City revitalisation sees Newcastle hotel go 4½-star
Newcastle accommodation operators are enhancing their services and facilities as part of a city centre revitalisation strategy, set to bring more holidaymakers, students and corporate travellers to Newcastle. In Charlestown, Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel has been upgraded from a 4 to 4½-star hotel by Star Ratings Australia after completing extensive refurbishments to its guest rooms and public spaces.
“This is a huge achievement for us and a proud moment for all our staff who put everything into getting the hotel to where it is today,” said Richard Christie, manager of Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel. “It’s a great time to receive this news, with finishing touches just going on our carpets and a new interior look using local artists’ paintings and prints in all the rooms.”
A two hour drive from Sydney via the F3 expressway and 10 minutes south of the Newcastle CBD, Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel’s rating will be promoted to local corporate clients, Sydney weekenders and international business travellers.
“We’ve been working hard to grow interest in Newcastle now, ahead of the tourism boom the city will no doubt experience in the next five years,” Mr Christie said. “This has helped give Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel exposure as an all-in-one meetings and accommodation supplier to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.”
Best Western Plus Apollo International Hotel has 94 deluxe, superior, spa and executive rooms offering free Wi-fi, iPod docking stations, LCD TVs and sparkling en-suite bathrooms with large charcoal feature tiles and upgraded amenities. The hotel has recently updated its gym and four function spaces used for meetings and events, with the largest accommodating up to 180 people.
The hotel’s fully licensed restaurant, Babbington’s Bar and Grill, has also released a new spring menu integrating European influences with seasonal Australian produce.
