03 Feb 2015
The bubbly was flowing as Albury Mayor Kevin Mack officially declared Atura Albury open at a sparkling event attended by a who's who in the Australian travel industry and the Albury social scene last Friday night, 30th January.
Proving design hotel experiences shouldn't solely be the domain of the luxury traveler, Atura Hotel's innovative approach to mid-market travel fuses high-energy design, the latest in technology, great food and dynamic styling at affordable prices. In addition to entertainment by roving magicians, DJs and a live two-piece band, guests celebrating Atura Albury's launch were also treated to signature items from the hotel's Roadhouse Bar & Grill menu and cocktails from the bar's extensive menu.
Atura Albury is the third property to launch under the Atura Hotels brand and has been opened after an extensive renovation and name-change of the former Rydges Albury Hotel. Atura Albury was preceded by the brand's multi-award winning flagship property - Atura Blacktown - which launched in October 2013 and then Atura Dandenong which opened in October 2014.
A significant part of the Albury landscape since the hotel property first opened as a Travelodge in 1971 by Gough Whitlam, the refurbishment from Rydges Albury to Atura Albury was designed to sympathetically enhance the exterior, paying homage to the original building design.
With the focus resting squarely on design, personality and great value, guests are offered an unrivalled experience and amenities currently unavailable in the mid-level market. With a strong emphasis on supporting business guests, complimentary facilities include Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel, a flexible work station within the hotel lobby space, coffee pod machines in every room, minibars stocked with funky, fun and functional provisions and amenities by leading New York skincare provider Malin + Goetz - also found in Qantas International Business class. At Atura Albury guests are also invited to explore the surrounding area on retro bicycles – complimentary to those staying in-house.
Key collaborators involved in the refurbishment project included renowned QT Hotels & Resorts designer, Nic Graham. Tasked with delivering a brief to create urban, high-energy and art-inspired public spaces, the design resulted in ceilings throughout the ground floor being lifted, removal of a ground-floor conference room and pipework exposed to lend a strong industrial edge to the interior.
The traditional hotel 'front desk' has made way for a modern, ply-wood clad reception pod encompassing a quirky Grab 'n' Go shop of traveler treats and the public spaces including the hotel's relaxed, urban Roadhouse Bar & Grill are filled with a hip selection of key design pieces, art-inspired wall coverings and bespoke furniture. A specially curated soundtrack by Music Director Andrew Lewis sets the audio backdrop to a relaxed and social guest experience.
Designed to cater to growing city-sprawl demands, Atura Hotels will primarily be located in city fringe and regional locations. Following the success of the first three properties, Amalgamated Holdings Limited (AHL) has plans to roll out more Atura Hotels throughout Australia over the coming years.
In addition to Rydges Hotels & Resorts and Atura Hotels, AHL also operates multi-award winning designer hotel group QT Hotels & Resorts, Art Series Hotels, Thredbo Mountain Resort, Events Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas.
“Atura Hotels brings a fresh approach to the Australian accommodation industry and is definitely something new for regional NSW,” said Group Managing Director, AHL David Seargeant. “The Atura brand is part of a growing global trend towards design-driven hotels offering guests a unique experience – Atura does this with even more value. We've been delighted at the response to the properties launched and indeed the awards won by our flagship Atura Blacktown property and look forward to launching more Atura Hotel properties throughout Australia over the coming years.”
About Atura Hotels:
Urban, industrial and art-inspired, Atura Hotels are where modern business and leisure travelers escape the predictable to embrace a new style of travel. This fresh take on the mid-market travel experience fuses dynamic spaces, hip styling and the latest technology at surprisingly affordable prices ensuring guests feel connected and energised. Expect free Wi Fi and a host of other benefits each time you stay.
Engagement with surrounding communities and active support of the local music & art scene are fundamental to the Atura brand philosophy. Over the next few years, Atura Hotels will be launched across Australia in select CBD locations, business park precincts and regional hubs. The brand now boasts three properties in its portfolio including the multi-award winning flagship property Atura Blacktown, Atura Dandenong which opened in October 2014 and Atura Albury which officially launches on 8 December 2014.
For more information visit – www.aturahotels.com.au
About Priority Guest Rewards (PGR)
Atura Hotels participates in The Priority Guest Rewards Loyalty Program - a popular hotel club which offers guests the ability to earn free room nights, 10% discount on our best flexible rates and leisure packages, food & drinks benefits, and reward points at over 45 hotels and resorts across 4 brands in key destinations across Australia, New Zealand and London, UK. As part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), PGR members also receive benefits at over 450 hotels, palaces and resorts, in 62 countries around the world across 25 brands including, Kempinski Hotels, Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Alila Resorts and Omni Hotels & Resorts.
Here's why you should join today:
- Membership is free! – Signing up is quick, easy, and best of all, completely free
- Our lowest prices guaranteed - Get at least 10% off the lowest rate available anywhere else. You won't find a cheaper rate on any other website.
- Rewards for overseas travellers – As part of the Global Hotel Alliance, PGR members receive benefits and rewards at 450 hotels around the world.
You Want More?
- 20% off restaurants and bars – All members automatically receive 20% off food and drinks. Regular guests can save as much as 50%.
- Exclusive special offers – Members receive exclusive access to flash sales with savings of up to 70%.
- More free stuff – Every online booking earns points towards free nights, rewards, and extras for your next stay.
For more information on PGR: www.pgr.com.au or click here to watch a PGR video
For all media and image enquiries please contact:
Bria Lamberton |Atura PR & Promotions Executive
32 Cricketers Arms Road, NSW, 2148
PH: +61 2 9421 0000 | M: +61 447 901 497
Stephen Howard |AHL Group PR & Promotions Manager
49 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000
PH: +61 2 8262 0000 | M: +61 409 840 238
