Description:

Times have changed; the rise of Airbnb and Covid-19 has significantly impacted the way three generations prefer to travel and those to come won’t know a world any different. Airbnb taught us how to embrace technology and how contactless environments can work, but also how hidden fees and complicated cleaning rules can ruin the end of a trip. Covid 19 taught us to be wary of built up environments, to be more comfortable in our own space and how to find connection with people and spaces in less traditional ways.

The Cobbler Hotel sits proudly in the middle of Wellington’s famous Hannah’s Laneway which runs along Eva and Leeds Streets through the old Hannah’s shoe factory. In 1923, the Leeds Street shoe factory was constructed, the laneway hummed to life and so did the hustle and bustle we love about it today.

The Cobbler Hotel is inspired by the past and excited by the future. A moody, industrial yet homely design that encompasses a modern boutique hotel experience, whilst paying homage to the roots of the site.

The Cobbler Hotel responds with the best of both worlds, a 12 room boutique hotel designed to embrace technology with a virtual reception; guests come and go as they please; there are no lines at the front desks, no need to provide credit cards again and no worries about whether someone will be there to provide a key when you arrive late at night. Come and go as you please, knowing The Cobbler team have you looked after, find connection with people and place through all the little details; your room will be made up for you each day and when it’s time to go, just go.

The hotel design tells the story of the factory and its laneway, with a goal to preserve and accentuate as many original features as possible. Retaining the exposed brick, concrete and high studs, dark interiors were chosen to complement the brick and concrete elements and enhance the industrial feel of The Cobbler.

The Cobbler’s 80 year old envelope has been strengthened to 100% NBS, the engineering involved means significant amounts of new concrete and steel, but by highlighting these harsh elements where possible, the industrial feel is lifted further. To soften the aesthetic into an elegant, homely boutique hotel the interiors have been paired with warm walnut cabinetry and soft cream carpets. Everything from the ginger plush duvets to the brushed gold hardware has been selected with comfort and warmth in mind.

The mood extends into the bathrooms where the dark colour palette is replicated with industrial black and grey tiles and again softened with the warm cabinetry, brushed gold fittings and moody accent lighting.

Working within an existing envelope and around seismic works means each of our rooms is unique but the feel is retained throughout; an environment that is truely yours. You’ve arrived somewhere new but seemingly familiar, you haven’t had to announce yourself or prove your worth, simply relax into your home away from home. A place that knows its past, its people and will tell you its story as you unwind.