A new design-forward hotel brand is set for Australia and New Zealand, initially opening properties in Christchurch and Byron Bay.
Drifter, a unique hybrid hotel concept, will add a unique lifestyle brand to these frequently visited locales, with plans to grow steadily with two more properties earmarked for 2025.
Drifter Byron Bay and Drifter Christchurch will be opening in just a few months, centering social experience for guests as well as providing an innovative design aesthetic aimed at a younger demographic or those who want to keep things nice and boutique while immersing themselves in these trendy destinations.
The new hotel brand joins a swathe of lifestyle hotels re-arranging the traditional model and giving fans a nice middle ground between upscale hostel and full-blown hotel. I like to think of them as Premium Economy, which for the aviation industry has been one of the fastest growing categories over the past few years.
But Drifter seems to take a bit further, locking in its own identity with a comprehensive range of rooms from superior private suites and premium shared bunk rooms. Amenities are also wide-ranging, with workspaces, bars, dining areas, wellbeing studios, and a roster of ongoing social and cultural events partnering with local and international artists and musicians.
“With Drifter, we want to create experience-based precincts that appeal to all types of travellers from across the globe,” said co-founder Joshua Hunt.
“Drifters have the vibrancy and energy of a shared accommodation venue combined with the curation of music, art, food, drinks and culture most often seen in boutique hotel offerings.”
Driver Christchurch will be the first one to open, welcoming guests from May 2024. The property has adapted one of Christchurch’s great heritage buildings at 96 Lichfield Street with 95 rooms and a range of amenities. This includes a 150-seat bar, co-working space, meeting rooms and wellness space, and several retails venues as well as some other beverage concepts.
Byron Bay’s Drifter will follow in June 2024, where Melbourne’s Anthology Studio has worked on a 52-room property with a communal courtyard hosting a sundeck, firepit, plunge pools and entertainment areas at 1 Lateen Lane.
New Zealand will get the lion’s share of new Drifter properties, at least initially. Already on the schedule are properties in Auckland and Wellington.
Best part? It’s affordable. Which is important considering what’s going on with the economy right now. Rates for Drifter Christchurch start at A$190 for a private queen room, and A$75 per bed for a premium shared bunk room. Rates at Byron Bay are yet to be confirmed but I imagine it’ll be similar affordable.
For more information visit thedriter.com.
