From coal dust to cocktails
Newcastle comes of age with two five-star hotels
Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) CEO, Michael Johnson has described the addition of luxury hotels, Crystalbrook Kingsley and QT Newcastle as “further testament to the changing face of Newcastle.”
Mr Johnson, who recently paid a visit to both hotels, said for a city once renowned for manufacturing and heavy industry, Newcastle is quickly becoming a destination for both tourist and corporate travellers alike.
“So much thought has gone into the refurbishment of both these iconic buildings, and they really are spectacular to behold.”
At Crystalbrook Kingsley, formerly known as ‘the roundhouse’ and home to Newcastle City Council, Mr Johnson met with General Manager Carl Taranto to learn more about the venue and its offerings.
“Crystalbrook Kingsley, which opened mid-last year, was Newcastle’s first luxury hotel and has a real focus on sustainability as well as first-class service,” Mr Johnson said.
“Through a partnership with the University of Newcastle, the venue embraces upcycling and other forward-thinking initiatives which really showcases a commitment to sustainability as well as luxury.”
QT Newcastle’s General Manager, Michael Stamboulidis, also provided a behind the scenes look at the city’s newest five-star hotel, which opened last month.
“QT Newcastle stands on an iconic site in Newcastle and pays homage to its original David Jones roots while also offering visitors a level of luxury that is synonymous with the QT brand,” Mr Johnson said.
“From showcasing iconic metal fixtures exposed during the 1989 earthquake, to a five-star rooftop bar, and hallways reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, there is so much to love about this property.”
Mike Parker-Brown is a UK-trained and qualified journalist and an award-winning travel communicator with more than 30 years experience.
Since 2002, Mike has worked as a freelance writer and PR consultant providing his services to major organisations in Australia and internationally in the tourism, aviation, hospitality, recruitment and export marketing sectors.
