A PALATIAL BUILDING

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2970, 6 January 1917, Page 9

A PALATIAL BUILDING

«— J r THE NEW MIDLAND HOTEL. Tie claim that Wellington possesses the finest hotel in Australasia may seem bold. But it is justified by the fact, as experienced travellers are propared to testify. When the now Midland Hotel, whose artistic facade is ona ofthe features of Lambton Quay, ■was being planned nearly two years ago, the owners set themselves a very high standard. They had gathered information concerning the great hotels of Europe and Amerioaj and they aimed at the erection in this city of a building that in design, fittings, and furnishings would tear comparison with the best that has been produced elsewhere. _ They instructed architects and builders accordingly, and the result is to be eeen in the completed structure. The visitor to the Midland enters by raassivo swing-doors from Lambton Quay, and finds himself —or herself — in a large vestibule, with marble and tile _ flooring and decorations in the mission style. The main .staircaso and the elevator ascend from this vestibule To tho left is the big dining hall,_ a beautiful apartment with decorations and furnishings of walnut, and seats for more than one hundred and twenty ; guests. . Beyond are to. bo found a : luxurious lounge and a winter garden, where creepers, ferns, and pot-plants lend an air of sylvan beauty to the ! gkss-domed chamber. At night the whole of this floor has the mellow glow ' of indirect lights, contained in heavy [ metal fittings that swing from tho beamed ceilings. A visit to the residential portion of the house is bewildering to any person unacquainted with the modern , practice of home-making as applied to the most famous hotels. Every room in the house has been decorated and . furnished by experts, with an eye to comfort and' artistic effect j no two , rooms are alike, and every piece of fur- ' niture, every_ carpet and rug, belongs , obviously to its own.room. There is a ' definite colour scheme for each chamber, and tho soft, rich floor coverings harmonise with the stained and polished woodwork, tho carefully-chosen drapings, and tho specially-designed beds, wardrobes, duchesses' and cabinets. The mere statement that no expense has been spared does not tell the story, because monoy can be spdnt badly. Tho results attained at the Midland Hotel Biiggosfc in any group of rooms tho work of an artistic woman, for- '. tunato enough to bo ablo to arrange tho homo of her droams. Tho old-fashioned washstand has no • placo at the Midland Hotel, because ; there is a fixed porcelain basin, sup- | plied always with hot and cold water, m every bedroom. All the suites and l ninny of tho bedrooms havo thoir privnto hathronms. In addition there aro eight other liatlii'ooms on each floor. Each bathroom is lined with whito tiles, relieved daintily with blue. Tho baths are of .white rwrcslain. aad^

attached aro shower cabinets for the use of visitors who lack time or_ inclination for tho plunge. There is a telephone in every bedroom, and guests may call up their friends at any time through the houso bureau. Each floor has its own reception lounge, near the lift. ■• Every bedroom has a radiator, deep, mirror-fronted cupboards for garments, and special switches for control of the lights from tho bed or elsewhere. Many of the large rooms nave fireplaces as ( well as radiators, for the pleasure of guests who like the cheerful glow of the_ burning coals. A typical suite consists of sitting- ] room, bedroom, dressing-room, and bathroom. The furniture is of rosewood, in charming antique designs. The caxpets are as soft in colouring as they are to the feet. A few good pictures are on the walls, and ono or two ornaments adorn the high mantlepiecoj over the while-tiled fireplace. Every detail has been arranged to en- : sure comfort and ease. The whole effect is harmonious, restful, and beautiful, and the impression ;is retained by the visitor, who passes from suoh a ' suite to the single and double bedrooms that will meet the convenience of the majority of guests. There are other points that should he mentioned in this brief description of the new hotel. The partitions aro sound proof, with tho result that the rooms,, even those facing on the busy quay, have quietness and privacy. The floors, of : heavy wood and concrete, are practically fireproof and steady, and the arrangement of the big building has secured tho free access of light and air to every room, small and large. The Slidland Hotel, in short, represents for Now Zealand a new ideal and a new achievement.