Event Hospitality & Entertainment will acquire the Mercure Geelong and rebrand the hotel as Rydges Geelong.  The takeover is scheduled for the first week of March.

Rydges operates quality city, suburban and resort style hotels in key destinations across Australia and New Zealand, and London in the United Kingdom. The group accommodates over one million guests each year across a range of market segments including corporate, conference, government, leisure, inbound and domestic groups and international travellers.

Rydges Geelong is centrally in the heart of Geelong's CBD, close to quality restaurants and major attractions such as Simonds Stadium and the Waterfront.  The hotel is just a short drive from the iconic Great Ocean Road, a must see for first-time travellers to the Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula.

The hotel is perfect for both the leisure and business traveller offering 24-hour reception, an outdoor swimming pool and spa, gymnasium and off street car parking whilst all rooms are also equipped with the latest iPod docks and large screen TVs. Additionally, all guests will be able to experience the perfect night's sleep with all rooms, suites and apartments receiving new Rydges Dream Beds.

Guests at Rydges Geelong can also look forward to some of the standard Rydges offerings including:

• Free WI-FI for all guests - whether visiting overnight or just for a coffee.

• A new 'Rise Breakfast' concept, which takes a nod from nutritionist recommendations around a healthful breakfast being the most important meal of the day. While still buffet-style in nature, the Rise Breakfast includes freshly-squeezed juice shots, made to order smoothies & juice blends, super healthy cereals and fresh fruit as well as a great range of hot options including eggs cooked to individual preference.

• In trademark Event style, even the mini-bar will undergone a quirky designer overhaul with Rydges branded sweets, nibbles & potato crisps plus fun games & add-ons complimenting the overall offering.

• Have access to the Priority Guest Rewards Program (PGR) 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.

To find out more about Rydges Hotels & resorts head to www.rydges.com or to become a Priority Guest Rewards (PGR) member to start receiving great benefits and rates today at the Rydges Geelong and all Event Hotels and Resorts go to www.pgr.com.au.  

-ENDS-

For images head to: 

• https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j8mzwkaxq6j3oil/AAB8MA_L3VCXniWFaZK6Xe6ba?dl=0

Event Hospitality & Entertainment

Event Hospitality & Entertainment (EVT) is Australia's premier entertainment, hospitality and leisure company. AHL has proud and historic origins dating back to 1910 and currently operates with in the following business segments:

• Entertainment – Event Cinemas (Australia, New Zealand & Fiji), Greater Union, Birch Carroll & Coyle Moonlight Cinemas, State Theatre Sydney and Cinestar (Germany)
• Hospitality and Leisure – QT Hotels & Resorts, Rydges Hotels, Atura Hotels, Art Series Hotels and Thredbo Alpine Village
• Entertainment Technology - Edge Digital & Technology
• Property and Other Investments

Event has a portfolio of diversified businesses and a history of solid financial performance. Event has attractive add-on and growth opportunities with strong management and supportive shareholders. Event was listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in 1962 and currently has around 5,000 shareholders. AHL trades under the ASX code of EVT.

About Rydges

Rydges operates quality city, suburban and resort style hotels in key destinations across Australia and New Zealand, and London in the United Kingdom.

The group accommodates over one million guests each year across a range of market segments including corporate, conference, government, leisure, inbound and domestic groups and international travellers. Delivering exceptional service is a priority for Rydges with a genuine passion to accommodate guests and exceed their expectations.

About Priority Guest Rewards (PGR)

The Priority Guest Rewards Program is 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