Urban Rest Strengthens Global Presence with Acquisition of The Urban Butler
Sydney, Australia & Auckland, New Zealand – Urban Rest, a leading provider of flexible alternative accommodations serving the corporate market, proudly announces its acquisition of The Urban Butler, effective 1 May 2024. This strategic move not only solidifies Urban Rest's position as a key player in the alternative accommodations sector but also marks a significant step towards its continued global expansion.
Founded in 2017 by Jon Lawry, The Urban Butler has emerged as a prominent player in Auckland's short-term rental market, boasting exceptional apartment offerings and a strong reputation for quality service. With this acquisition, Urban Rest aims to capitalise on the immense potential of the New Zealand market and enhance its offerings to corporate clientele by leveraging the synergies between the two companies.
Acquiring The Urban Butler represents a significant milestone in our journey to expand our global footprint. Jon Lawry has built an impressive portfolio of short-term rental apartments, and the fit between The Urban Butler and Urban Rest felt naturally beneficial to all parties. We recognise the immense potential of the New Zealand market, and this acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to provide premium accommodations tailored to the needs of business travellers. David Whelan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Rest
We are excited to join forces with Urban Rest and embark on this new chapter of growth. Together, we will continue to deliver outstanding service and accommodations to our guests under the Urban Rest brand. My team and I are excited to further build out the presence of Urban Rest in the New Zealand market and be part of the global Urban Rest journey. Jon Lawry, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Urban Butler
Under the new ownership, The Urban Butler team will continue to lead operations in New Zealand under the Urban Rest brand, with Jon Lawry assuming the role of Managing Director for Urban Rest New Zealand and Rochelle King as General Manager for Urban Rest New Zealand.
Urban Rest New Zealand will benefit from the global support and technology platform of Urban Rest, leveraging resources in sales, reservations, and guest relations to further enhance customer experience and drive growth.
This acquisition follows closely on the heels of Urban Rest's recent announcement of its first branded property in Auckland, Urban Rest Sylvia Park, scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2024. Urban Rest's corporate customer base will now have access to a portfolio of flexible accommodation options across stellar locations in Auckland, including Auckland CBD, Wynyard Quarter, and Ponsonby. Among these, The Pacifica, built as Auckland's largest residential tower, and Wynyard Quarter Serviced Apartments stand out as prime examples of the high standard that Urban Rest customers have become accustomed to.
With the integration of The Urban Butler team, the new Urban Rest New Zealand team aims to aggressively expand its presence across key cities, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Urban Rest's acquisition of The Urban Butler underscores its commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering unparalleled value to its customers. As Urban Rest continues to redefine the corporate accommodation landscape, the acquisition sets the stage for even greater success in the dynamic hospitality industry.
ABOUT THE URBAN BUTLER
Established in 2017 by Jon Lawry, The Urban Butler is a beloved short-term rental company rooted in Auckland, New Zealand. With a focus on providing exceptional apartment options and prioritising top-notch service, we have earned a reputation for reliability and warmth within our industry.
Our journey began with Jon's eye-opening trip to Europe in 2016. Inspired by the welcoming atmosphere and personal connections forged between hosts and guests, Jon returned to New Zealand determined to recreate this enriching experience. Starting with just one property in Ponsonby, The Urban Butler was born out of a desire to offer travellers more than just accommodation – but a genuine taste of local life.
Today, The Urban Butler boasts a collection of charming apartments dotted across central Auckland. Each space is carefully curated to blend comfort with a sense of belonging, fostering an environment where guests can truly unwind and connect with the essence of our city
For more information about The Urban Butler, please visit www.urbanbutler.com.
ABOUT URBAN REST
Urban Rest Apartments, launched in 2017 by founder David Whelan, was born out of a vision to revolutionise extended stay accommodations for business travellers. After experiencing the challenges of finding high-quality serviced apartments during his extensive travels, Whelan sought to create a brand that would seamlessly blend the luxury of premium hotels with the flexibility of short-term rentals.
Catering specifically to the business travel segment, Urban Rest offers meticulously designed apartments with comprehensive facilities, facilitating comfortable extended stays in prime locations. In just a few years, Urban Rest has earned a reputation as a trusted and high-quality provider of extended stay accommodations, cultivating a loyal customer base across Australia, New Zealand and Europe.
As a next-generation accommodation provider, Urban Rest is reshaping the way people experience travel. Committed to delivering unparalleled customer service and leveraging technology for a seamless experience, our overarching vision is to establish Urban Rest as a global hospitality brand.
The company's core values centre around reducing stress at every stage of the customer journey, ensuring a consistently high-quality product and service from booking to check-out. Urban Rest's dedication to sustainability and well-being extends across the key pillars of mind, body, and planet.
For more information about Urban Rest and its properties, please visit www.stayurbanrest.com.
Jeff Baars
Chief Commercial Officer, Urban Rest
Urban Rest
