What are the latest multi-million-dollar additions to Australia’s hotel scene?

Plans have been revealed for a major new $225 million slimline hotel and apartment tower above a cinema complex on Sydney’s George Street.

The Event Hospitality and Entertainment proposal is for a 43-storey tower to adjoin Mirvac and Coombes’ already approved $1 billion, 80-storey skyscraper planned to rise above the existing Event Cinemas facility.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”15046″ align=”left”]Event has proposed the part demolition of the existing movie complex to make way for construction of a 150-metre tower with 12 residential levels, 22 hotel storeys and new cinema and retail facilities on the ground and podium levels.

The hotel lobby will front Kent Street, while 525 George Street – currently integrated with the cinema complex – is set to be redeveloped into a retail podium, new cinema lobby, pool area and conference facilities.

A design competition, with input invited from at least three architecture firms, will follow council endorsement of the proposal with speculation the hotel may become a QT, the boutique brand owned by Event.

Modular marvel

Accor is planning to unveil the world’s largest high-rise modular hotel in Perth next month.

The ibis Styles East Perth, which on completion will boast more rooms than any existing modular accom property, is scheduled to open in the WA capital this September.

Ibis Styles East Perth will add 252 guest rooms across 18 floors to East Perth’s hotel supply, yet another threat to RevPAR and occupancy for the city’s existing hoteliers.

According to Accor, each room will have “a uniquely styled entrance, with splashes of vibrancy highlighted throughout the build, complementing the hotel’s fresh, innovative and fun-loving brand”.

Located within walking distance of Optus Stadium and the WACA at 69 Adelaide Terrace, the hotel encompasses the new Eastside Social Bar and offers a 24-hour gym and high-tech working spaces for guests and locals.

Accor Pacific’s chief operating officer, Simon McGrath, said “The economy hotel sector is rapidly changing in Australia with our economy hotel product becoming vastly different from where it was even a decade ago.

“Guests are increasingly sensitive to the aesthetics of a hotel space and to the sensations stirred by design elements: they expect more than just ‘accommodation’.”

Pokolbin pearl

Minor Hotels has taken ownership of the award-winning Golden Door Elysia Health Retreat and Spa retreat at Pokolbin in the NSW Hunter Valley.

The 74-villa property will operate as Elysia Wellness Retreat, expanding on its existing wellbeing philosophy with new programs from 2020.

Minor are the owners of Anantara Spa, Avani Spa, Elemis Spa Therapy and Balance Wellness by Anantara, boasting a “team of wellbeing experts” who will develop the program offered at the luxury Pokolbin property.

“We are thrilled to acquire the health and wellness retreat, currently operating under Golden Door, as our foray into the thriving wellbeing sector of Australian tourism,” said Craig Hooley, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels Australia and New Zealand.

“Our understanding of holistic retreat programs and insights into the health minded traveller is extensive, having operated leading spas and wellbeing programs in our hotels for many years. We are keen to bring our experience to this 18-acre retreat in New South Wales.”

Preston Quest

Melbourne’s norther suburbs are to get a new Quest Apartment Hotel as part of a new mixed-used property in Preston.

Valued at more than $38 million, the six-storey property will encompass 79 Quest serviced apartments and 21 private apartments over three floors as well as ground floor shops and a basement car park. Quest Apartment Hotels general manager for growth, James Shields, said:

“Located on the iconic shopping strip of High Street, visitors will soon be able to take full advantage of what Preston has to offer at one of our premium apartment hotels.

“With easy access to key drivers such as Melbourne Polytechnic, Northland Shopping Centre, and a burgeoning reputation for its multicultural food offering this property will be attractive to both corporate and leisure travellers,” Mr Shields continued.

The property is one of two new Quest Apartment Hotels currently being developed in partnership with Pellicano, with Quest Robina on Queensland’s Gold Coast currently under construction.