DESCRIBED AS a discreet haven for travellers, the boutique Basq House hotel is set to open this autumn in Byron Bay.
The 32-room property is in the village centre, providing guests the ideal opportunity to explore the hinterland, vibrant restaurant scene and renowned beach culture.
With a distinct indoor-outdoor aesthetic, the hotel consists of a reception area that doubles as a bar, a speakeasy-style lounge room which flows through to the outdoors and a library with bespoke floor-to-ceiling bookcases.
Guests will relax in low-slung sofas and enjoy a large open fireplace for an extra cozy vibe in the cooler months.
Landscaped greenery will frame the central swimming pool, creating a welcoming sanctuary with custom cabanas and sun loungers.
The well-appointed rooms come in a mix of formats and are thoughtfully designed, featuring high ceilings and a soft colour palette layered with natural materials.
During the day the hotel’s rooftop space will stage yoga, meditation and personal training sessions. Come sunset, it will transform into a chilled place for sunset drinks and star gazing for hotel guests only.
“Our remit was to deliver an authentic hotel with soul and one that stays true to its location,” said David Jones, Director of Jeremy and Jones, who will manage the property.
“With Basq House we will place a significant emphasis on strong placemaking, hotel interiors, sensory inputs such as light, sound and smell, out of guest room experiences and the delivery of pre-emptive service.”
hotel scores its own upgrade
INCREASED DEMAND has led to the upgrade of a new Aussie property scheduled to open later this year.
Originally announced as a 130-room Holiday Inn & Suites, the hotel in Adelaide will now become Crowne Plaza Mawson Lakes.
Higher than anticipated demand from corporate, leisure and conference and event customers saw the property undergo a transformation during the development phase.
Opening in the second half of 2024, the hotel will now feature 155 rooms, three meeting spaces, a fitness centre, a bar and restaurant.
“We are immensely proud to announce the arrival of a globally renowned hotel brand to the vibrant Mawson Lakes precinct,” said Bruno Muscatello, Director of ONE7.
“Creating a fusion of world-class hospitality with the dynamic energy of Mawson Lakes is set to produce a synergy that will not only elevate the local business and leisure landscape, but also contribute to the flourishing growth of this exceptional precinct.”
DEAL LEADS TO DOUBLE THE CHOICE
CHOICE HOTELS Asia-Pac is expanding its presence in Australia with the acquisition of the City Edge Apartment Hotels franchise.
The new additions double Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s portfolio in the highly competitive inner city Melbourne market, adding 271 apartment-style rooms across five prime locations near key business hubs – South Melbourne, North Melbourne, Melbourne CBD, East Melbourne and Box Hill.
The acquisition, including City Edge’s active franchise agreements, the brand, and associated IP, is the result of a strategy to drive growth in the region.
“The City Edge acquisition is illustrative of the direction we’re headed,” said Trent Conroy, Head of Investments and Portfolio Growth, Choice Hotels Asia Pac.
“We have a strong balance sheet and a model that enables us to be a flexible partner for diversified development opportunities to drive our expansion across the Asia Pacific region.”
“For our guests, the properties are well located to take in the best of Melbourne for leisure while giving corporate guests more extended-stay options for us,” added Trent Fraser, Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s Chief Executive Officer.
