Twin hotels add a new lifestyle precinct at Melbourne Airport

Choice is a good thing. And that is even more the case when you can choose between different hotel options that are part of the same dramatic building.

If you need to stay at Melbourne Airport you can now choose between the fun and funky ibis Styles, or its sibling, the more serious Novotel Melbourne Airport.

Both share the same reception and lounge facilities, the same signature restaurant and café, and function facilities. And both are just a hop, skip and jump from Terminal 4.

I chose to check out the ibis Styles facilities and was impressed with the whole operation.

 


The twin hotels are the largest hotel opening in Australia this year.

Vibrant pops of colour and striking lighting design greeting guests when they walk through the front doors.

RELATED STORY Novotel reinvents airport hotels

The aerodynamically inspired L-shaped building offers guests a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms). Despite these numbers there is a calm, relaxed vibe.

The architecture was done by award-winning Fender Katsalidis, and interior design by Woods Bagot.

The ibis property has an urban vibe, with the Novotel design a nod to the colours of regional Victoria.



“We’re thrilled to have our doors open and to be welcoming guests into these stunning new hotels," said David Alexander, who is GM of both properties.

"We are more than just your average airport hotel, offering all the facilities of a city hotel but conveniently located at the airport. Plus we are home to Melbourne Airport’s first wellness hub, Higher State, and the airport’s first co-working space, Aerofoil Workspace.

“From what we have created here, you really don’t have to be flying somewhere to enjoy our incredible facilities and hospitality. We welcome guests to stay with us while exploring all that is on offer right on our doorstep within the airport precinct including URBNSurf, Sunbury wine region and the Essendon Football Club, to name a few."

Small Holdings offers café fare, St ALi coffee and freshly baked goods and sandwiches, while Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar celebrates Italian food culture. My review is here: 

https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2024/08/airport-hotel-eatery-delivers-fun.html

Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, with craft brews and barbecue flavours, offers another alternative.

There is currently an opening offer of $239 per night at the ibis Styles and $298 per night at the Novotel, but it finishes at the end of the month.

For further information, please visit all.com. Here are direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

 

# The writer was hosted by ibis Styles Melbourne Airport 

Airport hotel eatery delivers fun Italian flavours

 

I am a big believer that restaurant food should be fun. 

The Melbourne Airport precinct has welcomed its newest dining establishment with the recent launch of Boccata Restaurant & Bar, which means 'a mouthful” and celebrates Melbourne's migrant heritage and rich Italian food culture.

We ate there last week and really enjoyed the fun vibe of dishes like deep-fried lasagne with paprika mayo,  a mortadella pizza, a tomato-driven rigatoni and fior di latte soft serve with olive oil and Murray salt. 

 
The dessert was unconventional, sure, but absolutely delicious.

There is an experienced team behind Boccata - and some friendly wait staff as well.

Consultant chef Rosy Scatigna from Hotel Morris in Sydney has crafted the menu. Executive chef Christian Corpuz heads the kitchen team with and F&B director Dylan Wisnesky manning the floor.

Puglian-raised Scatigna’s Italian roots are reflected in the modern trattoria-style menu which features plenty of Italian flavours like garlic, chilli, fresh herbs, citrus and high-quality olive oil.

“The inspiration for the Boccata menu comes from my own family's Italian roots and the stories of Melbourne's Italian immigrant community,” Scatigna says.

“When we set out to create this menu, we wanted to honour those cherished memories while celebrating the incredible produce from Victoria's local farmers.

“Each dish is a tribute to the past and a nod to the vibrant food culture that surrounds us, blending time-honoured Italian recipes with the best ingredients this region has to offer.”

Corpuz has worked at some of Victoria's best restaurants including Estelle Bistro, Lakehouse Daylesford and Miss Mi.

Complementing the food and wine, the interiors at Boccata are designed to embrace a classic Italian design with a modern twist.

There is a decent and affordable selection of wines by the glass, but nothing thrilling.

Boccata Restaurant & Bar is within the airport precinct at the brand-new Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport. Open for dinner Monday to Sunday from 5-10pm.

See https://www.novotelmelbourneairport.com.au

# The writer was hosted by Accor Hotels 

Meet Australia's biggest airport hotel opening of the year

It is two hotels in one - and the largest hotel opening in Australia this year.

Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport opened its doors today, marking the start of the financial year in style.

The twin complex aims to offer "all the luxuries and facilities of a city hotel within easy walking distance of Terminal 4". 

The aerodynamically-inspired L-shaped building offers guests the choice of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms).

With architecture by award-winning Fender Katsalidis, and interior design by acclaimed Woods Bagot, the hotels make a design statement.

“We’re thrilled to have our doors open and to be welcoming guests into these stunning new hotels," said David Alexander, general manager of both properties.

"We are more than just your average airport hotel, offering all the facilities of a city hotel but conveniently located at the airport. Plus we are home to Melbourne Airport’s first wellness hub, Higher State, and the Airport’s first coworking space, Aerofoil Workspace.

“From what we have created here, you really don’t have to be flying somewhere to enjoy our incredible facilities and hospitality. We welcome guests to stay with us while exploring all that is on offer right on our doorstep within the airport precinct."

To celebrate the official opening, Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport is offering free buffet breakfast for all stays during July and August.

Prices start from $289 per night at Novotel Melbourne Airport and from $239 per night at ibis Styles Melbourne Airport.

For further information visit all.com

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Novotel and WWF team up to help protect ocean environments

The sustainability message is an important one in the hospitality industry, as is underlined by a new deal between Novotel hotels and the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).

Novotel, Accor's founding brand, will champion the protection and restoration of the ocean through "science-based action and conservation projects".

Under the three-year agreement from 2024 to 2027, WWF France will provide technical expertise to Novotel, helping its 580 hotels worldwide to "have a positive impact on the ocean, challenging and guiding the brand and its properties throughout many aspects of its operations".

The partnership will also see Novotel sponsoring several critical WWF ocean-related conservation projects across the world.

Novotel says it will build a three-year science-based action plan, rooted in three of the United Nations' priority ocean-related actions: reducing marine pollution and ocean acidification, particularly from land-based activities; fighting overfishing and promoting sustainable fishing models; and increasing scientific knowledge and research for ocean health.

The partnership will see Novotel supporting essential WWF France conservation projects around the world, including the WWF France's Blue Panda boat (top image), which sails across the Mediterranean carrying out work including scientific dives, protecting cetaceans from collisions with marine vehicles, and protecting endangered species of rays and sharks.

Another key element will be tracking and tracing marine turtles in Asia-Pacific, gathering knowledge on their movements from nesting beaches to migratory corridors and foraging grounds, and mapping critical populations and conservation areas.

Karelle Lamouche, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Accor (another great job title), said: “We are delighted to announce that Novotel is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Novotel, Accor's founding brand, is a powerful brand, leading the Midscale segment in most of the world. Today, we are starting a bold new ambition, championing a sustainability cause globally.

“Novotel has a long-standing commitment to innovation and balance, and we now take that commitment further, by choosing to help the greatest source of balance on our planet – the ocean."

Yann Laurans, Conservation Director, WWF France, said “WWF aims to restore ocean health for the benefit of people and nature. The oceans are an essential resource of biodiversity that must be protected."

Created in 1967 in France, Novotel is Accor's founding brand. It has over 580 hotels across 65 countries.

More hotel choices at Melbourne Airport

Travellers flying in or out of Melbourne Airport are about to get more choice with the imminent opening of two new hotels.

Novotel (above) and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotels will open on July 1 and will be the first new-build hotels in the precinct in almost 20 years.

Owned by Melbourne Airport and operated by Accor, the hotels will food and beverageoptions, F&B offerings, a co-working space, Higher State - Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club - and conference and event facilities.

The dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport will offer travellers all the faciiities of a city hotel within easy walking distance of the terminals.

The $230 million hotel development has been designed by high-profile FK Architects with interiors by Woods Bagot.

There will be a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms) located within The Hive precinct.

F&B options will include Small Holdings Cafe, for coffee and pastries, Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar for more substantial Italian fare and Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, a modern gastro pub.

Guests at both properties will be able to use Higher State, which features an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre - perfect after a tiring flight.

 

“As the countdown begins to the launch of Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, we're thrilled to be working with Melbourne Airport to deliver the first internationally branded hotels to open at the airport in more than 20 years," says Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams.

"Not only will the new-build hotels provide more choice for travellers seeking a place to stay, they will also offer a welcoming hub for the workers in the airport precinct."

Stuart Verrier, Melbourne Airport’s Head of Property Development and Asset Development, said “We’re excited to bring these new hotels to Melbourne Airport and give more choice to travellers and airport workers alike.

“Melbourne is now Australia’s largest city, and these hotels are essential for the growing number of people visiting our city, many of whom need a night before or after a long flight.

"But more than that, they also offer dining, wellness, conference and co-working facilities that provide a reason to come out to Melbourne Airport - even if you’re not flying.”

For further information see all.com. Direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

Novotel makes its debut in Cambodia

The Cambodian seaside resort of Sihanoukville now has a new international hotel brand.

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts, part of the Accor group, this week opened the doors to Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort.

It is the first Novotel property in Cambodia and is located directly on Independence Beach.

The 215-key resort has views over the Gulf of Thailand, four dining options, and family-friendly facilities.

“The opening of Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort marks the beginning of an exciting journey for us in 2024," says Garth Simmons from Accor.

"It stands as a significant milestone in Accor's ongoing commitment to providing diverse and enriching hospitality experiences in Asia.

"With the growing potential in Cambodia's hospitality sector, we are thrilled to introduce the Novotel experience to the country for the first time.

“Novotel offers a perfect blend of contemporary design, spacious comfort, and well-being facilities. This combination makes Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort an attractive choice for travellers seeking an opportunity to connect with their loved ones, and themselves, or unwind in Cambodia's most recognized seaside town of Sihanoukville.”

The hotel offers eight room configurations, ranging from comfortable 32 sqm standard rooms to 96 sqm suites.

Facilities include 24/7 in-room dining, a fully-equipped, a beachside infinity pool with sunset views, and a separate kids' pool and kids' club.

Sihanoukville International Airport is 25 km from the hotel, while it is a 2 1/2-hour drive on the new Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway to the capital city of Phnom Penh.

 Once a quiet retreat, Sihanoukville is now a booming resort town - complete with Chinese investment and all the plusses and minuses that brings.  

To celebrate its opening, Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort is offering a Coastal Getaway package from now until April 9 starting at US $120+++ per night, including a daily $25 food and beverage credit, along with early check-in and late check-out.

See https://all.accor.com/hotel/A611/index.en.shtml

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 Novotel to offer relaxed suburban vibe

 

There is a growing trend towards building hotels in suburban locations rather than city centres.

Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, recently announced the signing of Novotel Melbourne Box Hill, a new-build hotel set to open in January 2025.

This follows the recent openings of other internationally branded hotels in the Melbourne suburbs of Preston and Coburg.

The new Novotel is located in a vibrant shopping precinct and renowned food destination, with a strong Asian flavour.

Box Hill is widely acknowledged as the Asian food capital of Melbourne’s east with Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai and Korean cuisine.

The suburb also has a pedestrian mall and fresh food market.

Novotel Melbourne Box Hill will feature 132 guestrooms, along with conference and events facilities including a 200-capacity ballroom.

There will be an all-day dining restaurant, lobby bar/café and a rooftop bar.

The hotel will also feature a day spa, sauna, wellness centre and gym, and will be one of the closest hotels to Box Hill Hospital and Epworth Eastern Hospital aided by the adjacent new suburban rail loop.

Johnson Zhang, CEO of owners APH Holding, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Accor on this exciting development. Novotel Melbourne Box Hill will be a flagship for the area, and we are confident that it will become a popular destination for both locals and visitors to Melbourne.

"The hotel will have access to public transport and retail amenities and will be an appropriate asset for Melbourne’s much needed second CBD which should promote, leisure and business."

Box Hill is located approximately 14km east of the Melbourne CBD.

Sizzling flavours from Asia land in Perth

One of the most pleasant gourmet surprises of 2022 was the excellent pan-Asian food at Miss Mi in Melbourne's Movenpick Hotel.

Now Miss Mi has opened its doors in Perth at a laneway location at the Novotel Perth Murray Street (follow the illuminated wall mural).

Miss Mi's menu is a mix of dishes influenced by the cultures, cuisines and aromatics from across South-East Asia, which doesn't always work but was a huge hit in Melbourne.

Guests can choose from flavours from Bangkok to Borneo and the man entrusted with emulating the success of the Melbourne venue is Filipino chef Alex de Leon, who has previously cooked at Perth eateries Apple Daily, Low Key Chow House and Dainty Dowager.

Miss Mi Perth will focus on Asian grill styles: charred, caramelised, smoked and scorched.

The menu will range from street snacks to larger share-style dishes including grilled octopus with cucumber, mint and lassi, and lamb shoulder rendang with, toasted coconut with chilli, as well as Szechuan glazed lamb ribs with pickled red cabbage and garlic crumb on smoking paperbark.

The menu differs from the Melbourne eatery but shares some dishes, including kinilaw, the raw fish salad from the Philippines. 

“Showcasing the unique ingredients, dishes and complex flavours of Asia is at the heart of the Miss Mi philosophy," says de Leon.

"We want to evoke memories of your trips to Asia. We make all our sauces, spices, curries, and sambals in-house. We pair them with the best produce from local suppliers to bring these bold, vibrant dishes to Perth diners.”

 
The drinks list features a range of Asian-accented cocktails, while the mural at the entrance (above) is inspired by a traditional Chinese streetscape dotted with red lanterns.

Miss Mi Perth is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 10:00pm and lunch Thursday and Friday, 12:00pm to 3:00pm (closed Monday and Sunday).

See www.missmiperth.com.au

Two new hotel choices on offer in Melbourne

The tourism industry is back in a big way in Melbourne with two international hotel brands unveiling new properties this week. 

The newcomers are Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens (above) and the suburban inner-north Novotel Melbourne Preston (below). 

They open in time for the start of the AFL season and ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix.

Courtyard by Marriott, part of the Marriott International hotel portfolio, welcomed the arrival of its first Melbourne property, located in Batman Street and adjacent to the picturesque Flagstaff Gardens. 

The 150-room hotel is a short distance from some of Melbourne's premier sporting venues (including Marvel Stadium), Queen Victoria Market and green spaces. 

“We are thrilled to be bringing the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Melbourne – with the inclusion of this location, we are on track to offering 10 operational hotels in the Melbourne market ” said Marriott area vice president for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Sean Hunt. 

Opening rates from $205. For more information see www.courtyardmelbourneflagstaffgardens.com

In Preston, meanwhile, 9km from the city centre the former Mantra Bell City has undergone a multi-million dollar revamp to emerge as a Novotel. 

The hotel features 383 guest rooms, suites and fully self-contained studio apartments and is surrounded by vintage shops, cafés, bars and a diverse range of restaurants.

GCP Hospitality CEO and co-founder Christophe Vielle said: "The opening of Novotel Melbourne Preston is a crucial milestone for GCP Hospitality as it demonstrates our dedication to expanding our hotel portfolio in Australia. 

"Combining comfort, convenience and boasting a great location within easy reach of Melbourne's CBD and top attractions, Novotel Melbourne Preston is poised to be an exciting destination for business travellers and tourists alike."

The hotel will be home to a new on-site restaurant, The Stampton, when it opens next month.

Entry rates start from $180 per room per night, including car parking, a bottle of wine and market platter on arrival. To book, visit all.com

Out on the [over-water] patio we sit

You expect overwater bungalows in the Maldives, but they are a rarity in Australia. 

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort recently unveiled updated guest rooms and overwater bungalows, refreshed resort pool precinct and lagoon beachfront plus a new pilates studio.

As part of the refurbishment, Novotel has updated its architecturally-designed over-water bungalows with a modern coastal theme and - for the first time in 30 years – introduced two new, elevated accommodation categories: Grand Overwater Bungalows and Deluxe Overwater Bungalows.

The Grand Overwater Bungalow has three king bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with an additional Queen sofa bed on hand for larger groups. 

There are also two outdoor patios offering views across the lagoon.

Designed for couples and small families,  the new 1.5-bedroom Deluxe Overwater Bungalows (above).feature a king-sized bed and en-suite, complete with a soaker bathtub.

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort has also updated its gymnasium

Formerly known as the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, prices start from $199 while Overwater Bungalow room rates start from $409. 

See https://all.accor.com/brands/novotel.fr.shtml