Alan Blundell – Ohtel Hotel Owner

Alan Blundell & Jerry Bridge catching up at the very special boutique Ohtel hotel in Wellington

1) Who are you and what do you do?

Alan Blundell, named after my Dad and Grandfather. Father of four children, hotelier and sometimes architect.

2) Any achievements you would like to share with us?

Well, since my debut in the 1982 Wainuiomata Xmas parade as a teenager dressed in a fairy outfit riding a tandem bike with a dodgy chain – it’s hard to think of anything significant… I’ve played Masters touch rugby and netball with a bit of success.

3) Why do you like living in Wellington?

Wellington is small enough not to suffer the neighbourhood divisions of larger cities meaning there is an underlying acceptance of others – we all live in reasonable proximity, so racial and socioeconomic division seems less of an issue here.

4) What’s your most favourite memory of Wellington?

In the late 80’s/early 90’s long before the waterfront was redeveloped and we only had a grey shingle beach, they used to have a ‘Rock Barge’ summer event in Oriental Bay that drew thousands out to enjoy the sun.

5) If you like coffee – which cafe serves up the best for you? (!) 

I like a couple of the smaller coffee shops in the city, ‘Customs’ in  Ghuznee Street, and ‘Six Barrell Soda Co.’ in Eva Street.

The wonderful boutique Ohtel right on the seafront minutes away from both Coutenay Place and Oriental Parade

Fortunately, despite a shortage of boutique style luxury properties in Wellington, the good news is that there is one – the much talked about Ohtel – right on the waterfront with spectacular views across the bay.