Wyndham is set to expand its portfolio of hotels in New Zealand with the signing of a new franchise agreement for a new Ramada Suites hotel in the heart of Auckland’s central business district.

Ramada Suites Auckland Federal Street will offer business travellers a central location to the city’s major businesses, and some of its most popular attractions, including Aotea Square, Sky Tower and Sky city, and the Britomart precinct.

The 42-apartment hotel is being developed by Robert Neil of New Zealand’s The Safari Group. The NZ$12 million (US$5.6 million) is due to be completed in October 2015, and will offer a mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments.

“The debut of the Ramada brand in Auckland is a vital step forward in addressing the demand for quality accommodations in the city’s business hub,” said Wydham Hotel Grou’s president and managing director of southeast Asia and Pacific Rim, Barry Robinson. “The brand’s contemporary and comfortable design, quality accommodations and value-conscious offerings are sure to resonate with today’s leisure and corporate travellers.” www.wyndham.com