SOHO Hotel, Auckland New Zealand, Opening March 5, 2024
SOHO Hotel came to our attention while searching for lodging options with artistic flare in Auckland New Zealand. The hotel’s location seemed perfect, approximately halfway between the airport and Auckland’s central business district. Unfortunately, SOHO was not yet open during our trip, so, we were not able to stay there. Fortunately, we did get a private tour of the property and an opportunity to meet the owners.
SOHO Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand
We requested to preview the property, while it was still under construction. We were able to stop by on our way to the airport, since it is only about 15 minutes away. Desmond, the manager, arranged for us to meet the owners and see how things were progressing.
We arrived knowing a bit about the hotel but nothing about the owners. We were shocked to discover that the SOHO Hotel is a family-owned business. From reviewing the website, we assumed it was more of a corporate type property. It’s quite luxurious and fairly large, a substantial design/construction challenge for even a seasoned hotel developer. When we met the father, mother and son who are creating the hotel, we were inspired. The Parbhu family is working as a team with each of the three family members contributing in different ways.
A Family business
The hotel was about 90% complete when we visited. All the primary elements were in place. We could easily see how stunning it will be. Desmond and the family took us on a tour. They shared their vision of creating a luxury hotel ingeniously designed to serve a diverse array of travelers. They also showed us how the property will serve the needs of local residents.
The Parbhu family moved from Wellington to Auckland in 2008. Father/husband, Dennis loved the Mount Roskill area. He particularly loved the views of Mount Albert during sunrise and sunset. With no other luxury hotels located close by, Dennis saw tremendous potential. His vision was not to build a hotel, sell it and get rich. He envisioned an opportunity to create a business that would secure his family for life.
Designs for SOHO
Dennis took the lead on acquiring the land and obtaining financing. The SOHO design process was started in 2018. It took about 2 years to obtain permits, but then Covid hit. Delays gave the family a chance to refine and optimize the design to meet the needs of future travelers who see New Zealand as a particularly safe country to visit. The Parbhu family is an optimistic unit with a long-term perspective. Their well-thought-out design is beautiful, versatile, safe and sanitary. To keep their lenders in the game, they had to explain and convey exactly how the SOHO would function to accommodate the diverse mix of guests being targeted. They also had to demonstrate how income from local residents would be brought into the mix.
Meeting the needs of vacationing guests while also hosting business travels can be a major challenge. Rather than prioritizing one group over the others, they designed the hotel to be flexible. It can be physically adjusted to simultaneously accommodate the needs of various groups of guests. If a large group books numerous rooms for a trade show, their activities can be focussed in certain areas. That way they do not significantly impact guests who are traveling for vacation. With certain areas separated from others, the hotel still retains its open feeling. The lenders liked the plans, so the project kept rolling.
Restaurants & Bars
Towering ceilings, expansive glass walls and sight-lines through the common areas make the SOHO feel quite large, even with certain areas partitioned off. To serve their guests while also attracting the locals, SOHO features Cafe Lux which offers beautiful views, Tiger Bar & Restaurant for gourmet dining, a huge roof deck and a spa. The property will be able to host wedding receptions, special event, conferences and trade shows while still accommodating those on vacation.
Tiger Bar & Restaurant focuses on the tantalizing flavors of Asian cuisine. Their mission is simple: to provide their guests with a dining experience that marries the finest, freshest ingredients with innovative Asian fusion cooking. The restaurant will be operated by an in-house team. They will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. They will also offer catering. Additionally, on-site kitchen facilities make it possible for large groups to bring their own chefs.
Innovative Technology
The son, Rishi Parbhu, used 3D computer rendering software to develop, refine and illustrate the hotel. The 3D models helped revise the architecture and interior design. This helped get construction flowing more efficiently as soon as the dust settled from covid. So, the covid-related delays actually created opportunities which will forever benefit SOHO Hotel.
We all know that form follows function in design. When designing and building a luxury hotel however, aesthetics matter a lot. Guests need to feel energized by their surroundings. At the same time, everything needs to support their complete experience. This is a big challenge, but the family has gone all-in on making it happen. While some of the rooms are of course more luxurious than others, they are all quite nice. Some have views. Others have private outdoor areas with hot tubs. During our tour, Rishi pointed out the in-floor video art installation. He explained that lots of art will further enhance the character of SOHO. Works were being evaluated, but specific selections had not yet been made at the time of our visit.
Capstone Hotel Management
Partnering with Capstone Hotel Management was a big step towards achieving the family’s overall goals. As we discovered during our stay at Delamore Lodge, Capstone has mastered the art of the guest experience. They manage a portfolio of properties throughout New Zealand. Establishing this management relationship during construction maximizes the benefit. Together, they are all well on their way to creating one of Auckland’s premier new lodging options.
Climate Control & Safety
With health and safety on everyone’s minds these days, the family has gone above and beyond to design and build accordingly. Each guest room has its own dedicated climate control system. This is great for comfort but even better for health. The result is that the rooms do not share air. If a guest is sick, the air from their room will not impact other guests. Repairs are also quick and easy. Porcelain and other non-porous materials, used extensively in the bathrooms and in many of the common areas, also help keep things sanitary.
When it comes to structural integrity, SOHO is built from solid poured concrete. This is excellent for safety during earthquakes. It also dramatically reduces the speed at which fires can spread. Glass walls and sight-lines through the common areas mean guests and staff can always see what is going on around them. Everything has been very well thought out.
The mother, Chhaya Parbhu is intimately involved with all floral art and landscaping features throughout the hotel. She is the official floral artist for the SOHO brand and the hotel itself. Chhaya is internationally recognized under the World Association of Floral Artists and the Floral Art Society of New Zealand. She will employ theme specific floral art arrangements throughout the hotel.
SOHO Rooftop
The rooftop will be Chhaya’s ultimate canvas. Here is where she will implement a rich and picturesque landscaping master plan that is sure to thrill the local and wider Auckland community. Of course, the guests experience will also benefit greatly from this aspect of SOHO. The roof will be a destination. It will be a place for parties, weddings and special event of all kinds. It will feature bars, outdoor seating and the same type of functional flexibility found throughout the property. Fantastic views in all directions will further add to Its appeal.
If you have ever been to New Zealand, you know that tours throughout the country are prolific. Day tours in particular are super popular, and numerous attractions of all kinds are within reach of Auckland. Among the many forward-thinking functional aspects of the SOHO design is the towering ceiling heights just outside the hotel entrance. Even the largest tour busses can pull right in to pick up guests embarking on these tours. The advantage to SOHO guests is that joining a tour can be as simple as walking out the front door.
Previewing the property at this late stage of construction and meeting the Parbhu family was a great pleasure for us. For some, a trip to New Zealand may be a once in a lifetime bucket list adventure. If that’s you, be sure to check out SOHO Hotel in Auckland. It could be the perfect home base for your North Island Kiwi experience. With so much natural beauty stretching from north to south and east to west across New Zealand, we are already planning our return trip. There is just so much to see. We can’t wait to stay at this wonderful hotel and experience first hand the accomplishments of the fearless Parbhu family. https://www.soholuxuryhotels.com/
New Zealand is an amazing place to visit – CLICK HERE to read all of our articles about NZ.
CLICK HERE to read our review of Delamore Lodge, also managed by Capstone Hotel Management
