Wind down with a cocktail or two at Melbourne's hip new hotel

Collaborations are all the range across the drinks business and the hospitality industry.

Melbourne hotel hotspot Hannah St Hotel has just launched a new collab with Malin+Goetz, a hip skincare brand founded in the very hip Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City.

The duo has unveiled The Wind Down by Malin + Goetz, an accommodation experience designed around "comfort, ritual and relaxation".

Here's what the hotel has to say: "Created in partnership with modern apothecary brand Malin + Goetz, the new package transforms an overnight stay into a sensory escape, where slowing down becomes the main event."

Fair enough.

"The collaboration draws inspiration from the shared character of Melbourne and New York."

Melbourne and New York are about as similar as myself and a LooksMaxxer.

But there is a legit link.

Hannah St Hotel occupies a location within the podium of The Queensbridge Building. Like New York's iconic Flatiron Building, The Queensbridge Building has become a defining architectural landmark of its city, creating a natural connection between two destinations celebrated for their creativity, culture and neighbourhood spirit.

At the heart of the Wind Down experience is Soft Flame, an exclusive cocktail developed by Hannah St. Hotel Bar Manager Ryan Brandon. Inspiration is drawn from the scent profile of Malin+Goetz's Dark Rum fragrance.

Guests can choose between two collab experiences.

The signature Wind Down by Malin + Goetz package includes overnight accommodation in a choice of Local, Traveller or Explorer Room types and Skyline or Lookout Corner Suites, plus daily breakfast for two, two Dark Rum-inspired cocktails served in Bar Hannah, nightly turndown service, extended 2pm checkout and a full-size Malin+Goetz Dark Rum candle to take home.

For those seeking an elevated retreat, The Ultimate Wind Down by Malin + Goetz is available exclusively in the hotel’s Terrace Balcony Rooms, the Melbourne Suite and the Hannah Suite.

Alongside all the inclusions of the signature package, Ultimate Wind Down guests can also enjoy cocktails shaken and served in-room on request, creating a private cocktail experience within the comfort of their suite. The premium package also includes a signature Hannah St Hotel robe to take home, "extending the feeling of indulgence".

Packages are available to book and stay from now until August 31, with prices starting from $705 per room for a minimum two-night stay. For online reservations and more info see www.hannahsthotel.com/packages.

* With 188 "uniquely styled" rooms, Hannah St Hotel is part of the Collection by TFE Hotels.

Brisbane's north gets a new international hotel

Brisbane’s north has a new focal point with the 148-key Adina Chermside Brisbane now officially open.

Billed as being created "for travellers who value space, comfort and connection", the new hotel is located in one of Brisbane’s fastest-growing lifestyle precincts, moments from Westfield Chermside, close to leading hospitals, and an easy drive to Brisbane Airport, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, and the city.

Designed by WMK Architecture, Adina Chermside is "a calm, light-filled retreat crafted to reflect Brisbane’s subtropical climate and meet the needs of the evolving northern corridor". 

Guests at the TFE Hotels property can select from a mix of studio rooms and one-bedroom apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities. The hotel also offers access to an all-day café and bar, gym, meeting spaces, and undercover parking.

Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic Games with accommodation expected to be at a premium. 

“The interior experience was about creating a sense of retreat within an urban setting,” says WMK Architecture Practice director David Percival.

“Now that the hotel is open, you can see how the continuity of materials and the softness of the palette help establish a genuine ‘home away from home’ for a wide range of guests.”

“Adina Chermside isn’t just opening its doors; it’s opening a space where travellers can breathe out, settle in, and feel held by something recognisably their own,” says GM Sue Rowe. 

To celebrate its opening, Adina Chermside is offering a special Shop, Stay and Play opening package. 

Book for stays from now until July 31 and you will receive a 15% discount on the rooms, a $50 Westfield voucher to the first 100 to book direct, a bottle of wine and noon check-out. Room rates start from $211. Book via adinahotels.com.

Adina has hotel apartments in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

For more details see https://adinahotels.com/en/apartments/chermside-brisbane.

Softly, softly. New Melbourne hotel quietly opens its doors

They call it the silly season because not much happens in the hospitality industry over the Christmas-New Year holidays.

The team at the long-awaited Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne turned that on its head with a quiet opening on the Southbank.

 
Designed by the Flack Studio, the $150 million hotel is promoted as "a celebration of art, architecture, and cultural connection", offering guests the type of immersive experience that could only belong in Melbourne.

“We’re incredibly proud to open our doors and share what’s been taking shape behind the scenes for the past three years,” says Hannah St Hotel GM Peter Minatsis.

“Hannah St Hotel was created to feel connected to its neighbourhood. A place where guests can experience the real Melbourne, not just visit it. From the design to the dining to the small, thoughtful touches in every room, everything has been considered to make people feel welcomed… and we’re doing just that.”



“It’s part grand hotel, part underground bar, part cultural clubhouse,” says designer David Flack, founder and principal of Flack Studio.

“We’ve created a space that feels lived-in, loved, and full of stories.”

Across 188 boutique rooms and suites, guests will find custom furniture, rich textures, curated minibars (as opposed to a randomly stocked minibar? Although these showcase local products); premium amenities and Marshall speakers.

Every room in the TFE Hotels-managed property - part of the Collection by TFE portfolio - offers skyline views.

At the heart of the guest experience is Level 9, a purpose-designed space "for connection, creativity, and wellbeing".

Highlights include a 20-metre indoor pool with city views, steam room and sauna, and a fitness studio. In addition, guests have access to co-working spaces with a dedicated podcast room.

Hannah St Hotel positions itself as a cultural hub, showcasing works by leading Australian artists including Justene Williams and Jazz Money, and offering curated experiences inspired by the city’s arts scene.

The Mulberry Group (the team behind Hazel, Dessous, Lilac Wine, Molli, and Heide Kitchen) has opened five F&B venues within the hotel.

Founder Nathan Toleman describes the project as a lifelong dream: “With Hannah St, we wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and excitement, but with a Melbourne heartbeat. A place that feels alive, authentic, and inclusive - not just for travellers, but for locals too.”



The Mulberry Group’s venues include Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar, an all-day European bistro; Hannah St Coffee, a hole-in-the-wall espresso bar, Bar Hannah and Carriage Lounge in the lobby,  and The Terrace Lounge, a rooftop bar and lounge.

The hotel is located within the landmark Queensbridge building and adjacent to the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct.

Bookings are now open at hannahsthotel.com.

* To celebrate the opening, the Hannah St Hotel Urban Revel Package includes overnight accommodation, daily breakfast for two, two signature cocktails and a 12pm late check-out. It is priced from $395 per night, inclusive of taxes and fees.

Book by March 15 for stays until December 15, 2026.

The Mulberry Group hopes Melbourne hotel collaboration will bear fruit

Melbourne's much-awaited Hannah St Hotel will feature five food and beverage outlets created and run by The Mulberry Group when it opens this summer.

The culinary offers will range from morning coffee and pastry to late-night cocktails and snacks.

Mulberry Group founder Nathan Toleman has operated venues like Top Paddock, The Kettle Black, and Higher Ground while it now operates Hazel, Dessous, Lilac Wine, Moll, and Heide Kitchen.

“From a young age, I’ve been obsessed with hotels – the excitement of checking in, exploring every corner, and discovering the magic of each space," Toleman said. "Some of my best memories are tied to hotels: Ett Hem in Stockholm, Chiltern Firehouse in London, and Chateau Marmont in LA.

"For me, a hotel represents an escape from the outside world – a place where every detail tells a story.”

The lobby bar has been reimagined at Hannah St by Nathan Toleman, Time & Place creative director Edward Pearse and Hannah St Hotel general manager Peter Minatsis (below)

“With Hannah St, we wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and excitement, but with a Melbourne heartbeat," Toleman said.

"A place that feels alive, authentic, and inclusive - not just for travellers, but for locals too.”

The 188-room Hannah St Hotel is the latest project from celebrated interior architect David Flack and his award-winning Melbourne-based team at Flack Studio.

“Hannah St Hotel offers more than just a place to stay - it’s an experience that will deliver the best of Melbourne’s cultural identity in one exciting destination,” GM Minatsis said.

“From our locally inspired interiors by Flack Studio to the curated art, food, and design collaborations, every detail is curated to reflect the city’s creative spirit."

The Mulberry Group will operate five distinct venues: Hannah St Coffee, Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar, Terrace Lounge on the rooftop, Bar Hannah in the lobby and The Carriage Lounge.

Developed by Time & Place, in partnership with construction specialists Hickory, MaxCap Group, and TFE Hotels, the hotel forms part of the Queensbridge precinct - a new mixed-use development designed to breathe new life into Southbank.

Visit hannahsthotel.com for more info.

New Melbourne hotel promises a different experience

Melbourne's busy Southbank precinct is to welcome a new hotel arrival this summer with the opening of Hannah St. Hotel - a boutique offering from Collection by TFE Hotels. 

The $150 million new-build hotel is part of the landmark Queensbridge precinct - a new mixed-use development near to the Melbourne Arts Precinct. 

Designed by Melbourne’s Flack Studio, the 188-room hotel aims to fuse art, architecture and music influences "where grit meets glamour, and old meets new".

“This site is incredible, and Hannah St. will deliver an elevated and memorable hotel experience not only through the materiality and aesthetics of the design, but with the F&B and intuitive service on offer,” said interior architect David Flack of the facade, which has drawn comparisons to New York’s iconic Flatiron Building.

“We wanted to create a building that feels like it’s always been here. Something that’s part grand hotel, part underground bar, part cultural clubhouse - with spaces that feel layered and nostalgic, but completely of now.”

Guests can expect custom furniture, expressive colours and collectable art. 

Anchoring Hannah St. Hotel and the Queensbridge precinct will be The Clubhouse - floors dedicated "to lifestyle, movement, and connection" for house guests only.

Think a striking black and white 25-metre lap pool, steam room and sauna, a gym, wellness spaces, along with co-working studios, meeting rooms, and breakaway lounges. 

Evenings shift the energy: from rooftop cocktails on the sun-drenched (a bit optimistic, this is Melbourne) garden terrace to dinners in a private izakaya-style dining room. 

The hotel will offer two conference rooms, an indoor rooftop event space on the 10th floor with sweeping city views, and a collection of adaptable meeting areas. 

Visit hannahsthotel.com for more information.

Brisbane's northern suburbs to welcome new hotel

The Olympics are coming and Brisbane is bustling ahead.

Brisbane’s northern suburb of Chermside is set to welcome its largest hotel in February, 2026, when the Adina Chermside Brisbane is scheduled to open.

The 148-room new-build property, operated by TFE Hotels and created by Limitless Developments, owned by local developer Nick Barr, has seen construction completed with the project now moving into the interior fit-out phase.

“The signing of Adina Chermside Brisbane is a significant milestone for TFE Hotels, providing an opportunity for us to expand our Adina Hotels’ footprint from two hotels to three in the powerhouse state of Queensland,” says TFE Hotels’ Group Chief Operating Officer Chris Sedgwick.

“Adina Chermside brings our home-grown hotel brand to this important suburb, and our casual living philosophy - with kitchens and laundry and flexible spaces, fills a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital.

"Adina Chermside brings a homegrown hotel brand to this important suburb, filling a gap in the accommodation market for the north side of Brisbane and the Prince Charles Hospital.

"Significantly it also represents an incredible opportunity to maximise on the incredible decade of transformation that lies ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Barr says: “We are a home-grown developer who understands Brisbane’s inner north intimately, and we’re confident that Adina Chermside will become the flagship hotel for this burgeoning part of the city.

“We are excited to partner with TFE Hotels - an Australian-born company and experienced hotel operator – to bring this future-thinking development to life.

“The Chermside area is transitioning, and we anticipate that the demand for quality corporate, travel and health-based accommodation needs in the area will only continue to increase in the next five to 10 years.”

Australian hotel group to test UK market

Australian-based hotel group TFE Hotels is set to launch its first properties in the UK later this year, making its debut in the British Isles.

TFE is to open two Adina-branded apartment-hotels, The Hobson Cambridge by Adina and The Wellington Glasgow by Adina in Scotland.

Both properties are set to open in the northern hemisphere autumn, news portal Travel Mole reported.

TFE Hotels was established in 2013 as a joint venture between Australia’s Toga Group (1963), and Singapore’s Far East Hospitality Holdings.

Asli Kutlucan, CEO of TFE Hotels Europe, said: “Our arrival in Cambridge and Glasgow signals a confident step forward for TFE Hotels’ European strategy.

“These two properties align with our vision of offering flexible, design-led apartment-hotel experiences.”

TFE has grown its presence across Europe with existing Adina apartment-hotels in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Switzerland and Hungary.

Hobson Cambridge by Adina is housed in a former police station which retains heritage architecture. It will also feature a bar and restaurant.

The Wellington Glasgow by Adina is situated in central Glasgow within easy reach of the city’s conference hubs, shopping and nightlife.

Moritz Klein, head of operations EU & UK at TFE Hotels Europe, said: “Launching Adina Apartment Hotels in the UK is a significant operational milestone for TFE Hotels.

"Our teams have been working closely to ensure a seamless brand introduction.”

TFE Hotels brands include Adina Hotels, A by Adina, Vibe Hotels, Quincy Hotels, Travelodge and Rendezvous Hotels.

Image: The Hobson Cambridge by Adina

New Sydney boutique hotel opens in surprising location

Times change.

A couple of decades ago the area bordering inner city Sydney suburbs of Redfern and Surry Hills was best avoided. 

There were only a few reasons to visit the badlands off Cleveland Street: to eat some great Lebanese food, buy an illicit wrap or two, find a lady of the night, or perhaps get into a fight.

But gentrification happened and now the area around Wunderlich Lane is home to restaurants, bars and, as of today, a new luxe hotel.

Independently owned by TOGA and operated by TFE Hotels, the EVE Hotel Sydney opened its doors today.

It is set among a labyrinth of lively laneways connecting Surry Hills and Redfern and boasts a 20-metre rooftop pool..

Designed by Surry Hills-based architects SJB (with styling collaboration from Bates Smart), the city's newest 102-room boutique hotel is part of Sydney's newest lifestyle precinct, Wunderlich Lane, set on the site of Sydney’s original Wunderlich Ltd factory, which made terracotta roof tiles.

 
The precinct’s inner-city laneways will feature boutique shopping, al fresco dining and design-led commercial and event spaces.

“We have a prominent address at the crossroads of Surry Hills and Redfern and a location full of rich history,” said TOGA Group managing director and TFE Hotels chairman Allan Vidor.

“And our team are looking forward to sharing our version of Sydney hospitality.”

"By design, The EVE’s pre-opening team has aimed to create spaces where guests and visitors can immerse themselves in the art, cultural, and culinary offerings from the local community,"

See https://theevehotel.com.au/.

A very stylish Melbourne address

In an era of cookie-cutter new-build chain hotels it is a delight to stay somewhere with serious individuality and style. 

The Art Deco-style Savoy Hotel on Little Collins also has a great location opposite Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, and a fascinating history. 

Part of the TFE Hotels group, The Savoy has a definite 1920s-1930s vibe - but with all modern conveniences. And the room rates are surprisingly affordable. 

My deluxe room with a king bed was spacious with all the modern comforts you could ask for. 

The stately building dates back to 1866 when it was known as the very fashionable Alexander’s Family Hotel.

It has since been through several iterations but retains the honour of having been the first hotel in town with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold water in each room and climate control. Quite a trendsetter. 

After being used as a live-in police academy it was reborn as a hotel in 1991 - as the Savoy Park Plaza. 

In its current guise, The Savoy has 162 guest rooms and a suite. There are six meeting rooms and cocktail function capacity for up to 320 thirsty folk. There is also a gym, should you feel so inclined. 

The ground floor Alexander Bar has that historic ambiance and is open for breakfast and dinner. 

The revamped interior design was done by high-profile Woods Bagot.

Rooms all have air con, free wifi, HD TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, in-room safes, iron and ironing board and mini bar. 

There is a 24-hour reception - who remembered my 4am wake-up call. Thanks guys. 

If you stay, you’ll join a list of esteemed guests that includes Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald, the Seekers, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Fred Astaire.

The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne. (03) 9622 8888. www.savoyhotelmelbourne.com 

# The writer was hosted by TFE Hotels 

Brisbane and Hobart hotels get global recognition

Brisbane and Hobart have trumped Sydney and Melbourne on a new list of the world's '50 Best' hotels for 2024.

Retaining its title as the best hotel in Australia (and Oceania), was The Calile Hotel in Brisbane (above), ranked 25th.

Joining this year's top 50 was The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Hobart, landing in 49th spot.

The organisers described The Calille as an example of "laid-back, sun-soaked, chic Aussie hospitality", noting that it "riffs on modernist Miami and Palm Springs while also nodding to the design stylings of 1960s Australia".

The Fortitude Valley hotel is operated by TFE Hotels.

The Marriott-operated Tasman was parised for its "three distinct architectural eras cleverly melded into one seamless, luxurious whole".

"What binds this eccentric collection of styles together is an uncompromising attention to detail, a sense of relaxed luxury and a uniquely Tasmanian style and pace," the awards panel said.

Capella Bangkok, overlooking the Chao Phraya River, took the top spot, climbing 10 places from No.11 in the 2023 list to also clinch The Best Hotel in Asia 2024 title.

The No.2 spot went to Passalacqua (number one last year), set in an 18th-century villa on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como.

The Rosewood Hang Kong took the No.3 spot.

Asia led the way with 19 ranked hotels in total, while Bangkok solidified its reputation as a global travel hub, boasting four hotels on the list: Capella Bangkok (No.1), Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No.12), Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.14) and The Siam (No.26).

The awards were announced overnight at one of London’s most historic venues, The Guildhall.

The Calile general manager Chris Kemlo said the WB50 recognition reaffirmed his team's commitment to providing the best possible guest experience.

"This achievement is a testament to our dedicated hotel team, whose unwavering commitment to excellence and exceptional service drives us to continually exceed our guests' expectations," he said. "Together, we embrace our values and strive to make every stay memorable.

"We want to thank our owners for delivering an incredible brand vision and an incredibly beautiful hotel and our fellow Top 50 winners including The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart and Kokomo Private Island Fiji who made the list for the very first time. "

You can find the full list here: https://www.theworlds50best.com/hotels/list/1-50

An affordable base from which to explore Yokohama

Yokohama is the second-biggest city in Japan.

It is bigger than Osaka and Nagoya and is a major cruise terminal - but it does not feature on the itineraries of many visitors to Japan.

That's a pity, because it is a modern, attractive city with plenty to entertain for two or three days. And it is just a short train ride from Tokyo.

It's the sort of city where you will want to be staying somewhere central - the road system is baffling when you first arrive - but probably not spend too much time in your room.

The Far East Village Yokohama hotel is managed by Far East Hospitality, part of the same group that operates TFE Hotels in Australia (Adina, Vibe, Quincy, Travelodge etc) and is located in Naka, next to Minato Mirai (above), Yokohama's impressively modern new city centre.

You are within walking distance of busy Sakuragicho Station and the main Yokohama railway station is one short bus ride away.

This is a Japanese hotel so room sizes are compact - but prices start from around $65 a night, absurdly low for a city centre property. Reception is manned 24 hours and luggage storage is on offer. 

The hotel's location offers easy access to the city's historic attractions, towering skyscrapers, and buzzing nightlife.

It has a restaurant serving an international breakfast menu with local specialities, access to washing machines and dryers (great if you've been on the road) and has a ground-floor lounge area with free access to hot and cold drinks, snacks etc. 

There are several different room styles on offer. All feature free wifi, functional bathrooms and plenty of plugs and USB slots. 

Yokohama has a population of over three million. It is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama's port was one of the first to open to foreign trade in 1859.

Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan city with one of the largest Chinatowns in the world among its major attractions.

Minato Mirai is blessed with a great location along the water and has a wealth of attractions. 

Visitors to the area will be able to find shopping centres, hotels, a convention space, amusement park, and a relaxation centre with hot springs baths; museums and park space.

Take the Yokohama Air Cabin (above) - a futuristic ropeway that connects Sakuragicho Station with Unga Park next to the World Porters shopping complex. 

You get great views, and a spot to cool off from the summer heat. 

The Cosmo World amusement park has a handful of roller coaster rides, carnival attractions, a kid's zone and the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel (above), which displays the time and was for some time considered the world's largest clock. In the evening the park is illuminated. 

Other tourism drawcards include Sankeien Gardens, with historic buildings, a pond, watercourses, myriad flowers and the surprisingly fascinating Cup Noodles Museum.

Here you can follow the history of instant noodles with interactive exhibits, modern art and hands-on experiences. For a small fee visitors can design their own cup noodle recipe. 

The Red Brick Warehouses used to be port buildings but now offer shopping, some restaurants and floorspace dedicated to events and exhibitions.

As this is a fun city, you might also just come across the odd animated pre-historic creature or two. 

Yokohama Museum of Art focuses on contemporary art as well as Yokohama's role as a port, and its artists.

A good way to get your bearings is to take the Akaikatsu Loop Bus ($2.20), which connects Sakuragicho Station with World Porters, the Red Brick Warehouses and other sights in central Yokohama

Also a short stroll from the hotel is the bustling Noge district with plenty of nightlife, affordable izakaya restaurants and bars, and the Isezaki Mall shopping area.

See https://www.villagehotels.asia/en/hotels/far-east-village-hotel-yokohama    

# The writer was hosted by the Far East Village Hotel

Sydney hotel does the right thing

It is good to see big business doing its bit to help the less fortunate.

And that is certainly the case as construction begins on the multi-million-dollar transformation of Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall. 

Furniture and fixtures from the hotel’s apartments have been donated to Sydney furniture rescue charity, ReLove, to help Aussies in need this winter.

Furniture, artworks, mirrors, kitchen appliances, and even dust pans and brooms have been saved from potential land fill and, with the help of ReLove, will hopefully find a new lease of life in the homes of Sydneysiders who need them most.

TFE Hotels’ Group Chief Operating Officer Chris Sedgwick said the decision to work with owners across the network and donate pre-loved furniture to charities was simply the right thing to do from a corporate social responsibility perspective.

“With the introduction of TFE Hotels’ Global People, Social Conscience ESG charter last year, we encourage our owners and our hotel teams to make a difference in the lives of the communities in which we operate,” he said. 

“And, as a group, we are making a commitment to sustainable practices, so we’re thrilled to see these items go to good homes and not into landfill.”

ReLove co-founder Ren Fernando said the ReLove free store primarily supported women and children impacted by domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers or people coming out of incarceration.

“Donations like these directly contribute to supporting individuals in crisis by furnishing them with safe and welcoming homes,” she said. “It has been a great process working with the TOGA and hotel teams to investigate the scope of what can be rescued from the Adina.”

TOGA director Michelle Fischl said the company’s many and varied CSR initiatives not only make a meaningful impact in society, but also serve to foster a strong sense of unity with the team.

“Our dedication to ESG - whether it is maximising under-utilised properties for use as temporary housing solutions or donating furniture to save it from landfill - demonstrate how innovation and collaboration can help with pressing social challenges.

“ReLove were down to their last glasses and ironing boards, so we are thrilled so many goods - big and small - can be reused to brighten the homes of Sydneysiders in need this winter.”

Adina Town Hall closed its doors for major refurbishment works last month. The hotel has a target completion date of December 2024. 

A by Adina to hit the heights in Austria

Australian hotel brand A by Adina is to make its debut in Europe next year.

The homegrown premium hospitality outfit will debut in the Austrian capital of Vienna.

A by Adina Vienna Danube’s infinity pool will have views overlooking St Franziskus Church and the Reichsbrücke.

TFE hotels says construction well underway on the 48-storey DANUBEFLATS - Austria's tallest residential tower, which will be 180 metres high.

A by Adina Vienna Danube will move into the precinct in early 2025, aiming to satiate demand for luxury short-term apartment style accommodation.

A by Adina will offer 108 premium apartments in the DANUBEFLATS building, with apartments ranging from 23 square metres to 64 square metres across a range of studios, one- and two-bedroom room types.

Hotel guests will also have access to that panoramic headed pool overlooking Vienna's old town, a wellness area, business lounge with meeting rooms.

In addition to the hotel, the building will house 500 privately financed residential units. A restaurant and a supermarket are planned for the ground floor and parking will be available in the underground garage. Stay tuned.

Redfern to get a hip new boutique hotel

Inner city Sydney is about to get a hotel with a difference with the Eve Hotel Sydney located between two of the city's most upwardly mobile suburbs; Redfern and Surry Hills.

Located in a labyrinth of lively laneways connecting the two suburbs, the new hotel will be operated by TFE Hotels and is developed and owned by TOGA Group – both headquartered in Sydney.

Designed by Surry Hills based architects SJB, the Harbour City’s newest 102-room boutique hotel is part of the new Wunderlich Lane lifestyle precinct, at the centre of Toga Group’s Surry Hills village.

Set on the site of Sydney’s original Wunderlich Ltd factory on the Redfern side of Cleveland St, the precinct’s inner-city vibe will feature boutique shopping, al fresco dining and design-led commercial and event spaces.

“We have a prominent address at the crossroads of Surry Hills and Redfern and a location full of rich history,” said Toga Group Managing Director and TFE Hotels chairman Allan Vidor.

“Our team are very much looking forward to sharing our version of Sydney hospitality by offering a genuine and vibrant experience.”

Described as an "edgy boutique" hotel, The Eve is scheduled to open in September 2024. It will have a rooftop pool and bar.

For more details see https://theevehotel.com.au/

Old school hotel offers modern hospitality

There is something special about older hotels. 

In Europe, particularly, they are often the benchmark for style and sophistication.  

If you want to take a little step back in time, Rendezvous Melbourne was built in 1913 and is one of Australia's most historic hotels. 

It has recently undergone a refurbishment to enhance the hotel’s lovely heritage features. 

But one "old school" element shines above all others: the art of hospitality. 

The multicultural staff - from the reception desk to the restaurant and the bar - are uniformly smiling, helpful. Downright hospitable, in fact. 

Situated just across the road from Flinders Street station, the Rendezvous caters for people looking for a little bit of luxury on budget. 

Folk from the country in the big smoke for the weekend, perhaps. Older couples celebrating an anniversary, perhaps. 

The location is great - the vibe equally good. 

The modern makeover has retained the century-old charm of what was originally the Commercial Travellers' Association Building but has gone through several incarnations since.

The original Edwardian building was designed by architect Harry Tompkins, hence the name of the on-site eatery: Mr Tompkins. 

Natural lighting and local photography feature in rooms that hark back to the past, but have modern touches like USB slots. 

The entry level Commerce Room category pays homage to the origins and start from $189 per night. 

The Yarra-view Perkins rooms highlight brass and marble and a larger with high ceilings and a bright, airy feel. 

There are 340 rooms in all, with well-equipped en-suite bathrooms.

There is a 24-hour reception, gym, laundry service and fast free wifi. Look out for special deals.

The Travellers Bar features an impressive range of cocktails, while Mr Tompkins serves excellent a la carte breakfasts and that older style is amped by High Tea service on Thursdays to Sundays.

“What’s exciting is that Rendezvous Melbourne continues an important legacy as both a meeting place and piece of living history, within walking distance of everything people come to see and experience in this remarkable and romantic city,” says regional general manager Stephen Moore.

Certainly an address worth noting. 

https://rendezvousmelbourne.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of TFE Hotels 

From a place of terror to a place of leisure

It used to be that HM Pentridge Prison was a destination to be avoided at all costs.

Today, on the 26th anniversary of the closure of the jail, TFE Hotels officially launched its 106-room Adina Hotel, Olivine wine bar, North & Common restaurant, Chapter Place events venue, and urban retreat The Interlude on the same site.

What was once a cold, hard place has been transformed into a billion-dollar dining and entertainment precinct.

TFE Hotels’ Regional General Manager for Victoria, Stephen Moore, said the unveiling of the Pentridge precinct was a sign that Melbourne’s tourism industry was continuing its post-pandemic recovery.

Moore said today's ribbon cutting, and ceremonial opening of a Heritage-listed red door into the converted prison wing, signalled the official launch of the TFE’ venues at the Heritage-listed site.



The launch followed a private event last week where Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson, conducted a Welcome to Country and ceremonial cleansing of the site.

The MP for Pascoe Vale, Anthony Cianflone, said the Pentridge Visitor and Entertainment Precinct was a game changer for Coburg and surrounds.

“Wine Bar, cuisine, wellness, accommodation, entertainment, history, culture, and tourism - all of which means a growing visitor economy, more jobs and skills for our community,” he said.

General Manager Jesse Kornoff (pictured above with Cianflone) said the 106-room Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne (which had its soft opening in February), Olivine wine bar and the eight Chapter Place events spaces had been well received by locals and travellers alike.

“We’ve had people coming in and staying because they’re genuinely interested in seeing what’s been hiding behind the bluestone walls; others were part of conferences or held events in our unique event spaces; and others still were simply attracted to the sheer convenience of our brand-new hotel being located halfway between Melbourne’s CBD and the airport.”

North & Common restaurant, with head chef Mark Glenn at the helm, will open to hotel guests this week and officially launch to the public on May 10, while Olivine wine bar, which opened last month, showcases the adaptive reuse of former prison cells.

Prison breaks very much in vogue for 2023

Time spent in jail will be very fashionable when TFE Hotels opens the new Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne in February, 2023.

The historic Pentridge Prison site is poised to become one of Australia’s highest-profile lifestyle destinations.

Developed by the Shayher Group, the 110-apartment hotel is part of a billion-dollar lifestyle precinct in Coburg which also includes residential apartments, shopping, dining outlets and an outdoor cinema.

"Whilst Pentridge was conceived as a place of confinement, it has been creatively transformed into a place of tranquillity," the developers say. "Together, we want to create an environment that people won’t want to leave, as opposed to never being able to leave."

The new-built portion of the Adina Pentridge has been added to a section of the former prison known as ‘Division B’, which has been repurposed into the hotel’s reception, modern glass hotel tower and porte cochere in a nod to the history of the site.

Located 8km from Melbourne CBD, the project sees a function centre located in the prison’s former chapel with beautiful high lead-light windows, making it a possible venue for weddings or business events.

The designers of the project, Cox Architecture, are known for their work on heritage projects including the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa redevelopment near Daylesford in Victoria.



Gourmets and wine lovers can choose between bistro dining at North & Common, or chic wine bar Olivine, with chef Thomas Woods at the helm of both venues. Sommelier Liinaa Berry will be curating the wine lists, so expect a swag of minimal intervention choices.

North & Common diners can expect produce-driven seasonal menus.

“What we’re creating with the restaurant is a lively, welcoming space free of pretention that’s inviting for locals and travellers alike,” says chef Woods, who worked with Jacques Reymond and has operated Woodland House.

“At North & Common, we’re on a mission to deliver an ever-evolving dining experience with a focus on simple food and great techniques that highlight the natural quality of the produce. This will be accompanied and elevated by a thoughtful wine list.”

A typical meal could start with rock oysters served with a classic mignonette; followed by grilled calamari with an egg yolk dressing. Or perhaps grilled rib-eye, smoked bone marrow glaze with a horseradish cream.

“I am excited to work closely with producers that I’ve built a relationship with over the past 15 years to deliver a menu that pays homage to the first-class produce we have available in Victoria,” Woods said.

Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne has lead-in rates from $219 per night with an opening special offering 20% off the best available rate. 

See www.adinahotels.com/en/apartments/pentridge-melbourne/

  

Vibe expands its footprint to Singapore

Vibe Hotels has always been a uniquely Australian brand - until this week.

Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard (above) is the first Vibe Hotel to open outside of Australia.

Managed by Far East Hospitality, a leading operator of hotels and serviced residences in south-east Asia and joint venture partner in TFE Hotels, Vibe Singapore Orchard has 256 rooms across five room categories (superior, deluxe, premier, family, suites) as well as a lobby bar, pool bar and ROOS all-day dining restaurant.

It is Located in the residential enclave of Orchard Road, within easy access to Singapore's longest shopping strip.

TFE Hotels’ Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, said guests could expect some distinctly Australian touches throughout the property.

“From the friendly Australian-style hospitality on arrival to the premium Penfolds wine range and Australian-inspired dishes at ROOS to the O&M amenities and the Vibe pantry in room, there are Aussie touches at every point,” he said.

The hotel’s outdoor swimming pool serves as a space for guests to enjoy an outdoor barbecue with friends and family in typical Australian fashion, while keeping up with the latest on Aussie sports on the big screen at the Pool Bar.

Book direct on https://www.vibesingapore.com/ to take advantage of Vibe Singapore Orchard’s opening special (starting from $250 SGD++ - around $278 in Australian money - for an overnight stay in a deluxe room).

For those not venturing overseas, Vibe has a special Gourmet Delight package.

Guests can save 10% on the fully flexible rate and enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and gourmet cheese platter on arrival.

Price start from $260 per night at Vibe Sydney Darling Harbour, $287 at Vibe Hobart and $206 at Vibe Gold Coast.

Major new Melbourne Docklands hotel project unveiled

Melbourne is to get a landmark new mixed-use development including two international hotel brands.

Local developer Capital Alliance has combined with international hotel group TFE Hotels to unveil details of the new Docklands property (draft image above).

The $340 million project will feature the largest rooftop infinity pool in Australia and the first purpose-built Collection by TFE Hotels and A by Adina properties in Melbourne.

A 1000-capacity conference centre, located on a sky bridge that will connect the two accommodation towers. It will have 360-degree views of the city.

It is hoped the project, which is set to open in 2026, will become an architectural landmark on the Melbourne skyline.

The 200-room, yet-to-be-named Collection hotel will join the ranks of other purpose-built Collection by TFE Hotels properties - including The Calile in Brisbane and Auckland’s The Hotel Britomart.

The 105-room A by Adina hotel, meanwhile, will follow the opening of flagship hotels in Sydney and Canberra in 2021.

Capital Alliance CEO Mohan Du said that after eight years of developing in the Docklands precinct thsi would be his last project.

“As the saying goes, you save the best for last and these one-of-a-kind hotels will be uniquely different to other accommodation offerings in Melbourne,” he said.

“I know when we welcome guests and the public in 2026, we’ll be able to proudly showcase the legacy we’ve left behind with tremendous pride.

“Our partnership with TFE was born and galvanised during the uncertainty of the pandemic. It may sound cliché to say, but there are two things we’re certain of, developing a hotel is incredibly challenging and we have unparalleled confidence in our ability to deliver a world class establishment alongside TFE.”

The site will also feature a day spa, retail outlets and restaurant options.

Anyone for a night in jail?

If you have ever thought about spending a night in jail then Adina Hotels are ready and willing to help. 

 
The TFE Hotels group is behind the transformation of Melbourne’s notorious Pentridge Prison site into a mixed-use lifestyle precinct in suburban Coburg with the has breathed new life into the suburb of Coburg, with Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne to open towards the end of the year. 

TFE Hotels' Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick, said the developers, Shayher Group, had put much thought into the 125-room hotel. 

The former prison exercise yard will be the lobby while 19 heritage suites have been added to the former Division B section, which will offer guests the chance to stay in historic converted prison cells - each room is made up of either four or five cells - with all the modern conveniences.  
  
The prison’s former chapel will be used for weddings with a difference. 

 In Adelaide, meanwhile,  the 18-storey, 123-room Vibe Hotel Adelaide is the final piece of the Flinders Street precinct, developed over the past decade by Guava Lime. 

The first Vibe hotel in South Australia will open in early 2023.  
  
TFE Hotels Director of Development, John Sutcliffe, said the Flinders Street precinct is expected to act as a springboard for visitors wanting to experience the best of Adelaide's CBD.  
  
“The hotel's design-focused style really reflects the vibrant, inner-city community that Guava Lime have created around it,” he said. “There are fantastic restaurants, happening bars and music flooding the ground floor, with a restaurant planned for the top floors of the hotel.”  

Designed by multi award-winning Loucas Zahos Architects, one standout design feature is an Australian first, with guests able to cool down in a stylish pool (or sky bridge as the architects call it) that connects Vibe Hotel Adelaide to the neighbouring ONE Apartments.   
   
In Western Australia, Adina Fremantle is set to capitalise on Portside Rejuvenation Project and open in 2024. 

The new 142-room hotel - the first in Fremantle and the third Adina Apartment Hotel in Greater Perth - can expect water views over the Fremantle dock and a location close to the CBD.  

Sutcliffe said the hotel, which is comprised of studios, one bedders and a series of interconnecting rooms that form two-bedroom apartments, will offer views over the Freemantle Docks.  

“With the Fremantle Docks about to undergo a Barangaroo-style refresh, this is a really exciting and strategic location for TFE,” he said. “Conference guests will be well served as will cruise ship passengers when the nearby International Cruise terminal is completed.”  

“A rooftop pool (with a view corridor to the Docks), lobby bar and café, gym and light and airy meeting and events spaces complete the offering.”