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Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland has been awarded a Qualmark 4+ Star Hotel grading and a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award.
The recognition follows investment in sustainability initiatives and guest experience, including a large-scale green wall and infrastructure project. The biophilic installation received the 2024 Interior Plantscape Association Award for Large Installation and both a Gold Award and Innovation Award at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.
Hotel Grand Chancellor area general manager Steve Martin says the awards reflect the team’s focus on sustainability and service.
“We are incredibly proud to receive both the 4+ Star Hotel Qualmark grading and the Gold Sustainability Award. These achievements reflect our team’s dedication to delivering outstanding guest experiences while taking meaningful steps to reduce our environmental impact. From our award-winning green wall to our conservation partnerships, sustainability is woven into everything we do,” says Steve.
Initiatives contributing to the Gold award include replacing single-use plastics with refillable Antipodes and O&M amenities, and directing proceeds from glass water bottles to Planet Water. The hotel’s Green Room Service programme offers guests who opt out of daily servicing a discount on meals and beverages at Forester Bar and Grill, Nine Birds Café and room service.
The hotel also partners with Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society, with $2 from every night booked through its website supporting conservation efforts at Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.
The Auckland recognition reflects wider sustainability efforts across the Grand Chancellor portfolio. James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington holds a 4+ Star grading and a Silver Qualmark Sustainable Tourism Business Award.
The Wellington property partners with Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne Ecosanctuary, contributing $2 from every direct booking to conservation efforts and offering guests benefits when visiting the sanctuary.
Both properties operate Green Room Service programmes and have transitioned away from single-use plastics.
Steve says the group remains committed to supporting the communities and environments in which it operates.
“From Auckland’s Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society to Wellington’s Zealandia, our hotels are committed to giving back to the communities and natural environments that make New Zealand such a special destination for visitors,” he says.
The Qualmark Gold award recognises performance across guest services, facilities, food and beverage operations, sustainability practices, staff development and overall customer experience.
