How would you like a holiday at the airport?

Airport hotels are generally somewhere you spend one night before or after you’re about to catch a plane.

But a new resort concept at Darwin Airport is hoping to entice holidaymakers to spend a few days, or more, at Darwin Airport.

Twin hotels at Darwin Airport will launch the new concept next week, saying the Novotel & Mercure Darwin Airport Resort "is set to become the perfect tropical oasis for touring the Northern Territory’s Top End following a $30 million reimagination and dramatic integration of the adjoining hotels".

The hotels are owned by the Airport Development Group (ADG), which also owns Darwin Airport.

The resort is located on the lands of the Larrakia Nation, the traditional custodians of the greater Darwin area. Indigenous engagement is an integral component of the hotels’ redesign.

ADG’s $30 million has seen the refurbishment of existing rooms and the creation of new pool villas, suites and bungalows.

The two hotels previously had separate receptions, but now a combined reception area has been opened, along with a new Olympic-plus sized swimming pool, poolside cabanas, children’s aquatic playground, and new poolside dining.

There are 423 rooms in all including family suites, free-standing bungalows, and the new 5-star tropical villas with their own plunge pools.

Capturing their connection to Larrakia country, each of the villas is named after a leading Territorian, whose story is outlined for guests to read.

The resort now offers two poolside dining options with new Splash café and bar joining Cossies Poolside Bar & Bistro (terrible name), which showcases the Territory’s famous barramundi as well as grills, salads, pizzas and burgers.

The hotels are planning to introduce the Gurambai Cultural Experience to give guests an immediate appreciation of Larrakia culture.

Gurambai is the Larrakia name for the area known as the Rapid Creek Conservation Reserve which features Darwin’s only natural freshwater creek, just a short walk from the airport hotels. 

The experience will be curated by Larrakia guides who will deliver a one-hour guided walking tour that will include information about the area’s cultural and historical significance, their connection to the land and freshwater, and information about some of the seasonal bush tucker.

A range of packages is available at https://www.darwinairporthotels.com.au/.

New Mercure opens in the very heart of Sydney

Location can be hugely important when choosing a hotel in a big city - and for anyone who wants to be right in the centre of the Sydney CBD then the opening this week of the new Mercure Sydney Martin Place will be worth noting.

Accor, the largest hotel operator in the region, opened the doors to the new property on Friday with the 4-star hotel situated on Phillip Street close to some of Sydney's major attractions including Martin Place, Pitt Street Mall, Hyde Park and Circular Quay.

The 86-room hotel has guest rooms that include kitchenettes with microwave and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

It also has a 24-hour reception, high-speed, unlimited wifi, parking and laundry facilities.

Sarah Derry, CEO of Accor Pacific, said the hotel's central location will make it a popular choice for leisure seekers wanting to explore the best of Sydney, as well as business travellers wanting to be in the heart of the CBD.

“We're excited to be opening the Mercure Sydney Martin Place which offers guests a fantastic location in the centre of town with some of the city's most iconic landmarks within easy walking distance from the hotel," Derry says.

"As the warmer months approach and Sydney's season of events commence, Mercure Martin Place will be a smart choice for those wanting to soak up all there is to love about our Harbour city.”

Mercure Sydney Martin Place is owned by Salter Brothers, an Australian-owned global funds management business with a focus on hotels, property, private equity and credit.

Opening Special: To celebrate its launch, Mercure Sydney Martin Place is offering stays from just $339 per night. To book, visit ALL.com.

Right in the centre of the action: Auckland's latest hotel

Auckland has a brand-new hotel - and it is situated right in the centre of the action on the city's main thoroughfare: Queen Street.

Accor, the largest hotel operator in New Zealand, today unveiled the eight-storey Mercure Auckland Queen Street in a converted former office site.

The four-star hotel is pitched as a destination for both business travellers and leisure guests looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation close to the city centre.

Within walking distance of the Town Hall, Civic Theatre and Aotea Square, the 96-room hotel promises a modern boutique vibe.

The hotel’s rooms offer king, queen or twin beds with unlimited free wifi (yay!) smart TV and a work desk.

Deluxe rooms enjoy elevated city views with an outdoor balcony while for families the hotel has inter or outer-connecting rooms. There is a 24-hour reception desk and an on-site fitness centre.

The Basement Restaurant and Bar has Italian and Mediterranean influences.



Accor Pacific CEO Simon McGrath said: “We are proud to open a Mercure on Queen Street in vibrant Auckland, a wonderful addition to our portfolio of properties.

"Our Accor Live Limitless customers will enjoy the building’s incredible location, personality, charm and outstanding service. The hotel has been developed with skill and thoughtful detail, and will enrich Queen Street and the city’s accommodation and bar scene for our growing customer base.”

Mercure Auckland Queen Street has launched an opening special from $199 per night in a standard king room including continental breakfast. To book, visit all.accor.com (valid for sale and travel until December 31, 2021).

Mercure Auckland Queen Street is at 500 Queen Street, Auckland. See 
https://all.accor.com/hotel/B1R9/index.en.shtml