Home away from home: The Sebel Manukau
Wiri Business understands that meeting spaces and places to dine are in short supply in our business district. Earlier this year, we held two lunch and learn functions for International Women’s Day and Youth Employment at The Sebel Manukau. We talked to the manager, Prasheel Churi about what The Sebel Manukau has on offer and their upcoming Business After 5 event.
The Sebel Auckland Manukau opened in September 2018, boasting 70 guest rooms and 82 apartment-style accommodation. They are one of five hotels under the Sebel brand in New Zealand and part of the wider Accor group.
“We are part of the Accor hotels, the largest hotel operator in New Zealand which offers generous loyalty benefits through its ALL- Accor Live Limitless programme recognised world-wide. Some of the well-known hotel brands that come under the Accor umbrella include Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel, Movenpick, Mercure and Ibis”.
A Prime Location
The Sebel Auckland Manukau’s strategic location is one of its biggest advantages. Close to Due Drop Events Centre, Rainbow’s End, Westfield mall and Wiri businesses, it caters to both business travellers and tourists.
“Our location is unique, and it works well for people. We’re close to the airport, and away from the central city – so travellers can avoid the premiums that those two locations command. You can be on the motorway in either direction in minutes”.
“We have a range of travellers that stay at The Sebel from CEOs at local businesses to sports teams and air crew”.
Accommodation and Amenities
The Sebel Auckland Manukau offers a range of accommodation options, from well-appointed studios and superior rooms to spacious one-bedroom apartments.
“Each room is designed with a modern aesthetic and are equipped with all the amenities expected of a four-star hotel, including smart tvs, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibars, Nespresso machines, and fully equipped kitchenettes in the apartments”.
Meetings and events
The Sebel Auckland Manukau offers onsite options for meetings and events. They have a boardroom for hire which is suitable for smaller meetings. With sound proofing, air conditioning and a TV screen, it makes a great space for a small team day.
The Ora Café has seating for 40 people and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a great place for a coffee or a business lunch; with ample parking available onsite.
Next to Ora Café is a private function space. This area can seat up to 40 guests for a seated function or 50 guests for a semi-standing function. It has its own air conditioning, fixed AV facilities and natural light streams into this space.
“It is the perfect space for anything from a business lunch to an intimate family dinner or Christmas functions. This space will be exclusively yours and can be closed off or partially opened to the main dining area”.
A Commitment to Sustainability
In line with the growing global emphasis on sustainability, The Sebel Auckland Manukau is committed to reducing its environmental impact. The Sebel Auckland Manukau has initiatives in place that include sourcing eco-friendly local products, and reducing energy and water usage
“We are very proud to have no single use plastic in anywhere in our rooms. Bulk amenities are recycled once empty and made into items such as fence posts. Beehive on the roof top for rescued bees is a another small commitment towards Sustainability”
“The Accor group is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Sebel Manukau underwent a strict auditing process and was the first Accor hotel in New Zealand this year to be certified as a Four Star Plus Qualmark Gold”.
A focus on people and their community
Their team takes pride in looking after their community. They like to support local businesses and communities and encourage local trades where possible. They work with local charities such as Life South to support the community; recently supplying and serving 300 meals for the Otara Life South kitchen and their community.
The Sebel Manukau employs 63 people, most living in the surrounding suburbs. Their owners are very invested in the business, having lived in Auckland for over 30 years.
“Our team is like family, we are lucky to have good tenure, with most of the people that were here when we opened nearly six years ago still with us today. We believe our staff are the key to ensuring our visitors have a great stay”
