Share some Sydney stories over a beer or two

 

One of Sydney's oldest and most storied pubs, Customs House Bar, is inviting both locals and visitors to raise a glass to history with the launch of Taps & Tales: Stories Brewed Since 1846, an immersive beer tasting experience celebrating nearly 180 years of hospitality at Macquarie Place.

Running every Wednesday (11.15am) and Saturday (2.15pm), Taps & Tales is a guided 30-minute tasting and storytelling experience, open to Marriott Bonvoy members, with guests able to join for free to participate.

Set in the heart of Circular Quay, close to the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the venue has welcomed guests since 1846. 

Originally the Customs House Hotel before evolving into what is now known as Customs House Bar, one of the city's most iconic hospitality destinations, Taps & Tales brings this history to life through a curated blend of beer tasting and storytelling.

Taps & Tales is promoted as offering guests a journey from the heritage of Macquarie Place, home to relics from the First Fleet and Sydney's first street lamp. 

From sailors and customs officers to city workers and legendary figures such as Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, whose aviation ambitions are "rumoured" to have been planned over a pint within these very walls, every sip comes with a story.

The experience also explores the venue's preserved heritage features, including its heritage‑listed marble bar and striking Victorian Italianate façade, while enjoying a guided tasting of the signature CHB Lager, crafted to reflect the bar's history and character.

“Taps & Tales was created to offer something truly distinctive - an experience where guests don't just enjoy great beer but connect with the stories that have shaped this venue for generations,” said Roman Kristek, director of food and beverage at Sydney Harbour Marriott.

“It's a celebration of Sydney's heritage in a way that feels authentic, engaging and distinctly local."

Bookings are available at customshousebar.com.au

Belfast gets a chance to sample Moxy

Marriott International's Moxy hotel brand has enjoyed much success since he first Moxy Hotel was opened in Milan in 2014.

Just 11 years on, Marriott has opened its 100th Moxy hotel in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with the debut of Moxy Belfast City (above).

The Moxy brand aims to offer fun, affordable stays. I've tried three: Glasgow, Milan Malpensa and Sydney Airport.

Set in the centre of Belfast, the 179-room property is the first Moxy in Northern Ireland.

A partnership with MHL Hotel Collection, the conversion project features the signature Moxy vibe - from a lobby where guests check in at Bar Moxy with a welcome drink, to buzzing communal spaces.

Like its siblings, the hotel is promoted as offering grab-and-go bites and a fun vibe.

It is within walking distance of Belfast City Hall, Ulster Hall, Victoria Square, and the nightlife area:  Cathedral Quarter.

“Reaching 100 hotels in EMEA is a proud moment for the Moxy brand,” said Neal Jones, Chief Operating Officer for Europe & Africa Premium & Select, Marriott International (phew!)

“Moxy Belfast City captures everything our guests love -bold design, energetic service, and a sense of fun that’s unmistakably Moxy. We’ve been challenging traditional hotel stays since the brand launched a decade ago, and now 60% of our global portfolio is in this region.”

After Belfast - not my favourite destination, I'm afraid - another five Moxy properties are scheduled to open this year in Europe in Lisbon, Dublin, Hamburg, London’s Piccadilly Circus, and Paris’s La Villette.

Moxy - part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio - has built a reputation for industrial design, vibrant social areas, and youth appeal.

Paul Higgins, partner at MHL Hotel Collection, said: “We’re thrilled to be the 100th Moxy and the first in Northern Ireland. Belfast’s energy and character make it the perfect home for a brand that thrives on connection, fun, and innovation.”

JW Marriott hotel brand makes its New Zealand debut

Auckland is very much a place on the move, and New Zealand's largest city this week welcomed JW Marriott Auckland - the Marriott brand's first property in the country. 

JW Marriott is part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, and has unveiled the new JW Marriott Auckland in the heart of downtown Auckland. 

JW Marriott Auckland Executive Suite

JW Marriott Auckland was designed by renowned Singaporean architecture firm O37 and draws on New Zealand's art, culture, and natural beauty. 

Reflecting the shifting beauty of each season, the design weaves together contrasting textures: raw and polished, rough and smooth. 

This vision comes to life in Watersplash, a bespoke sculptural hand-blown chandelier by Lasvit, inspired by the rivers and lakes of New Zealand. 

"JW Marriott embraces the belief that a connection to the natural environment is an important part of nourishing one's soul," says Jason Nuell, area vice president for Marriott International.

" JW Marriott Auckland embodies the brand's commitment to providing a haven where guests can focus on feeling whole in mind, body, and spirit. It is a destination where both locals and international travelers can experience a blend of modern luxury and exceptional hospitality in the heart of the city to pause, recharge, and reconnect."

The hotel has 271 guest rooms and 15 suites along with and all guest rooms come complete with yoga mats and risers, enhanced by an in-room program of wellness and workout routines (sounds scary!)

The Wellness Centre includes a 14-metre-long heated indoor pool with panoramic harbour views and views of the centre of Auckland.

The hotel's elegant lobby bar, Forum, offers barista-crafted coffee and small bites and then transforms into a bar at night. 

The signature restaurant, Trivet, has head chef Wallace Mua showcasing flavours from different Polynesian cuisines. 

In September, the hotel plans to launch a contemporary teppan house celebrating impressive Japanese-inspired dishes.

"I am honoured to bring the JW Marriott vision of luxury and well-being to life in this vibrant city," says GM Girish Talreja. 

"Our goal is to create an exceptional guest experience and provide a sanctuary where guests can relax, recharge, and create lasting memories."

For reservations and more information, please see: www.jwmarriottauckland.com

Moxy bounces impressively into Bangkok

Marriott’s lively Moxy brand of hotels bills itself as being "for the young and young-at-heart". Guest contributor and Seniors’ Card holder Roderick Eime tests that claim at the one-year-old Bangkok property.

The Marriott people really broke out of the stodgy “cookie-cutter” hotel business with the introduction of the Moxy lifestyle brand, and the fresh Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong fits like the proverbial glove into this boisterous, youthful persona that now comprises 100-something sister properties around the world.

Both GOTR publisher Winsor and I have defied our advanced years and grown to embrace this outlandish brand. {See Winsor's review of the Glasgow Moxy)

My introduction to this offbeat brand was the first Australian property, the Moxy Sydney Airport. It struck me immediately with its brash, industrial-chic decor, which included various nods to retro eras like vinyl records and classic vintage arcade games.

Punchy beats echo around the welcome area, along with Liberace-meets-Banksy-meets-Warhol decorations and wall art. Naturally enough, these intentionally gaudy spaces lend themselves to social media sharing, a smart marketing strategy given the target customer base.

While similar in style and feel, the Bangkok property is the first and largest Moxy hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. It is located in the vibrant and rapidly developing Pathum Wan district, near the Chit Lom BTS, and takes the Moxy concept to the next level.

With more than 500 rooms on 20 levels, the accommodation is almost identical to what I recall from the Sydney Airport version. Sixty percent of the rooms are standard queen rooms, with the remainder in twin and deluxe configurations.

If I had any criticism at all, it would be the “cabin” size (18sqm) of the entry-level rooms, although the available space is cleverly adapted so that one doesn’t feel cluttered. Features like the “walldrobe” and folding furniture maximise the scant floor space, and the massive floor-to-ceiling windows offer a dizzying cityscape panorama.

The largest rooms are the deluxe 36sqm ones (above), of which there are 18. Another 18 corner rooms offer 26sqm of floorspace.

As a finicky sleeper whose aging bones are easily upset with many mattress types, even the expensive ones, I can soundly (pun intended) say the Simmons brand mattresses preferred by many top hotel chains, including Marriott, mean I don’t have to crane myself out of bed in the morning.

Comparisons with my local experience diverge completely when it comes to dining and event spaces. While Moxy Bangkok still retains an “industrial” feel with its long-bench cafeteria format, it blends perfectly with the arena-sized space on Level 9 where the reception, bar and various play spaces are located.

An expansive, themed outdoor terrace area is ideal for large or small events, and guests can choose to dine there while overlooking Bangkok’s glitzy ‘Blade Runner’ cityscape.

The ‘grab’n’go’ convenience booth is still tucked into the wall opposite the bar for those on the move, but a fulsome sit-down experience is preferred, especially since the kitchen proudly spruiks its many delicious offerings.

Chef P and his deputy chef Mind (above), proudly recommend some of the tasty creations offered in the Moxy Bar & Restaurant while I ponder the many choices. It seems the Massaman beef curry is their dinner favourite, while pork (or chicken) in black sauce soup is suggested as a bold breakfast boost - and I find both hard to dispute.

The cocktail menu reads like a Hollywood film festival and exemplifies the breakout bravado of the bar team. As they say in their own words, “our new cocktail line-up is a love letter to iconic scenes and legendary characters.” They go on to tease us with such creations as The Infinity Kiss, The Ice Berg, Hunter’s Last Shot, Galactic Stardust and Felix Felicis. I’ll leave you to make the various cinematic connections.

Promotions of various kinds are always on offer at the Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, both with food and beverage and the rooms. For example, the ‘STAY FOR BREAKFAST’ promotion runs all year and entitles guests to a complimentary breakfast with their stay, normally THB399. I can personally attest to this feast, which will easily sustain you through your busy Bangkok day.

For more information, guests can contact Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong via email at moxy.bkkox.rsvn@moxyhotels.com, by phone at 02 209 5999, through LINE @MoxyBangkok, or visit the official website at www.moxybangkokratchaprasong.com. Culinary deals are also available for browsing via LINE Shopping at https://shop.line.me/@moxybangkok.

Marriott Bonvoy members receive special promotional offers and can earn various loyalty rewards, including Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

# The writer stayed with assistance from the Moxy. 

Meet an airport hotel with a very different vibe

It is fair to say that the Moxy Sydney Airport is not for everyone.

But if you enjoy a lively atmosphere, vibrant shared spaces and fun additions then chances are you'll enjoy it a lot.

Most airport hotels are soulless places with people stressed about having missed a flight, or getting up early enough to catch one.

In contrast, the Moxy Sydney Airport has a fun vibe, with guests clearly enjoying themselves in the colourful, and expansive, shared public spaces.

You check-in at the bar, drop back later for cocktails, when the bar can be rocking.

There are games, shared spaces and fast wifi. I'm told lots of corporates choose to hold meetings here. Mixing work with fun.

I've stayed at a couple of Moxy properties before: in Glasgow and at Milan Malpensa. Both shared the same vibe but were not quite as lively.

Opened 18 months ago, Moxy Sydney Airport has 301 designer rooms, cosy but well-equipped. Make sure you book one with a fridge if you need one as not all offer that facility. Rooms with runway views are also great for plane spotters. 

You'll find Moxy Kitchen, Moxy Bar, Little Baxter Café on the ground floor, along with facilities like meeting rooms of various dimensions, a fitness centre, and a guest laundry.

Look out for points of difference like a retro photo booth, the signature pink boxing bag in the gym and Moxy bikes available if you want to explore the area pre- or post-flight.

There are colourful artworks throughout, including work by local artists Elliot Rutledge and Evi O.

There are a variety of room styles, including family rooms with bunks, and room rates start from a very fair $219.

Free airport shuttle are available to either domestic or international terminals and there is also a shuttle to Mascot Station for those heading to the city. Services run every 20 minutes to the domestic terminal (4.45am to 10.50pm - very handy for our early flight) and to the international terminal (5am to 10.50pm).

Valet parking costs $25 for eight hours and $40 for overnight.

If you are prepared to self park then Stay a night you can park your car for five nights for free.

Moxy Sydney Airport’s new Park, Stay & Fly package is perfect for travellers seeking secure, hassle-free airport parking paired with a stylish stay and inclusive return airport shuttle.

The news is all good for locals who need their car at the airport for their return.

The car park is covered with 24/7 CCTV surveillance for extra peace of mind. The deal includes a free shuttle ride to the airport and back and, after your five free nights, you can choose from daily rates starting at $15, weekly rates from $100, or save up to 20% on extended monthly stays.

Travellers who are part of the Marriott Bonvoy group can unlock extra perks.

See www.moxysydneyairport.com +61 2 9132 4800.

* Moxy Sydney Airport will be joined by a second Moxy location in the city on Pitt Street in Sydney CBD later this year.

# The writer was a guest of Moxy Sydney Airport 

Summer, tennis and Champagne - with sweeping views

Summer, tennis and Champagne. Sounds like a pretty nifty combo.

The Sheraton Melbourne Hotel is celebrating summer, and the Australian Open, at its rooftop Terrace Bar in Melbourne's CBD in a partnership with Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck.

So think bubbles. chef-crafted bites (I think they mean snacks), and tennis live on TV.

Running until February 28 from 3-10pm daily (tough if if the match you are watching goes late) guests can watch the Australian Open live while enjoying views of the city.

There is a daily $20 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut special, or a daily 'AO' happy hour from 4-6pm with an “Australian Open Cocktail” featuring Piper-Heidsieck.

This spritz combines elderflower, gin and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne for $20.

The Terrace Bar features a table tennis set-up (they are different sports, people), inviting guests to challenge friends or enjoy a casual game between sips of bubbly.

The Grand Slam Special is a $30 package that includes a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and s dish from a special menu (a small charcuterie board, perhaps, torched Hervey Bay ccallops:with corn pico de gallo and baby coriander; or sliced Prosciutto and stracciatella accompanied by fresh basil, olive oil, and focaccia.

The Sheraton is part of Marriott Bonvoy, the official hotel partner of the 2025 Australian Open, and is also offering special accommodation packages.

See https://www.marriott.com/offers/ace-escape-off-134135/melsi-sheraton-melbourne-hotel 

Moxy makes its Australian debut

The Moxy Hotels group, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 different hotel brands, today opens the doors to its first hotel in Australia.

The Moxy Sydney Airport is the first of a range of hotels that are designed to appeal to the young and young-at-heart with their casual vibe.

I've stayed at Moxy properties in Glasgow, and at Milan's Malpensa airport and enjoyed both stays.

Located in Mascot, in the Inner South of Sydney, the new 301-bedroom hotel is close by to Sydney International Airport, with Moxy’s pink airport shuttle bus set to greet guests as they arrive.

The hotel is easily accessible from Sydney CBD.

Sean Hunt, area vice president of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific for Marriott International (what a great job title!) said: “We have been fiercely focused on introducing new lifestyle brands to Australia that will appeal to the changing needs of modern travellers.

"The debut of Moxy’s disruptive hotel experience at Sydney Airport does just that, ringing in an exciting new era for Marriott International in the country.”



​​​​​Moxy Sydney Airport's design is inspired by Mascot’s industrial and art-deco heritage.

The hotel’s façade has a mural created by local artist Elliott Routledge, known for his distinctive, abstract designs.

The lobby has exposed ceilings, wrought-iron beams, and natural materials to create the open, airy feel of a converted warehouse.

Designed as a multi-functional work and interactive social space, the lobby is centred around the hotel bar where guests check in with a complimentary “Get Moxy” signature cocktail. Within the lobby, guests can also enjoy the hotel’s ​​​​Living Room, a laid-back communal space.

The industrial-chic bedrooms are said to "combine functionality and flexibility with edgy detail". The rooms feature modular furniture including Moxy’s signature Stellar Works foldable workspace desks and chairs, as well as smart features like peg walls to allow guests the flexibility to adapt the room to their needs.

Tech-savvy touches include motion-activated LED lights, keyless entry, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, and complimentary wifi.

Bar Moxy is designed for working and connecting during the day and transforms into a social hub at night. Local brands including Archie Rose and Young Henry are showcased, while the hotel’s street café, Little Baxter, offers grab n’ go bites or coffees and pastries for those looking to linger.

There are also five meeting studios for private events.

Located at 56 Baxter Road, Mascot, Moxy Sydney Airport offers rates starting at $209 per night.

See www.moxysydneyairport.com 

Rooftop pool a highlight of new five-star Melbourne hotel

The Le Méridien hotel brand will return to the Australian market when Le Méridien Melbourne opens its doors in the first quarter of 2023.

With an uptown CBD location at the Parliament end of Bourke Street, the new five-star hotel will offer 235 guest rooms and suites, a ground floor café and bar, restaurant, a meetings and events floor, and a rooftop pool deck with views of Bourke St, Parliament House and Fitzroy Gardens.

Close to Melbourne's theatre district and Chinatown, the location at 20 Bourke St originally housed the Excelsior Hotel in the 1850s and has been home to the Palace Theatre, a cinema, nightclub, and live performance venue.

Architects Peddle Thorp have maintained a historical Art Deco façade.

Born in 1960s Paris, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts is now part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 hotel brands. The hotel will be the only Le Meridien in Australia after the brand exited Australia when it closed its hotel at the Rialto building in Collins Street.

“Melbourne is the ideal home for the relaunch of Le Méridien in Australia,” said Sean Hunt, area vice-president Australia, New Zealand & Pacific for Marriott International.

“With its premium CBD location, showpiece rooftop pool deck, and immersive arts and culinary programme, the property will continue the century-long legacy the site has held as an entertainment playground for Melburnians and visitors.”

General manager Peter Minatsis said: “We look forward to 'drawing back the curtain' on Melbourne's glamourous new visitor offering this summer and connecting guests with the city's rich history, art, and culture.”

Upon opening, Le Méridien Melbourne will join Marriott Bonvoy's growing portfolio in Australia, taking the number of hotels in operation to 29.

For more information see lemeridienmelbournehotel.com

New Melbourne luxury hotel lays down a challenge

Melbourne is about to get a serious new luxury hotel contender.

Soaring 80 stories above the CBD, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, will be part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection and the pre-opening blurb says its will "redefine luxury in the city, with its extraordinary design, exceptional experiences and breathtaking views".

That's confidence for you.

"We are thrilled to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Melbourne”, says general manager Antony Page.

“With design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalized service, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne will deliver an experience tailored to today's luxury guest and deeply connected to this vibrant city."

Set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is located on Lonsdale Street in the heart of the CBD.

The lobby will be on level 80 - located above 257 hotel rooms and suites.

“We look forward to unveiling this stunning property and to welcoming guests with the warm hospitality, refined ambiance and the legendary service for which The Ritz-Carlton is renowned the world over," Page says

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company currently operates more than 100 hotels in 35 countries and territories.

For further information, please visit the hotel's website here.

Tired of hotels? How about renting a luxury villa instead?

So you prefer staying in a luxury home or villa to a hotel? 

Homes & Villas by Marriott International, the Marriott Bonvoy travel program's collection of premium and luxury home rentals around the world, might be of interest. 

Launched this week in Australia and New Zealand, the expansion adds over 350 premium and luxury homes to the platform in prime leisure destinations, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Orange in Australia, and Auckland and Queenstown (above) in New Zealand. 

The homes provide members of Marriott's Bonvoy program with more options when they travel, adding to 29 hotels across 13 different brands in Australia and New Zealand. 

Several of the homes feature balconies, pools, gourmet kitchens and large entertaining areas that make them the ideal place for big family gatherings, or meetings.

Homes & Villas by Marriott International was launched in May 2019 to provide Bonvoy members with more options when they travel. 

“Private home rental offerings are tremendously popular right now as travellers look for ways to re-connect with loved ones, as well as to continue to balance remote work, school, and leisure," says Jennifer Hsieh, vice president, Homes & Villas by Marriott International 

"We are thrilled to be bringing Homes & Villas by Marriott International to Australia and New Zealand, providing our guests with a curated selection of the best premium and luxury homes in the market. 

"These homes provide the space and amenities expected from a luxury experience and the backing of a trusted travel company.”

Marriott Bonvoy members who book any of Homes & Villas by Marriott International's 65,000+ private home rentals worldwide for 5+nights up to June 22 - and complete their stay with check-out on or before December 31 - will earn double points, plus a free night award valid for a future stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. 

For more information, please visit www.homesandvillasbymarriott.com

Get vaccinated and win a very special hotel prize

Marriott International has swung behind attempts to get recalcitrant members of the public to vaccinate against Covid-19. 

Marriott is offering fully vaccinated Australians the chance to win a stay in each of the 28 Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. 

Marriott aims to help the travel industry's recovery through a competition that travellers will not want to miss.

Sean Hunt, Marriott International vice president for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said: “It's vital that we support and incentivise Australians to get vaccinated so we can all start travelling again as soon as it is safe to do so. 

"In line with the Federal and State Government national vaccination rollout, Marriott's vaccine incentive program is designed to stimulate economic recovery for our industry. As we head into the Christmas holidays, we want Australian's to be able to travel to see family and experience travel across our nation again.”

Marriott is offering Australians who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the chance to go in the running to win one of five Marriott Bonvoy packages, a one-night stay at each of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resort in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. 

Five winners will get the chance to experience them all once borders open.

“Marriott has also undertaken a suite of measures and incentives to support our Associates during the pandemic, including priority access to vaccinations and scheduling flexibility to allow our staff to be vaccinated along with providing financial support and vaccination funding in Fiji and Samoa, to ensure our workforce is cared for and ready to return to work,” Hunt said. 

Anyone who has been vaccinated can enter. In 25 words or less they must tell Marriott what travelling means to them, sign up to the Marriott Bonvoy program and upload a Covid-19 certificate. 

Prize winners will have access to the portfolio of Marriott International brands across the ANZPAC region, including the Classic Luxury hotels operating under The Ritz Carlton, W Hotels and JW Marriott; the premium brand range of Sheraton, Marriott and Westin, along with select properties including Courtyard by Marriott and Four Points and Australia's first Luxury Collection property, The Tasman, due to open in Hobart in December.

Entry details are available here www.marriottvaccinepassport.com.au/