Reimagined Novotel St Kilda starts a new chapter

St Kilda has a new showpiece hotel with the opening this week by hotel owner and hospitality group ERDI of Novotel St Kilda. 

The deal extended a growing partnership with global hospitality group Accor and marks a new chapter for the landmark Fitzroy Street property, which has previously been known as the Saint Kilda Beach Hotel and Rydges St Kilda..

ERDI has played a key role in the development of Novotel St Kilda as part of the broader St Kilda Collective, a partnership between Fortis, ERDI and Ondas, supported by the City of Port Phillip. 

Novotel St Kilda joins ERDI's growing portfolio, which includes Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Novotel Geelong and Mercure Melbourne City Centre.

“This is a significant moment for ERDI and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this landmark St Kilda property,” said Ricky Jeffs, CEO and executive director of ERDI. 

“This transformation represents a significant investment in both the hotel and the future of this iconic location, and it builds on the successful partnership we have developed across our broader hotel portfolio with Accor.

“Our vision has been to completely reimagine the hotel and create an experience that feels connected to the character, energy and lifestyle of St Kilda. From the redesign of the guestrooms and public spaces through to the new restaurant and expanded events offering.” 

The hotel complex also features the launch of Urban Kitchen & Bar, a stand-alone all-day dining venue. 

“Reopening a property in a destination as iconic as St Kilda is a fantastic opportunity,” said Christos Pavlidis, general manager of Novotel St Kilda. “With the strength of the Accor brand and the vision and support of ERDI behind us, we have a great opportunity to create something really special.”

Novotel St Kilda features 80 completely redesigned rooms and suites. Rooms include 75-inch televisions with Foxtel, Nespresso machines, local minibar products and bathtubs in select rooms, alongside 24-hour reception, self-check-in, secure parking and a light-filled internal garden atrium.

Novotel St Kilda is offering 25% off bookings, starting from just $224 a night with bookings available via novotel.com. 

Andaz hotel brand set to make its Australian debut

 

The new Andaz Gold Coast is now accepting reservations ahead of its late 2026 opening, marking the debut of the globally known lifestyle hotel brand in Australia and the Pacific.

Located in Broadbeach, the heart of the glitter strip, the 202-room hotel will bring Andaz’s "design-led, locally-rooted" approach to hospitality to the dynamic coastal destination. 

Guests can expect contemporary guest rooms and suites, dining and social spaces, local experiences, elevated wellness and a pool deck designed to aid guests transition from laid-back days to vibrant evenings.

The site is surrounded by resorts, dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping, placing guests moments from the beach, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Andaz Gold Coast represents an important milestone as the Andaz brand prepares to debut in Australia and the Pacific,” says David Udell, executive vice president and group president for Asia Pacific at Hyatt. 

“The hotel has been designed to capture the optimism, creative energy and natural contrasts of the Gold Coast, giving guests new ways to experience the destination through design, food, culture and personal discovery."

The design was conceived by Australian architecture firm DBI Architects, with interiors by award-winning design firm Hachem. 

Nove Restaurant and Bar will "reinterpret Mediterranean hospitality through a modern Australian lens" while Vista Lounge and Verde Bar (below) will be a destinations for cocktails and bites. 

The rooms and suites will feature floor-to-ceiling windows with select rooms (that means more expensive rooms) will have private outdoor spaces.

The Grand Opening Offer provides 20% off eligible room rates, with World of Hyatt members able to receive an enhanced saving of 25%. The offer is available to book until December 22 for stays between December 14 and June 30, 2027.

Guests seeking an elevated coastal escape can book the Gold Coast Escape package, which includes a $100 dining and drinking credit and complimentary upgrade. World of Hyatt members can receive an additional 5% off eligible rates. 

Historic hotel re-opens with new name and new vibe

Cambridge is a very pretty small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

There is now a new reason to visit with the the opening this week of Cambridge’s new high-end boutique accommodation The Clements Hotel, named after Archibald Clements, who built the original hotel on the site in 1866.

Following a multi-million-dollar transformation of the town’s original 1866 beaux-arts Masonic Hotel, the 29-room property aims to offer "refined luxury and soulful charm".

General manager Cameron Kellow, who joins Capstone Hotel Management from Scotland, leads the team.

"I'm thrilled to bring my passion for hospitality to The Clements and lead this exciting opening," Kellow says.

"We're positioned to elevate Cambridge's accommodation offering at the premium end of the market, while becoming a destination for exceptional dining, memorable events, and genuine community connection.

"Owners Gerry Westenberg and Jo Pannell have created something truly special here - their meticulous restoration of this heritage building, inspired by London's prestigious Claridge's, honours the past while embracing the future."

Accommodation options range from Deluxe rooms to the luxurious Clements Suite, and include two accessible rooms.

The Gallery Restaurant overlooks the gardens and terrace, while The Clements Café & Wine Bar will evolve throughout the day, from morning coffee and pastries to relaxed daytime fare and evening aperitivos.

The Clements also offers a range of flexible event and meeting spaces and is just 15 minutes from Hamilton International Airport and 1.5 hours from Auckland International Airport.

Opening Late October:, the former century-old horse stables have been transformed into three interlinked private suites with a luxury cottage aesthetic.

Adding a local twist to the story, The Cambridge Distillery Co., located at the rear of the hotel, has crafted a bespoke gin for The Clements.

Room rates start from $NZ415 for a deluxe king room but The Clements is offering an opening special with 20% off room only rates plus a $25 dining credit for stays until October 31,

For more info visit clements.co.nz

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