Revolution in New Zealand’s Budget Hotel Sector as Formule 1 Takes off at Auckland Airport

150 150 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

The opening of Formule 1 Auckland Airport on the 29th August heralded a revolution in New Zealand’s budget hotel sector.

The launch of the first new-build Formule 1 in New Zealand is part of a major new accommodation and hospitality complex at the airport that also includes fast-food outlets, a bar, and mobile phone store. The 125 room Formule 1 and the rest of the complex have been developed by Auckland International Airport.

Formule 1 is Accor’s purpose-designed budget brand that is already present in countries across Europe, South America, South Africa and in Australia. The brand is also set for major expansion in Asia.

The hotel will provide the ultimate in reliable, contemporary accommodation at the highly affordable rate. There are also double, twin and quadruple share rooms, making the hotel ideal for couples, groups and families. In addition there are five large special-access rooms.

The hotel features Formule 1’s new Cocoon concept room. The rooms are more stylish, more restful room with soft colours, rounded edges and soothing lighting, as well as extra storage space. Facilities include flat screen TVs with extra channels, wireless internet and a strong focus on sustainability, the Cocoon Room won Best Interior Design at the European Hotels Design Awards and represents a real metamorphosis for the brand, which was first introduced in 1984. Other in-room facilities include quality bedding with duvets, ensuite bathroom, individual air-conditioning and a work table. Rooms are completely sound-proofed.

The Formule 1 offers an inexpensive breakfast buffet, with more substantial meals available during the day from the various outlets in the complex, including the Szimpla Gastro Pub, health food café, and coffee shop. There is parking for up to 70 cars.

Within a few hundred metres of the hotel there is a huge supermarket, a number of additional fast food outlets, a bank, New Zealand Post and a camper van hire centre.

The hotel is managed by Accor, New Zealand’s largest hotel group. The Formule 1 Auckland Airport increases Accor’s New Zealand network to 32 hotels.

Daniel Fountain / 05.09.2011

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.