Nesuto Docklands: Ethos of compassion and caring
Nesuto is the Japanese pronunciation of ‘nest’, this aligns with the accommodation’s brand values of being nurturing, compassionate & empathic
The first property under the Nesuto brand has arrived in Victoria, with the opening of Nesuto Docklands. The $100 million new-build apartment hotel is the 14th Nesuto branded hotel operated by Daiwa Living Nesuto across Australia and New Zealand.
Nesuto has a footprint of 14 properties and 1,150 keys across eight locations in its Australian and New Zealand portfolio, with plans to triple this footprint over the next five years.
Our latest AccomNews print issue is available now. Read it HERE
The Nesuto Docklands development was first announced in August 2020 in partnership with real estate investment firm AsheMorgan.
Designed by Fender Katsalidas Architects, and built by Hacer Group, Nesuto Docklands features modern, apartment-style accommodation with studios and each one and two-bedroom apartments equipped with a full kitchen, internal laundry, spacious living and dining areas with separate bedrooms, and a gymnasium for guests.
Daiwa Living Nesuto Chief Executive Officer Mark Ronfeldt said he was thrilled to bring the new-build Nesuto apartment hotel to Melbourne.
“Nesuto Docklands will set a new standard in the apartment hotel space in our region,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming guests who are seeking a superior apartment-hotel experience in the heart of The District Docklands which is evolving into one of Melbourne city’s premier entertainment and lifestyle precincts.
“Our strategic partnership with AsheMorgan has enabled us to work together to deliver an extraordinary product that further enhances The District Docklands offerings for visitors to Melbourne.
“A new apartment hotel such as Nesuto Docklands will provide both business and leisure travellers with a true ‘live like a local’ experience whether they visit Melbourne for conferences or pleasure including major cultural or sporting events.”
With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, Nesuto Docklands General Manager Damon Lunardello said he was honoured to be at the helm of Nesuto’s latest development.
“It is a privilege and wonderful opportunity for me to lead the Nesuto Docklands team,” he said.
“My experience and passion for hospitality and sales spans over 25 years and I have enjoyed working in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK across all facets of the industry including accommodation, food and beverage, gaming, and sales.
“We are very lucky to have a great team of hotel professionals on board and my right-hand colleague, Executive Assistant Manager, Jack Guo comes with decades of experience in the Melbourne market and is a specialist in the apartment hotel sector.”
An ethos of compassion and caring
Nesuto is the Japanese pronunciation of ‘nest’, and this aligns with the accommodation’s brand values of being nurturing, compassionate, empathic, and providing a ‘real’ environment for leisure and corporate guests.
This ethos is clearly reflected in Nesuto’s flexible booking terms, which put guests first by allowing free cancellations up until 6 pm on the day of arrival.
Nesuto combines the freedom of apartment living with all the benefits of a hotel.
Compared to more traditional hotel rooms, Nesuto Docklands allows guests to live like a local and immerse themselves in Melbourne’s nightlife or choose to enjoy a relaxed night in.
“Our guests experience the Nesuto way of travelling with a unique touch at every property,” Mr Lunardello said.
“The Nesuto portfolio features hotels and apartment hotels with public spaces full of character and thoughtfully created guest apartments in carefully chosen locations. Our dedicated guest relations teams ensure stays are comfortable, personalised, and memorable.
“We make guests’ lives stress-free by providing everything they need to create the stay they want. Nesuto Docklands creates a sense of lifestyle luxury with a cosy welcome, designed to reflect the distinctly Melbourne destination feel.
“Apartment style living is carefully considered throughout, and each apartment is complete with a range of benefits including fully equipped kitchens for self-catering, separate bedrooms, plus internal laundry facilities which are ideal for our long stay guests, groups, and families.
“Great views are featured from all rooms and angles including the Melbourne port, bay, city, and The District precinct.”
And for added convenience, Nesuto’s locale provides guests access to a range of amenities at their doorstep.
“There’s no need to worry about walking miles to buy travel essentials, with Nesuto Docklands being conveniently positioned above The District’s Market Lane everyday needs precinct – home to a Woolworths supermarket, Dan Murphy’s, and Chemist Warehouse,” Mr Lunardello said.
“The apartment hotel is the perfect offering and location for business travellers, families and holidaying groups looking to explore Melbourne, supported by two onsite car parks and easy access to the city via the free tram zone.”
Technology and sustainability are two cornerstones of Nesuto Docklands and have been thoughtfully incorporated throughout the build.
Mr Lunardello is particularly passionate about the apartment hotel’s commitment to sustainability, with environmentally conscious elements embraced across the entire development.
Some of these features include solar panels to run the hotel, rooftop rainwater to flush toilets, operate lighting and temperature sensors in guest rooms.
When it comes to technology, Nestuto Docklands have used the latest technological advances to build upon its ethos of creating a nurturing environment.
“The latest technology ensures guests will be delivered an amazing experience with unlimited wifi and Google Chrome cast TV for personal streaming,” Mr Lunardello said.
“When guests check in, reception activates their preferred air-conditioning temperature for the room via the property management system (PMS).”
Despite only opening on March 1, 2023, Nesuto Docklands has quickly developed a loyal base of guests- with some returning already for a second stay!
“Pleasingly the feedback so far has been outstanding,” Mr Lunardello said.
“Our guests love the design and location of our hotel and have really enjoyed all that the District Docklands has to offer. Comments have been made regarding the ease of onsite car parking, and the ease and speed of the free public transport to all areas of Melbourne from our property.
“It was a real highlight to welcome back our first return guest in the first week of operation, so we are very proud of the team for their outstanding service and making our first guests’ stays memorable and personalised.”
Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.
