THE ALBERT HOTEL.

NZ Truth, Issue 118, 21 September 1907, Page 4

THE ALBERT HOTEL.

What a little good management and the expenditure of a few Tiounds can do m effecting a change m a hotel was never better demonstrated than as m the '- Albert," since the advent of Mr T. Ashman. The hotel is one of the oldest m Wellington, and until a few months ago it looked it. To-day it looks one of ths newest— that is, judging it from the outside- ,*, from the inside it not only looks new but it is new. From basement floor to top-most ceiling it has been repainted, re-papered, re-carpeted, and re-furnished. From an ordinary li^ censed house it h^as been transformed into a first-class residential hotel, and it is quite safe to say that for. its size it outclasses any hotel m Wellington, or, for the matter of that, m New Zealand. One of the principal improvements has been the opening up of an entrance from Boul-cott-street.. This entrance, which, when the lawn is' in good order,, the paths properly laid down, will be a magnificent one, leads directly into the residential part of the house, quite away from the bars. One pathway leads to the sitting-room and the other to the smoking and dining rooms. ' '

Mr Ashman, who is. so well-known all over New Zealand through his long connection with Messrs Strang* and Co- m their furnishing departments, personally supervised the refurnishing of the hotel. He i» to b» congratulated upon his effort. The dining-room is a picture. Paperei m dark red, with a freize to match, it is at once warm and comfortablelook ins, but to add to its comfort and cheerfulness is a big fireplace with mantelpiece and fumish"'n-s of polished oak and ornamented witi* old English pewter, the lastest fashion m dining-room ornamentation. The tables ars all daintily laid out with the newest cutlery and brightest silver, while each is lighted yriVh an electric bulb m tha centre, covered with a light colored shade, giving ample light without glare.

The Commercial and writing rooms are equally well fitted, and afford the greatest comfort a visitor could possibly wish. An ample number of oak desks surround the writingroom,; each one being absolutely private. Swing cane chairs of the newest pattern have been supplied. The color scheme is light green.

The sitting room is a master piece. The Axmlnster carpet sinks beneath your feet, and the luxurious easy chairs suggest an Oriental dream. The walls are lemon-tinted, pointed with rose, and every article m th*» room harmonises to perfection. A fine Beohstein grand piano is provided for the use of guests, an* some very fine pictures and pieces of statuary please the eve. The bedrooms are all, big and airy, some of them being lift high. Th© best of linen, carpet and bed room furniture is provided. Everything iff new, and inspires the greatest con* fidence m the cleanliness and caTO that prevails. All the passages and stairs ar» carpeted with rich red Axminster, secured with well-polished brass furnishings. The. attendance, thew table, the standard of liquor, arelßflF^ffTfrSEPing with the rest of the house, afWN proclaim it to he, although small, one of the best m New Zentond.