Hotel in line for new look

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 291, 20 June 1989, Page 13

Hotel in line for new look

Ohakune Hotel proprietors, Vicki and Rick Lowe, have big plans for their new business.

The couple from Putaruru, bought the Hotel free-hold from former Hoteliers Bruce and Mary Leggatt, taking control May 1. The Lowes have had a long association with the hotel business, stemming back to 1976 when they operated the Club Hotel in Pahiatua and later, the Morrinsville Hotel. They moved to Havelock North in 1986 and opened 'Arden Lodge' - a converted house accommodating 10 guests. The lodge took 12 months to convert and was run by the Lowes a further 12 months. They were owner/operators of the South Waikato Motor

Inn in Putaruru for 11 months before moving to Ohakune. Enthusiastic 1116 couple are enthusiastic about the Hotel's potential. Short-term plans include a total re-vamp of the lounge bar, the end result being a licenced cafe. Already on the drawing board are plans to install picture windows for improved mountain views and building extensions onto the street. The Lowes say renovations will start after the ski season. Once completed the premises may be hired for special occasions and such functions as weddings catered for.

The appearance of the public bar has been much improved by new wallpaper and a coat of paint, undertaken in the past week.

Also planned is an affiliation between the Hotel and New Zealand discount liquor company, Green Bottle Liqour. Mr Lowe said

the company has a large nationwide franchise, giving businesses better buying power and in doing so, enabling retailers to

sell cheaper liquor. Both are very in-* volved with the Hotel's operation and maintain that the business re-

quires seven day a week attention. The Lowes have eight children, aged 18-30 years.