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.

Motto by Hilton hotel brand to make its Australian debut

Hilton has announced plans for the Australian debut of its Motto by Hilton lifestyle hotel brand.

“Motto by Hilton recently debuted in Asia Pacific with the opening of Motto by Hilton Hong Kong SoHo, and we’re excited to bring even more of Motto’s dynamic energy to vibrant neighbourhoods across the region," said Tal Shefer, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, for Hilton.

"With rooms that are designed to flex, and common spaces that are social by nature, Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre [will be] a perfect example of a cleverly compact launchpad that will connect explorers with the pulse of the city.”

There are currently 10 Motto by Hilton properties in prime urban locations around the world, including New York and Nashville.

The Australian expansion is the latest announcement in a pipeline of 23 additional Motto by Hilton properties currently in planning and development.

Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre will mark the debut of Hilton's seventh brand in Australia and will see an office building redeveloped. 

Located on York Street in Sydney CBD, Motto by Hilton Sydney City Centre will see guests close to The Rocks, Darling Harbour, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, and within easy walking distance of Barangaroo.

It will be located between Wynyard and Town Hall stations.

“The location has been strategically selected in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant food scene, placing guests amongst some of the city’s most iconic experiences,” said Tushar Raniga, director, development, Hilton, Australasia.

“Motto by Hilton is redefining the city stay, bringing a fresh, dynamic approach to hospitality in some of the world’s most renowned destinations. The signing of the Sydney property marks the next step in this evolution, grounded in Hilton’s legacy of delivering exceptional guest experiences”

Set to open in late 2027, the property will feature 152 rooms, including 96 standard rooms, 14 bunk rooms, 14 flex rooms, eight accessible rooms and 20 suites.

“We are thrilled to partner with Hilton in bringing the Motto by Hilton concept to Sydney,” said Chayadi Karim, principal, Invictus Developments.

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.”