A gap in the top end of the market in Bay of Plenty's Whakatane spearheaded the development of luxury motel complex, One88 On Commerce, which has recently opened on a high profile centrally located site offering contemporary visitor accommodation.

Developer and operator Mark Ross, who has previously been involved in a motel venture in Taupo, said a key reason for selecting Whakatane as the location for the new property was its significant role as a business hub for the surrounding region.

One88 On Commerce.

'Whakatane serves a large catchment and a lot of transient business related activities take place in the town. We recognised that there was a lack of five star accommodation to meet the growing demand from out-of-town professionals for superior motel or hotel rooms,” he says.

'Obviously Whakatane, along with nearby Ohope Beach, is also a significant tourist destination and our motivation has been to provide quality accommodation for both business people and holidaymakers.”

Ross says the philosophy behind One88 On Commerce was to create motel rooms comparable with a high end hotel.

The property has 22 units which are a mix of one and two bedroom suites and spa suites.

'With the professional input of Geoff Mackintosh of M Designwe have designed expansive, luxury units with an upmarket hotel style fit out,” says Ross.

'Throughout there has been a strong emphasis on top-of-the-line fittings, sound proofing, new technology, safety and security reinforcing our focus on creating premium accommodation.”

Whakatane has excellent facilities for conference and incentive meetings including the Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi complex or the Whakatane War Memorial Hall.

'Both are conveniently situated opposite One88 On Commerce and can accommodate sizeable conferences. Whakatane's Central North island location with easy access from Tauranga, Hamilton and Rotorua and just a three-an-a-half hour drive from Auckland makes it an ideal centre for conferences or business meetings.”

The early response to One88 On Commerce has been very positive.

'We have had excellent feedback from our guests who have been most complimentary about the units and facilities,” says Ross.

'People are impressed with the quality and appreciate the attention to detail throughout the complex.”