow me on Instagram would have witnessed me quite enthusiastically jumping around and squealing with excitement as I discovered my name embroidered on my very own bathrobe.
The space itself, recently renovated, I would describe as confident and warm, not minimal and boring, but with feature colours, cool marble and glamorous features such as chandeliers and velvet finishings. These photos were taken at various times on camera or phone throughout the week as I decided on outfits and returned from shows, the room a perfect backdrop for some of my favourite Summer pieces.
The in-room dining, which I ate regularly, (often at speed, starving between shows) was hands down the best room service food I have ever tasted, passing the club sandwich test, and even included vegetables...a rare offering in most hotels. I recommend the salmon, I had it twice and it would satisfy me even if eaten in a restaurant setting... so real food standards, not the usual low bar room service standards.
Snap worthy salmon
In my sunny bedroom wearing Coop by Trelise Cooper
I had packed my pilates gear as I read that Grand Mecure have a dedicated fitness room which includes instruction videos for pilates and yoga. I had big plans to maintain my routine... but alas I never made it due to the FW schedule. It's nice to know that room is there for next time I stay under less hectic circumstances! They also have bicycles for guests to borrow, a collection of New Zealand art and their own neighbouring doughnut stand, all very contemporary extras that make the hotel stay feel special.
You might be thinking "of course she would write a positive review", but I really must say that I have never felt like a hotel has been so genuinely happy for me to be their guest, every single staff member was friendly and helpful, they all spoke to me, (none of the usual formal cold you get at hotels) and I felt very special to be staying there. I have never been so well looked after.
I'm not really accustomed to such generosity, I actually felt a little emotional as I left and said goodbye! I hope I can someday repay their service, when asked by people where to stay I will defnitely suggest the Grand Mecure Hotel.
Grand Mecure Hotel
8 Customs Street East.
Auckland 1010
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