New look for centrally located ibis Perth

I probably would not want to stay in an ibis hotel for a couple of weeks. 

The rooms are usually pretty compact.  

But if you are looking for somewhere affordable to stay and will be out of your room for most of the day, then the range of ibis brands in the Accor portfolio do the trick - and offer all the facilities a tourist needs. 

I'm told that ibis Perth has undergone a "remarkable transformation", emerging as a contemporary retreat. 

I take claims that a makeover "redefines the economy hotel experience" with a pinch of salt. but the new look does present well. 

The renovations saw an upgrade of all 192 rooms and bathrooms, as well as the lobby and social spaces. 

The redesigned interiors incorporate locally sourced timber, drawing inspiration from Kings Park and Botanic Garden, the movement of the Swan River, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia. 

Bathrooms feature rainfall showers, while the lobby has been transformed into a social hub and a new gym has also been opened. 

Located on Murray Street in the heart of Perth’s CBD, ibis Perth certainly has location on its side. 

Vincent Yeo, CEO of owners CDL Hospitality Trust said: “We are delighted to re-invigorate this hotel which will now offer a significantly upgraded guest experience in the central location that guests have always enjoyed. 

"Our extensive investment throughout the hotel has transformed it into a truly differentiated product in the Perth market.”

ibis Perth will also soon launch its brand-new bar and social hub, Chelsea Social, with music and craft cocktails. 

See ibis.com | all.com | group.accor.com

Reach for the SKYE: somewhere very pleasant to stay in Sydney

It is part of Zetland, an inner Sydney suburb which used to have little to commend it for tourists. 

Now Green Square is a lively lifestyle precinct full of eateries, up-market apartments and one of the best discoveries I have made recently: SKYE Suites.

Not only is SKYE Suites a little oasis just four kilometres from downtown Sydney, it is also directly above the Green Square Railway station, which links you directly to both the domestic and international terminals at Sydney Airport in around five minutes. 

Perfect for anyone with an early flight departure, or late flight arrival, but also a very good base for tourists wanting to spend a few days exploring Sydney. You are one stop from Central Station, with its links to both Sydney light rail routes and multiple buses. 

And you get an entire well-equipped apartment rather than a pokey city centre hotel room. 

You've got cooking facilities with Smeg and Miele appliances, a large fridge, dishwasher and coffee machine, fast wifi, wide-screen TV with Chromecast capability, plenty of charging ports and a compact but functional bathroom with classy Smith&Co amenities.

Bedrooms have super comfy Sleeping Duck memory foam mattresses. 

On-site, you can swim, use the gym, heated spa, sundecks with private cabanas and sunbeds, or walk just a couple of hundred metres to a range of restaurants and - to keep the kids happy - a Maccas, KFC and Taco Bell. 

There are two supermarkets - Asian and Australian - within a short stroll as are Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, grilled chicken eateries and cafés. 

So location, location, location. And it is a non-party, non-smoking property, so a good sleep is assured.  

Property developer Iwan Sunito is now the full owner of both the 90-room Skye Suites Green Square serviced apartment hotel and the One Global Conference Centre, each part of the $575 million Infinity Park precinct. 

“We are looking to take the SKYE Suites hotel to the next level, under a new brand ‘One Global Resorts',” Sunito said.

“We are looking to elevate the guest’s experience more along the lines of luxury international hotels. 

"We will embark on developing a new hotel chain beginning with SKYE Suites Green Square, followed by our site at Macquarie Park, with more planned.”

The suites stretch over 20 storeys as part of an "urban resort" - and just as importantly, the staff at the 24-hour reception desk are excellent. I arrived early and asked to store my luggage, but was quickly installed in an alternative room. Impressive. 

If you think some of the images look familiar, it is because SKYE Suites was recently the location for the the latest season of Channel Nine’s Married At First Sight series. 

The property offers a range of apartment types including a studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments that can cater for a large family group. 

The bottom line: This is an urban sanctuary that's perfect for both overnight or longer stays. Very well priced, too. 

For more details check out https://www.skyegreensquare.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of SKYE Suites Green Square. Images: Winsor Dobbin 

Former AFL players want to help hotel guests get into shape

A state-of-the-art movement and recovery facility has opened its doors at Pullman Melbourne on the Park, a hotel which was positively reviewed here last month.
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Salt, which has been billed as one of the best training environments in Australia, features "cutting-edge technology, top-notch fitness amenities, and unparalleled expertise".

The gym comprises five distinct zones, each offering an opportunity to promote fitness, good health and growth.

Salt's functional fitness and cycling zones features ergonomically-designed cutting-edge equipment for strength, cardio and flexibility training.

Completing these zones is an exclusive recovery haven with a sauna and steam room, magnesium spa, ice baths and compression recovery area.

“We are excited to welcome Salt to Pullman Melbourne on the Park," says Pullman Melbourne on the Park general manager Stephan Leroy.

"This new state-of-the-art fitness and recovery centre will perfectly complement our recently renovated rooms and executive lounge, ensuring that our guests can enjoy first-class facilities during their stay with us.”

Salt's founders are former AFL players Dean Solomon and Matthew Kennedy, who also operate a facility at Kingscliff on the Gold Coast.

“We are on a mission to help transform every person that walks through our doors, whether they are elite athletes or just starting their fitness journey,” Solomon said.

In collaboration with Pullman Melbourne on the Park, Salt has introduced the 'Salt Movement & Recovery' package.

But it is not just hotel guests who will have access.

Salt memberships are also available. For further information see https://saltfit.com.au/east-melbourne/