With new hotels opening or being refurbished across Australia and New Zealand, it’s clear they have plenty of things going on.
Traveltalk spoke to Tamer Habib, Vice President of Operations, Amora Hotels & Resorts, to get the inside word on future plans and to find out what is behind recent developments.
“Amora Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned company which flies the flag for independent hotel groups and is accelerating its expansion across Australia as it bids to introduce its five-star hospitality brand to every state capital city,” Tamer told us.
Supporting the expansion of the Amora portfolio is Narej Farik, Group Director for Commercial & Business Development, who has more than 25 years of experience with some of the world’s leading five-star hotel chains, including Marriott, Oberoi and Banyan Tree, and has been a consultant for more than 20 hotels and resorts in Asia and Australia.
Now, he is using this depth of expertise to oversee the analysis, planning, management and pre-opening of each new hotel project.
Tamer recently embarked on a productive business development trip which included visits to Adelaide and Perth – two key cities in Amora’s development strategy. The group is also in discussions over future opportunities in the centre of Auckland as it spreads its wings across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.
“One of our core strengths is that we are an owner-operator, so we can control every aspect of our experience and this will continue as we expand,” Tamer added.
“We are mainly seeking re-brandings and refurbishments, but also potential conversions. Crucially, every Amora property has to be in a prime location and it has to be operated under our own brand.
“Our newly opened regional office in Sydney is making it easier to consolidate our operational processes which, in turn, is driving our sales, revenue and profitability, and providing a solid platform for our future growth.”
On the creative side, Hemant Dadlani has been appointed as Amora’s Group Executive Chef. An award-winning culinary virtuoso with two decades of experience in luxury hotels and resorts across seven countries, Hemant is tasked with creating innovative and inspiring F&B concepts for the group.
Above: The Brooksy Bar at Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney, a Speakeasy concept with 1920s flair
As part of the company’s strategy to blend progressive hospitality with bold F&B innovations, the Brooksy Bar at the Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney epitomises a new era where business acumen meets creative execution.
Brooksy embraces the alluring charm of a speakeasy, tapping into Sydney’s growing demand for intimate, themed bar experiences that offer something beyond the ordinary.
Taking its place amid the buzzing bar and restaurant scene in the city’s York Street locale, Brooksy’s 1920s concept is a distinctive approach that creates a unique draw for guests seeking an escape into the opulence and glamour of the past.
From the meticulously sourced Italian marble that adorns the luscious bar and the statement metal light feature wrapping around the bar structure, to the rich velvet banquettes and detailed French oak flooring with metal-etched motifs – it’s a feast for the senses.
The strategic launch of Brooksy not only enhances the group’s portfolio of innovative lifestyle offerings but also sets a precedent for hotel bars aspiring to transcend conventional offerings and deliver unique, memorable guest experiences rooted in efficiency and elegance.
Coming up with a unique concept for Brooksy’s drinks and food menu was just one of the key decisions. Importantly, it was about amplifying the experiential value of a visit to Brooksy.
“From the dramatic presentations of cocktails and the lavish absinthe fountain to the roving whisky trolleys and tableside entertainment such as fortune telling, we present a backdrop that is Instagram-worthy and memorable,” said Michael Thom, Director of Food & Beverage, Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney.
“It is no longer just about getting a drink during happy hour. This concept has been pivotal in cutting through the thriving but competitive bar scene in our vibrant city.”
So just where does Amora fit in the market in terms of its customer base?
“Amora hotels are located in prime CBD location across all the states. Hence, it’s no surprise that our customer base is mainly corporate, which is our main target segment, followed by leisure and group segments,” said Tamer.
Summary of AMORA Hotels :
- Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney
- Amora Hotel Brisbane
- Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne
- Amora Beach Resort Phuket
- Amora Neolux Hotel Bangkok
- Amora Hotel Chiang Mai
