Merchant banks on booming Brisbane trade

 

The Brisbane hotel scene is hotting up ahead of the city hosting the 2032 Olympic Games. 

The newest cab off the rank is the Radisson Hotel Group opening The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in the heart of the city. 

The Merchant marks the debut of the Radisson Individuals brand in Queensland and follows a complete revamp of the budget former Turbot House Hotel. 

Inspired by the trading heritage of the historic Roma Street markets, the contemporary 58-room boutique hotel promises to "combine distinctive local character, personalised service and modern comfort" close to corporate, government, cultural and entertainment precincts.

Located on Turbot Street, The Merchant Hotel is within, walking distance of Queen Street Mall, Brisbane City Hall and Roma Street Parkland, with South Bank, Suncorp Stadium, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre also easily accessible.

"The opening of The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, represents an important milestone for Radisson Hotel Group in Australia and introduces Radisson Individuals to Queensland for the first time," said Radisson regional COO Tim Cordon. 

"Brisbane continues to grow as a dynamic destination for business, events and leisure travel, and this distinctive boutique hotel brings together a strong sense of place with the flexibility and global reach of the Radisson Individuals brand. 

"We look forward to welcoming guests to an experience that feels authentically connected to the city." 

There are four room categories: Urban Rooms, Urban King Single Rooms, Standard Rooms and Superior Rooms. Many offer city views.

The Lounge is a social hub for both hotel guests and visitors, while communal spaces include flexible lounge areas and hot desks equipped with charging ports. 

For bookings and hotel details, visit The Merchant Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, on RadissonHotels.com

* To celebrate the hotel opening, guests can save 20% when booking directly for stays until December 20. The offer is available for bookings made before October 31.

Where to now for Sihanoukville?

What is the future for Sihanhoukville? 

Just a few years ago it was a fishing port and sleepy beach resort. 

Now Cambodia's biggest deep-sea port is awash with Chinese money and casinos. Recent reports have not been positive. 

 
The Radisson Hotel Group is apparently confident it will retain broad appeal, announcing the signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville, to add to its expanding portfolio in Cambodia.

Scheduled to open in early 2029, the newly built 176-key hotel will be located within the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights, a mixed-use township on Cambodia's southern coast.

Sihanoukville is undergoing a government-driven transformation into a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by 2038. 

This initiative aims to establish the city as a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology, stimulating corporate demand in addition to its leisure appeal.

The new hotel will feature a mix of rooms and serviced apartments, some with panoramic ocean views, along with three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. 

It is located just a five-minute walk from a private beach and adjacent to the city's CBD. 

The property will cater to both business and leisure travellers and is within a 25-minute drive of Sihanoukville International Airport. 

"Sihanoukville is a hidden gem of south-east Asia, offering a unique blend of coastal beauty and fast-growing economic opportunities," says Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, APAC, Radisson Hotel Group. 

"The signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Sihanoukville underlines our commitment to expanding in Cambodia's key destinations, complementing our pipeline in Phnom Penh."

The Bay of Lights development, spread across 934 hectares, integrates residential, commercial, financial, hospitality, and leisure components, including a marina and cultural attractions. 

With Sihanoukville welcoming approximately 5 million visitors in 2024, including both domestic and international travellers, Radisson is positive about the destination. 

For more info visit the Radisson website.