April 2018: The doors are open at Melbourne's newest hotel – the $150 million 'golden tower' that is Novotel Melbourne South Wharf – both a bold architectural statement and vote of confidence in the Victorian capital's tourism, meetings and events industry.

Rising 26 storeys from its highly visible South Wharf location, construction of the hotel's tall, relatively narrow form and panel-by-panel application of its distinctive golden façade has kept Melburnians guessing for months.

The striking hotel comprises 347 guestrooms and suites and is situated directly adjacent the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), which is undergoing a $350 million expansion to transform it into the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

General Manager Glen Erickson said Novotel Melbourne South Wharf would make an important contribution to the local hotel landscape, which was experiencing a resurgence with investment in new build hotels planned or underway.

“This hotel's development, along with the MCEC expansion project, represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure investments into Melbourne's tourism and convention industry,” said Mr Erickson.

“Novotel Melbourne South Wharf will contribute significantly to the continued evolution of Melbourne as one of Asia Pacific's most desirable – and frequently visited – destinations for both business and leisure travel.”

Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is the fourth hotel development between AccorHotels and owners, Action Hotels Group, to open in Australia, following the new build ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street (2016), ibis Melbourne Glen Waverley (2007) and acquisition of ibis Budget Melbourne Airport (2015). Globally the two groups are partners in 10 operating hotels.

Designed by Woods Bagot, NH Architecture and with interiors by Fender Katsalidis and Woods Bagot, the hotel joins other new Novotels globally, such as the brand's flagship Canary Wharf property in London, to reflect the very latest in hotel and interior design trends.

Similarly with Novotel's much lauded Canary Wharf property in London, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is located within an historic maritime precinct. Its contemporary architect contrasts with nearby docks and cargo sheds, as well as an original working ship, the Polly Woodside, which has been preserved and permanently moored. Built in Belfast in 1885, the Polly Woodside is now a key tourist attraction.

While ideally suited to the corporate and conference traveller, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is also targeting the intra- and interstate leisure visitor. The hotel's close proximity to Etihad Stadium, South Wharf shopping and dining options, and broader Southbank and CBD attractions, are expected to be strong drawcards for this market.

“Coupled with the hotel's inhouse dining options – including a glamorous bar/restaurant on level six, Mr Carpano Bar & Dining – Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is redefining the four-star hotel experience by providing an exceptional level of amenity, along with the most stringent customer service standards,” said Mr Erickson.

“Our location also brings together unrivalled access to modern conferencing and events facilities, with the energy and atmosphere of a dynamic, city-fringe precinct rich in history.”

For more information about the hotel and to book, visit www.accorhotels.com.

@novotelmelbournesouthwharf
Link to images https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Diy9W5VLBEW6tC-JeMXm5Lau_41YUqYJ?usp=sharing

ENDS

Interview opportunities:
General Manager, Glen Erickson
Executive Chef, Trent Whelan

For further information and/or to arrange interviews:
Kathryn Newland, Bastion Effect, 0438 787 550
Grace Phillips, Bastion Effect, 0425 811 227

With Novotel, AccorHotels offers every guest the freedom to fully enjoy their stay.

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts provide a multi-service offer for both business and leisure guests, with spacious, modular rooms, 24/7 catering offers with balanced meals, meeting rooms, attentive and proactive staff, kid areas, a multi-purpose lobby and fitness centers. Through PLANET 21, AccorHotels' sustainable development program, Novotel commits to Man and the Planet. Novotel has over 490 hotels and resorts in 58 countries, ideally located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations.

AccorHotels is a world-leading travel & lifestyle group and digital innovator offering unique experiences in more than 4,300 hotels, resorts and residences, as well as in over 10,000 of the finest private homes around the globe.

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