AccorHotels, the largest venue and accommodation provider for meetings and events, have removed the hard work for business event organisers by scouring its network of over 330 hotels and resorts across Australia for the most up-to-date meetings, incentive, conferencing and events news in preparation for AIME 2019.
Presenting their largest portfolio of brands ever ahead of AIME 2019, since AIME last year, AccorHotels have enlarged their Pacific portfolio by a third, acquiring the Mantra Group of properties, expanding the network by 138 hotels and 20,000 guestrooms, with the addition of Art Series, Peppers, Mantra, and BreakFree branded properties across Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Indonesia.
2019 hotel openings
Art Series Hotels’ newest property at Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane is on track to open in March 2019. Named after acclaimed Australian painter Vincent Fantauzzo, The Fantauzzo will feature 166 guest rooms with custom contemporary furnishings, showcasing both original artworks and up to 500 reproductions of his most recognised works. The six-storey hotel will also offer three conference rooms, fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, plus four distinct food and beverage outlets and an impressive rooftop pool boasting spectacular views of the Brisbane River and CBD.
Scheduled to open this April, Fiji’s newest destination is Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, located on the beachfront of Wailoaloa, just a 10-minute drive from Port Denarau and the Nadi International Airport. With 611 square metres of meeting and event space, four private meetings spaces catering for up to 400 people theatre style and large outdoor event spaces, the resort is perfectly suited for conferences and incentives. Pullman Nadi Bay Resort & Spa also offers innovative break-out options, state-of-the-art audiovisual and is adjacent to a 18-hole golf course.
Mantra Epping, a new-build $70 million hotel development in Melbourne’s booming north, is scheduled to open in May 2019. The contemporary 214-room hotel will feature a mix of hotel rooms and apartments, state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities, a café/restaurant, brewhouse, gymnasium, and an extensive open car park and secure bicycle storage. Occupying a prime corner position at 250 Cooper Street within the prestigious Northpoint Enterprise Park at Epping, Melbourne’s fastest growing expansion corridor just 18km north of the CBD, Mantra Epping will provide a market-leading hotel offering, well positioned to become the region’s premier corporate, meetings and leisure hotel.
Set to open November 2019, Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel, will boast 250 luxurious guestrooms each unique in design, marrying both exclusivity and comfort allowing guests to feel at home. Featuring four meeting rooms with a grand ballroom capacity of 440 attendees, two restaurants, a rooftop bar and swimming pool. The five star hotel is located adjacent to world renowned Chadstone, The Fashion Capital, with views of Melbourne’s skyline, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges.
Recent hotel openings
Making a bold statement in the heart of the city is SO/ Auckland, which opened in November 2018, with its playful, bold and audacious avant-garde design by the hotel’s signature designer WORLD. SO/ Auckland is a designer masterpiece which playfully showcases a cosmopolitan soul, intertwined with the vibrant urbanite spirit. SO/ boasts six energetic conference spaces for up to 200 delegates, state-of-the-art technology and catering from a kitchen helmed by Michelin-starred Chef, Marc De Passorio. SO/ Auckland is the city’s newest place to see and be seen.
Opening in November 2018, towering above its discreet location on Little Londsdale Street, the dual-branded new-build Novotel Melbourne Central & Ibis Melbourne Central, connects travellers to the centre of Australia’s cultural capital. Immerse in Melbourne’s famous laneways and shopping only steps away, or take advantage of the free tram network connecting all corners of the city. Housed in a 35-floor tower, the complex is home to restaurants Goldie Canteen + Brews and Pretty Boy Italian Steakhouse, as well as Floyd’s bar. Novotel Melbourne Central & Ibis Melbourne Central boast three meeting rooms with natural daylight in a tech savvy environment for up to 50 guests.
The first hotel to open in Albury in more than three years, Mantra Albury Hotelmade a big impact to NSW’s Riverina region when it opened in July 2018. Located in the city’s business district, the hotel’s conference facilities include five meeting rooms and a flexible floor plan, which allows for up to 140 delegates theatre-style, 120 banquet style, or cocktail events for 200. Two separate smaller rooms can serve as boardrooms for up to 14 or breakout rooms. All of the hotel’s one and two bedroom studios boast floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Albury and out to the Victorian Alps and Kiewa Valley. Onsite amenities include a restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception, internet lounge, gym, and an exclusive Sky Lounge available to hire on the top floor with sky lighting, wet bar and comfortable lounge seating.
Launceston’s iconic new hotel, Peppers Silo Hotel, has received great acclaim since opening its doors in June 2018. Located in a prime position on the edge of the Tamar River and close to the beautiful Cataract Gorge, the once unused grain silo barrels have transformed into a $25-million luxury-by-design redevelopment which includes one and two bedroom apartments, an award-winning restaurant and state-of-the-art contemporary conference facilities for up to 500 people.
One of Melbourne’s newest playgrounds to dine, shop and stay is Novotel Melbourne South Wharf, which opened in April 2018, providing an exceptional level of service, right next door to the DFO South Wharf direct factory outlets. Towering 26 levels above Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the hotel stands out amongst the crowd with its distinctive gold façade and sophisticated fitout, reflecting the very latest in hotel and interior design trends.
South West Sydney’s newest five-star hotel, The William Inglis Hotel, MGallery by Sofitel, which opened in January 2018, is a $140 million project developed by William Inglis & Sons. Celebrating the history of Inglis and the thoroughbred industry, the hotel features a boutique equine theme throughout, with 144 deluxe accommodation rooms including 22 luxurious suites and one presidential suite. With 23 function rooms, along with a wedding pavilion nestled among the stunning garden, the Big Barn is one of the hotel’s most popular spaces, made from recycled timber from the Newmarket complex. The hotel also features, Talisa Spa Wellness Centre, a 20 metre heated pool overlooking the precinct and The Newmarket restaurant boasting a paddock to plate style menu.
New product
Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains, MGallery by Sofitel, the largest conference resort in the Blue Mountains, has just launched a brand new spa, Ubika Day Spa. The grand, two-storey spa boasts 16 treatment rooms, each with its own shower, featuring four couples rooms including one deluxe couples room with private spa bath, double vichy shower room, a zen room to relax pre and post treatment in front of a fireplace in the World Heritage-listed National Park, complimented by Australian-made iKOU spa products.
Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney, MGallery by Sofitel’s new restaurant, Tayim, has received a dramatic redesign including an expansion of the former venue into a larger bar and dining area, with design and interiors by Sydney Architects, Welsh + Major. In keeping with the historical features of the heritage building built in 1887, the sandstone walls have been lovingly restored to create an inviting space with a relaxed atmosphere. Contemporary furnishings feature lightened marble, wood, and bespoke wall coverings to complement a colour palate of earthy tones. The Middle-Eastern inspired Tayim menu, designed by Head Chef Ran Kimelfeld (former Head Chef, Nour), showcases the region’s most flavoursome dishes; focusing on bold, exotic share plates cooked using traditional methods on the open grill.
Following its $100 million purchase of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort in September 2018, The Shakespeare property group has announced a new, purpose-built convention centre build at the resort. The $8 million Convention Centre will be the destination’s pre-eminent event venue when it opens in April 2019. Shakespeare Property Group are planning to invest a total of $10 million dollars in further upgrades to the resort and Convention Centre at the resort over the next couple of years.
Opening in November 2018, The Hindmarsh Club is an exclusive up-market offering at Pullman Adelaide’s executive, corporate, and return guests. A hallmark of every Pullman hotel, the Executive Lounge offers a private and quiet workspace with office facilities, together with a private meeting room featuring full connectivity and the latest technology.
Novotel Surfers Paradise on the sunny Gold Coast has recently unveiled a new-look outdoor event space, On#5 Rooftop Bar. Hidden away on level five’s recreation rooftop it is the perfect stage from which to hold a private outdoor function. A relaxed and trendy rooftop bar space caters for up to 200 guests cocktail style. On#5 Green will wow guests with their own exclusive rooftop terrace garden, surrounded by the scenic Gold Coast city lights. This blank canvas is suitable for gala dinner functions, casual dinners, or networking drinks and can cater for up to 150 guests cocktail style or 120 seated. In addition Novotel Surfers Paradise, in conjunction with Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club have released a range of beach team building activites, coached by some of Australia’s top ironmen and women.
Refurbishments
Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau Island Fiji, is in the midst of a multi-million dollar refurbishment project including expansion plans for the resort’s exclusive adults-only, Waitui Beach Club. To enhance the overall guest experience, the rejuvenation project centres around increasing the footprint of the resort’s popular Waitui Beach Club, with the addition of 24 new beach cabanas, a welcoming arrivals area, a new beach side cocktail bar to capture Fiji’s famous sunsets, and an undercover dining space for up to 40 guests. Waitui Beach Club’s guestrooms and suites will also undergo an entire refresh as well as its restaurant space. In addition, a new offering for children will see the development of an “Adolescent Zone” and a Waitui Beach Club for Kids. The multi-million rejuvenation of the resort includes the upgrade of all five restaurants and four bar outlets with new and exciting concepts, soon to be announced. Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa’s main restaurant Lagoon will undergo a revamp to a fully interactive experience for both breakfast and dinner.
Novotel Sydney Central has recently unveiled their new-look event space, with the completion of a refurbishment to the hotels’ popular ballroom. The ballroom seats up to 230 guests banquet style and 180 cabaret style, with the exciting new addition of “The Grove” – an exclusive outdoor garden rooftop, hidden away amongst the high-rise of Sydney CBD. Perfect for hosting outdoor breakout sessions, picnic style catering breaks or morning yoga or boxing classes. Secure your next 2019 event with day delegate packages starting from $70 per person. During the warmer months, upgrade to The Grove for a picnic style lunch from an additional $10 per person. All events booked before 31 March 2019 will receive a complimentary night’s stay for the event organiser including breakfast.
Mercure Sydney International Airport’s newly refreshed Grand Ballroom with spacious interiors accommodates up to 400 people. It’s the only venue in the area currently offering vehicular access in pillarless space.
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour has recently completed a $15 million room refresh across each of the hotel’s 525 guestrooms. Offering five room types from the Superior Rooms to the Executive Loft Suites the spacious rooms feature beautiful views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney City Skyline, providing ample opportunity to take advantage of the stunning iconic location. The refreshed design is both aesthetic and functional, modern and timeless, featuring warm colours, new lighting concepts, heavenly new King Koil beds by A.H.Beard, state of the art Wi-Fi connections, 48-inch HD smart TV’s and media hubs including comfortable working and dining areas.
Novotel Geelong are excited to announce the completion of a $3.5 million refurbishment, its first major renovation project since opening in 2001. Boasting one of the best locations in Geelong right on the waterfront and in the heart of the CBD, Novotel Geelong is the city’s premier conferencing hotel. The refurbishment has involved a full upgrade of all 109 guestrooms with a new paint scheme, carpet, curtains, furniture, and smart TVs. The bathrooms have also been updated with a fresh and modern look.
Mercure Darwin Airport is proud to announce the completed refurbishment of its restaurant and bar space. Rebranded to ‘Cossie’s Poolside Bistro and Bar’ and seating up to 120 guests, with a local and Australian-inspired menu. Ideal for conferences with the option to break poolside for a BBQ lunch, set in lush tropical surrounds taking advantage of Darwin’s sunny weather all year round.
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is in the midst of a comprehensive transformation spanning guestrooms, bars, restaurants, meeting and event spaces and lobby area. Taking advantage of the regions tropical weather, the resort will be operating three unique food and beverage outlets which will encompass an artfully styled tropic-chic indoor/outdoor bar, alfresco restaurant and poolside beach club, all offering guests a rich variety of Polynesian fusion inspired experiences. All guestrooms are spacious, bright and overlook the resort’s gardens or lagoon style pool. The rooms feature a neutral timber-look flooring and cabinetry with complementing hues of purple and teal which exude tropical sophistication. Thoughtfully designed and equipped, the five internal meeting spaces will cater for up to 200 guests and brand new AV. The resort’s expansive grounds and lagoon style pool allow for unique outdoor dinners, cocktail parties and team building activities.
Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, the Margaret Region’s premier beachfront conference and incentive venue, have unveiled an extensive $25k audiovisual refurbishment, introducing seamless connectivity solutions for conference clients, complementing the resort’s indoor and outdoor event spaces including a jaw-dropping ocean-view terrace overlooking Bunker Bay. The resort is renowned for delivering exceptional immersive delegate activities that showcase the vibrant tapestry of the Margaret River Region, celebrating its unique history and culture. Activities include indigenous dancing and fishing lessons hosted by local Wardandi Elders, private pastry classes with Pullman’s Michelin-star experienced French pastry chef and private tastings with the region’s leading winemakers. To help make getting to the magical Margaret River Region even easier, the resort now have a number of special offers than include complimentary luxury coach transfers to and from Perth.
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