THE TOP 50 hotels in the world have been revealed at an awards ceremony in London with only one Aussie property featuring.
The Calile in Brisbane carried the flag for Australia, coming in at number 12 on the list.
Judges described it as channelling a luxe 1950s-style Miami beachside vibe in the heart of the city.
Taking out top spot was Passalacqua, a luxury boutique hotel in Lake Como. Located in an 18th century villa with terraced gardens running down to the water, the exquisite 24-room property has the feel of a private home.
Runner up was Rosewood Hong Kong, which is situated in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district with views over the harbour.
Apart from the Rosewood, three other Asian properties made it into the top five. Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (3), The Upper House in Hong Kong (4) and Aman Tokyo (5).
London boasts four hotels on the list: Claridge’s (16), The Connaught (22), NoMad London (46) and The Savoy (47).
EXPANSION CONTINUES WITH AUSSIE OPENING
ASCOTT HAVE unveiled their fourth Citadines hotel in Australia as part of their ambition to have 30 properties Down Under by 2030.
Citadines Walker in North Sydney is the second of the brand to open in New South Wales. It offers 252 rooms across 19 levels inside the now complete 88 Walker Street development, which stands as the tallest tower in North Sydney.
The modern accommodation mix includes stylish studio rooms and spacious suites with separate living and kitchenette.
The property’s design includes a two-storey mezzanine featuring double storey windows. Level 5 houses reception and a guest lounge while Level 6 includes a fitness centre with floor to ceiling windows and a business centre with a boardroom and workstations.
A relaxed restaurant lounge and bar offering is set to open on level 5 next year.
The hotel is located adjacent to the upcoming Victoria Cross metro station, which will connect North Sydney with Barangaroo in three minutes and Martin Place in five minutes.
Through brands like Citadines and lyf, Ascott Australia is investing in the infrastructure to grow the lucrative bleisure travel market in Australia, which is primed for growth across the APAC region, said David Mansfield, Managing Director Ascott Australia.
With Citadines Walker North Sydney and the upcoming lyf Sussex Sydney, Ascott Australia is supporting Sydney’s economic growth and the wider visitor economy.
The company has set a target of 30 properties in Australia by 2030 under its Citadines, lyf and Oakwood brands.
RELAUNCHED GIBRALTAR HOTEL ROCKS
EGYPT AND Australia are not usually linked when it comes to hotel openings but that’s all changed with a relaunched property Down Under.
Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral was unveiled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales recently. It is the brand’s second hotel following the signing of Park Proxi El Hayat Sharm in Egypt last year.
The 77 rooms and suites feature floor to ceiling views of Mount Gibraltar and surrounding woodlands, continental king and queen beds, large bathrooms, some with a walk-in shower, climate control and Nespresso coffee making facilities.
Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral offers multiple F&B options including Harvey’s Bar, with live musical performances and a novel cocktail selection.
The Observatory Restaurant provides panoramic views, a cozy fire for cold nights and seasonal menus crafted with international favourites and regionally inspired chef specials that use fresh local produce.
The hotel also offers an extensive suite of facilities including a resort-style 18-hole golf course, gym and heated internal pool. It is also an outstanding wedding, conference and event destination, with break out options, open balconies and a grand ballroom with adjoining open-air terrace.
We are thrilled to continue the legacy of the Gibraltar Hotel into its new era, while ensuring its ties to the Southern Highlands’ community remain stronger than ever, said Simon Wan, President of the Park Proxi parent company, StayWell Holdings.
BIG NEWS FROM A BIG CITY
THE FIRST major newbuild hotel in around 20 years has just opened in Victoria’s biggest regional city.
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is part of the city’s expansive new $200 million mixed-use development, Geelong Quarter, and the new property is the largest hotel in the Geelong and Bellarine region by room size, with 180 stylish rooms (including 23 suites).
The hotel features Holiday Inn’s signature next generation’ open lobby, all-day dining, meeting and event spaces, plus a heated indoor pool and gym.
Rooms range from single standard to king suites, with many featuring views of the Geelong waterfront (Corio Bay) and balconies to enjoy the city.
Located at 40 Ryrie Street, the hotel is close to local landmarks, including GMHBA Stadium, the new Geelong Arts Centre and the city’s waterfront.
An hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, the property offers the perfect gateway to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road.
As the newest and largest hotel in Geelong, our presence underscores the city’s commitment to growth and progress, attracting a new generation of guests with the introduction of the world’s largest brand family and bringing 68 jobs to boost the local economy, said Daniel Payne, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong General Manager.
holidayinn.com/geelong
SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW HOUSE
EXPECTED TO open in 2025, the 97-guestroom Hyatt House South Melbourne will mark the entry of the brand into Australia.
Hyatt House hotels offer an experience that enables guests to enjoy home-like amenities through contemporary design, modern guestroom spaces and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Properties are purposely designed for guests seeking spacious and well-equipped living accommodations for short or long-term stays.
The hotel will feature a mix of room types such as studios and one-bedroom residential-styled kitchen suites with a spacious living room, plush bed and a modern bathroom.
An all-day lounge will house the H Bar, a central gathering spot where guests can enjoy freshly made breakfast or sip a cocktail and unwind in the evening. In addition, the hotel will offer a 24/7 fitness room and communal spaces for working, socialising or relaxing.
Hyatt House South Melbourne will be close to a host of multicultural food, shopping and entertainment landmarks.
Located near ANZAC station, the hotel will be handy for the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Australian Grand Prix racetrack in Albert Park, the business hubs in St Kilda Road, the Docklands, Southbank, as well as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The brand brings all the comforts of home to guests who do not just want to stay somewhere, but to live somewhere, even if only for two nights said David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.
That means more space for living and working, delivered with flexibility, comfort and thoughtful touches.
This exciting milestone also reflects Hyatt’s continued growth of our extended-stay portfolio, enabling guests to experience our signature care in new ways.
