Mountain High: Ardour Lilianfels unveils new spa offerings

One of Australia’s newest contemporary spa brands has landed in the Blue Mountains with Ardour Lilianfels unveiling a contemporary luxury day spa and wellness offering - Èliva Blue Mountains.

The new spa features "soft, contemporary interiors" across four treatment rooms, a recovery lounge with vibroacoustic bed (never tried one of them), traditional saunas, steam rooms and mineral pools. 

The space offers a selection of holistic, full-body treatments across the brand’s three core pillars":  Rest, Recovery and Invigorate.

Treatments include advanced body therapies, "high-performance facials and innovative recovery rituals, combining the latest evidence-based practices and advanced technology", with products including those from Hungarian luxury skincare house, Omorovicza.

A range of botanical oils including avocado, macadamia, grapeseed and apricot will be on offer for guests to infuse with Èliva’s own essential oil blend featuring kunzea, cedarwood, blue cypress, juniper berry and lime, which are reportedly inspired by the Blue Mountains region, west of Sydney.

“The launch of Èliva brings something completely fresh to the Blue Mountains region," says Èliva Blue Mountains Spa manager Trudi Zurlinden. 

"It will move away from the traditional spa approach to offer a holistic, whole-body experience that is truly connected to each individual guest’s needs.

“Our goal is to create a space where guests can deeply relax and restore their energy by approaching wellness as a complete ecosystem– one that matches the peaceful nature of the Blue Mountains region.”

Èliva’s arrival marks a milestone in the estate’s multimillion-dollar refurbishment by Salter Brothers Hospitality. 

Èliva Blue Mountains is now open Monday to Thursday 10am-5pm and Friday-Sunday 9am- 6pm.

See https://www.worldsapart.club/ardour/lilianfels/wellness

New voco adds to Queenstown's myriad hotel options

 

Queenstown’s hotel scene has a new option with opening of voco Queenstown. 

The new hotel is billed as "a warm alpine escape with a Mediterranean kitchen, fireside cocktails and a welcome that feels more like arriving at a friend's place than checking into a hotel".

The 227-room voco Queenstown hotel opened its doors last month, marking a complete revamp of the former Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown into IHG Hotels & Resorts' premium voco brand, led by owner, developer and asset manager Pro-invest Group.

“We’re excited to offer visitors to Queenstown a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct," says Jason Sabin, Connect Hospitality Portfolio general manager. 

"From the moment guests step inside the redesigned lobby, they will feel the voco difference. Our guest experience is built around the distinctive hallmarks of the voco brand – 'Come on in', 'Me time', and 'voco life,' brought to life through the resident host.” 

The voco Queenstown resident host will act as personal concierge, local guide and seamless connector, handling everything from ski locker logistics to dinner reservations. 

Great ideas - but hard to deliver. 

Anchoring the lobby of voco Queenstown is Mīharo, an artwork by Māori artist Cheree Te Orangaroa Downes. 

voco’s new restaurant and bar, Mozzarella & Co. aims to combine "a Mediterranean heart with a strong nod to the South Island". 

The show kitchen is open and centred around the all-day pizza oven while two outdoor lounge and terrace spaces draw guests outside to gather round the fire pits for a drink under the stars. 

The hotel's 227 rooms and suites have been refreshed by New Zealand interior design company Space Studios. 

Guests can expect plush bedding, aerated rain showers, plant-based Antipodes bathroom amenities, smart TVs with Chromecast, high-speed wifi, complimentary filtered water and a 24/7 room service menu. 

Eighteen suites feature high-tech Dyson hair dryers and hair straighteners, Marshall Bluetooth speakers, and a premium minibar offering of cocktail mixers and pod coffee. 

To celebrate the opening, voco Queenstown has partnered with The Bathhouse Group Queenstown to launch a two-night ‘Rest & Restore’ Opening Special package. 

The package includes a Mountain View Room with Sleep Glow pillow mist and pulse point essential oil amenities, a bottle of prosecco, daily breakfast at Mozzarella & Co. and a 90-minute Bathhouse session. from $NZ494 per night, minimum two-night stay. 

You can book directly at ihg.com or via the IHG One Rewards app. 

Famous Brisbane watering hole returns with a new/old name

Generations of thirsty Queenslanders knew it as The Fox Hotel but the South Brisbane landmark reopens this weekend as Hotel Terminus. 

The heritage-listed building has been re-born as a four-level dining, entertainment and events destination.

The precinct brings together three distinct venues under one roof: a premium all-day gastropub (Terminus), the vibrant Fox Rooftop, and Vixen Room, an intimate late-night cocktail lounge, alongside function and event spaces

Behind a fully restored façade, the redevelopment includes an 18-metre atrium and a new entrance opening onto Fish Lane, with the developers boasting "a bigger, bolder and distinctly Brisbane hospitality destination".

The transformation has been led by Ghanem Group Hospitality, the team behind a portfolio of some Brisbane’s best-known venues, including Blackbird Brisbane, Byblós, Donna Chang and Iris Rooftop.

A public vote gave the community a say in the venue's new identity and the verdict was clear: restore the original name, Hotel Terminus. The Fox, however, lives on as the rooftop bar’s name.

"Hotel Terminus is a revived venue that’s firmly rooted in where it came from," Ghanem Group Hospitality managing director Nehme Ghanem says. 

"This building has been a favourite gathering spot for Brisbane since it first opened its doors in 1927.

That weight of history is something we have kept front of mind throughout this project.

“The team has done justice to what the venue represents to this city and the entire group is incredibly
proud to be the ones bringing Hotel Terminus back."

The menu is overseen by head chef Lyndon Tyers alongside group executive chef Jake Nicolson. 

So think Moreton Bay bug rolls with coriander labneh and curry sauce, or a classic steak tartare; slow-
cooked stout-braised sticky beef ribs and a tandoori chicken pie with creamed leek and green 
peppercorn jus. 

"The food at Terminus is about doing the classics properly, not reinventing them, just executing them to
a level that surprises people," Tyers said.

"We source the best produce we can and make sure every single plate that leaves the kitchen is held to
the standard Ghanem Group Hospitality is known and loved for."

See https://www.ghanemgroup.com.au/venues/hotel-terminus

Movenpick hotel brand booming in Australia and New Zealand

The Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts brand is booming - no surprise as Australians look for casual but professional hotel experiences.

The Accor Group has announced the signing of Mövenpick Hotel Adelaide - a complete reimagining of what is currently the Peppers Waymouth Adelaide.

The property on Waymouth Street has undergone a significant refurbishment across rooms, suites, shared spaces, and a contemporary restaurant.

Further enhancements to corridors and guest rooms are coming with the hotel set to reopen under its new guise in December.

That will a total of five Mövenpick properties across Australia and New Zealand, alongside Melbourne, Hobart, Auckland, and Wellington.

Established in 1948, Mövenpick evolved from a restaurant concept in Switzerland into a global brand with more than 140 hotels across 40+ countries.

“We are proud to partner with Accor to bring Mövenpick to Adelaide”, said Domenic Mattioli, founder of owners the Mattioli Group.

“The hotel has already undergone a significant transformation, and this next chapter allows us to build on that investment with a brand that is globally recognised for its warmth, quality and ability to bring people together.

"Mövenpick's focus on generous hospitality and meaningful guest experiences aligns closely with our vision for the property and its role within the city.”

Accor is, naturally, excited.

“Adelaide is a dynamic city with a strong cultural and culinary identity, making it a natural fit for Mövenpick” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Pacific.

“This signing allows us to introduce a brand that resonates with today's travellers - one that brings people together through generous hospitality, shared experiences and a genuine sense of place.”

The former Palazzo Versace gets a new branding

All change at what used to be Palazzo Versace. 

The Hilton group has signed the iconic Gold Coast property - now The Imperial Hotel - marking the debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in Australia in early 2027.

The hotel will undergo an extensive renovation before the re-branding, reports Paul Hutton, area vice president APAC and head of Australasia & South Pacific at Hilton, on LinkedIn.

The 200‑room five-star hotel, opened in 2000, combines grand architecture, Italian‑inspired interiors and a prime waterfront location with direct Broadwater access.

The signing "strengthens Hilton’s expanding luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Australasia", as LXR joins Curio Collection and Tapestry Collection in the region.

LXR Hotels & Resorts is a growing collection of currently 18 award-winning luxury hotels.

"Found in the world's most alluring destinations (the Gold Coast?) each hand-selected property boasts its own storied past and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, providing a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer." 

Well that's what the website says.

Lark celebrates and innovates

 

There was a double celebration at the Lark Distillery tasting room in Hobart this week with a function to welcome new CEO and managing director Stuart Gregor, and a sneak peek at an innovative new premium whisky range to be launched in April. 

The tasting room has been given a major makeover with some clubby chic spaces upstairs for private tastings and small groups, in addition to the downstairs area and the garden overlooking the Hobart waterfront. 

The Davey Street cellar door's newly refurbished spaces mark a new era for the home of the brand that started Tasmania's whisky boom. 

"It was so special to share the occasion with industry friends, long-standing partners, media and members of our extended whisky community," the Lark team said. 

Guests at the tasting facility can discover the full Lark collection, from signature expressions to rare venue exclusives, alongside guided tastings, masterclasses and a newly unveiled museum experience. 

The venue is open daily, 11am–7pm, at 14 Davey Street in downtown Hobart. 

Here are some images I took on the night, including one of founder Bill Lark with former Four Pillars founder Gregor.  

See https://larkdistillery.com/

New look for Noosa hotel icon

For decades the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort has been "the" place to stay in the Sunshine Coast's ritziest enclave. 

Now the only five-star resort on Hastings Street is undergoing a transformation that aims to cement its position as the glitziest place to stay, play, and indulge in one of Australia's most popular luxury destinations.

A multi-stage enhancement will transform all 175 guest rooms and suites, along with Noosa Beach House, the resort's dining and social hub. Guests are promised "a refreshed aesthetic that is both sophisticated and iconic". So no hype there.

Room renovations will start completion from next month, with "natural textures, custom detailing, and a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors". 

General manager Mark Wilkinson said the transformation was about honouring Sofitel Noosa's reputation as a much-loved icon, while raising the bar for luxury in the region. 

"Every element has been crafted to feel effortless, creating spaces where visitors can spend time the way they want,” Wilkinson says.

“This resort has always been the jewel of Hastings Street, and we're taking it to the next level. 

"We're refining what people love about Sofitel Noosa - thoughtful styling, intuitive service, and a genuine welcome - while elevating comfort in every detail.

“From rooms to restaurants, each touchpoint is a modern expression of Noosa that feels internationally refined yet unmistakably local.”

Owned by Noosa Pacific Hotel Pty Ltd, part of The Pacific Collection led by the Karedis and Laundy families, and managed by Accor, the resort remains fully open during the enhancement, with services operating as normal and measures in place to minimise disruption.

See www.sofitelnoosapacificresort.com.au 

* Sofitel is part of Accor, a leading hospitality group comprising over 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless - a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

New owner, new experiences on Picnic Island

Tasmania's exclusive Picnic Island retreat will re-open later this year as all-inclusive luxury private island experience with a private chef. 

Located off Tasmania's east coast, the retreat is just 800 meters offshore from Coles Bay near the beautiful Freycinet National Park. It is only accessible by water. 

Revamped Picnic Island expects to welcome its first guests in November after a major transformation.

Picnic Island boasts of offering "a rare combination of complete privacy, bespoke luxury service, and refined accommodations for up to six guests". 

An additional host suite will soon to be added, increasing total capacity to eight guests). The island's distinctive copper-clad lodge will be completely renovated in the months ahead. 

"We've created something truly exceptional that showcases the wild beauty of Tasmania while providing the comfort, style, and service that discerning travellers expect," said Mark Israel, the new owner of Picnic Island. 

"We aim to deliver highly personalised, transformative experiences that can't be replicated elsewhere -high impact for guests, low impact for the environment. Our vision is a luxury retreat where visitors can disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with something extraordinary."

The experience will include private boat transfers, a personal chef who will tell a story of place in each meal, and customised daily activities ranging from guided Freycinet walks to oyster farm visits, wine tastings, whisky distillery tours, and marine adventures. 

Guests will share the island with a colony of Little Penguins and other seabirds that return to their burrows each evening. 

"This isn't just luxury accommodation; it's a fully immersive experience in one of Australia's most pristine environments," said Israel. 

"We've reimagined what service means in this extraordinary setting. Whether it's a sommelier-led tasting of Tasmania's finest wines, a private yoga session on the deck at sunrise, or a chef preparing your freshly foraged seafood, every moment is designed to create lasting memories."

For more information about Picnic Island Tasmania and to inquire about bookings, see  www.picnicisland.com.au.

Images: Olly Gaspar

Landmark hotel unveils major makeover

One of Australia's landmark hotels, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, has this week unveiled its extensive $70 million refurbishment. with final completion set for next month.

The renewal of the Sydney icon coincides with the diamond jubilee of the global Sofitel brand, celebrating 60 years of French art de vivre.

Sydney's first true "international" hotel when it opened in 1966, the former Sheraton has hosted royals, movie stars, and many dignitaries.

The refurbishment has included 436 guest rooms and suites, the Sofitel Club Millésime (above), health and wellness centre, public spaces including the grand entrance lobby, and state-of-the-art conference and event spaces.

Pivotal to the transformation is Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's partnership with prominent Sydney hospitality group House Made Hospitality, which has created a multi-venue food and beverage precinct within the hotel.

It comprises two restaurants; tilda and Delta Rue, and two bars; bar tilda and Wentworth Bar, which features one of Sydney's largest outdoor terrace bars.

tilda and bar tilda opened mid-October, while Delta Rue and Wentworth Bar will be opening this Friday

The new precinct offers multiple experiences from early until late, seven days a week.

Revamp lifts airport hotel to new heights

Staying at an airport hotel can take a leap of faith.

We've all likely trekked in the rain while pulling heavy suitcases to a hotel located in a remote part of an airport precinct, or waited a very long time for a "regular" shuttle bus to arrive and then take its sweet time stopping at various locations before dropping you at a hotel that is 5-10km away from the actual airport.

The newly refurbed Parkroyal Airport Melbourne is a glorious exception; located directly opposite the terminals and accessed via covered pedestrian walkways that protect you from Melbourne's notorious weather.

This is a welcoming hotel, too, with a lively vibe and impressive facilities.

 

The refurb has resulted in a lighter colour palette, more greenery and bedrooms that are very up to date with plenty of easily accessible power points and USB slots so you can make sure all your gear is fully charged before you fly.

Many of the rooms have direct runway views - ask for one if you are keen on watching aircraft take off and land. There are Nespresso machines, too, and a range of TV and movie options. 

On-site amenities, including modern Australian restaurant Airo (more in a moment) , a 24-hour gym, a heated indoor lap pool, spa, sauna and steam room.

The refurbishment, which I'm assured was badly needed, spans all 276 guest rooms, the lobby, restaurant, café, and bar, as well as the hotel’s meeting and events floor - which includes a business centre with computers.

The guest rooms, with a range of family rooms on offer, have been lifted by decorations inspired by Australian lifestyles and nature. The corridors are long, so ask for one near the lifts if you have mobility issues.

The new-look lobby is bright and airy and reception is manned 24 hours - ideal for late arrivals or for anyone whose evening flight is cancelled.

Airo Restaurant is adjacent to Airo Café and Airo Bar, where several guests were chilling out when I stayed earlier this month.

Great news, too, for any whose flight is delayed for several hours: the Parkroyal Melbourne Airport offers the chance to purchase a Day Pass; meaning they can swap hanging around the airport for resting in a guest room, relaxing in the spa, or enjoying a meal at Airo. 

It's an unsurprisingly popular option for those experiencing flight delays or stop-overs.

There is also the chance for those without lounge access at the airport to use the hotel's Bar Airo lounge, and stay connected with free wifi, or use leisure facilities including the pool, gym, spa and sauna. Inclusive of showering and changing facilities for just $25.



I'm not usually a huge fan of hotel dining but the staff at Airo were particularly welcoming and all three courses I sampled were impressive: from colourful and tasty Australian baby Bay Lobster with lumpfish caviar, millet, crustacean rouille, radish and lobster oil to perfectly cook Black Angus Beef eye fillet with Otway Dutch Cream pommes puree, baby broccolini, cipollini onion, red wine jus.

Dessert was Madagascar vanilla panna cotta with Tasmanian Elderberry essence, sparkling pressed pineapple, pistachio.

The wine list is adequate without frightening the horses.

There is a 24-hour room service on offer should you arrive at some ungodly hour.    

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay - and loved the convenience of this Pan Pacific property.

Guests who book before August 15 can take advantage of savings of up to 25% on flexible rates for stays until December 30.

Full details here: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-melbourne-airport.html

* The writer was a guest of Parkroyal Melbourne Airport 

New lease of life for historic Sydney kiln

The historic brick kilns in Sydney Park are a local landmark - and one of them is soon to be given a new purpose as a venue for art exhibitions and small-scale community events.

The City of Sydney is restoring the interior of one of the brick kilns as part of a transformative project that will also improve park access, stabilise the structures as well as creating a publicly accessible space.

The internal space in Down Draught Kiln 2, near Sydney Park Road, will be available for community gatherings and City of Sydney events each year.

“This is the largest intact precinct of brick kilns in the state and opening up a small part of it for art exhibitions and other community events is a fantastic result for our communities,” Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore AO said.

“I can’t wait to see what our team and communities have in store for this vitally important part of our industrial heritage, which is now part of our cultural future.

“But this work is about more than just the brick kilns. At the City of Sydney, we work hard to continually improve our parks and this project will improve access for the people of St Peters, Newtown, Erskineville and Alexandria.

“Sydney Park has space to move, sporting and fitness facilities, a cycling centre, playground, a skate park, our city farm and a host of native wildlife. This project to restore the brick kilns and chimneys site will further improve this award-winning park.”

Down Draught Kiln 2 will have a raised lawn area and plaza spaces for small outdoor gatherings.

The selected kiln is the only one of the structures that can accommodate internal gatherings, with the larger brick kilns having very small internal spaces that are hard to access.

A tender process will be undertaken to appoint a contractor with construction onsite due to start within the next 12 months.

The kilns were built in the 19th century and are located in the north-west corner of the park. They are seen as a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage and hold historical and cultural significance.

The Sydney Park brick kiln and chimney precinct contains substantial remains from the brick making industry that once dominated the area. Shale was extracted from deep pits, crushed and pressed into green bricks that were fired in the large kilns.

New look for Melbourne CBD property

The Melbourne hotel space is one of the most competitive anywhere, with guests demanding both location and up-to-date facilities.

Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites, a premier property in the heart of Melbourne, has just finished a complete refurbishment of its CBD location.

The hotel has updated the interiors of its 230 guest rooms, giving each room a fresh and contemporary feel.

Each guest room has a new look, including a refreshed colour palette, new flooring and enhanced amenities, and all hotel furnishings received an upgrade.

"We are thrilled to unveil the results of our hotel’s refurbishment," said GM Ivan Sunsanj.

"We always strive to exceed our guests’ expectations, whether [they are] visiting for business, leisure, or to celebrate a special occasion, we believe our renewed, stylish guest rooms will make Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites the preferred choice for all types of travellers.”

Situated at 480 Collins Street, the hotel is well situated for exploring the city's attractions, dining options, and cultural experiences.

Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and utilises GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest loyalty programme for independent hotel brands.

See www.Oakshotels.com 

Top chef takes on a new challenge

 

The Hunter Valley's loss is Lake Macquarie's gain with chef Emerson Rodriguez revealing a new venture. 

Just weeks after shutting the doors to Hunter favourite Emerson's Restaurant in Lovedale, he has announced Emerson's on the Lake Restaurant & Events.

The new restaurant will be located at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto with Rodriguez taking over both the upstairs restaurant (formerly Toronto Bay Bistro) and Mariners function room downstairs.

He has been given free rein to choose the styles of cuisine as part of a three-year deal.

"We have one of the best views on lake situated right on the water's edge at Lake Macquarie," the chef says, while admitting there is "a lot of work to be done before opening".

Kitchen renovations with new equipment, and new tables and chairs are part of the plans.

Rodriguez, formerly of Peppers Guest House, says he will be sourcing menu items from Shane's Seafood at Carey Bay - just two minutes down the road.

The club has operated at its current location since 1927, except when closed during World War II. The opening date will be February 28. 

I just hope he signs up a sous chef called Palmer. Then we'd have Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

Airlie Beach resort gets an $8 million upgrade

An $8 million refurbishment to transform all 160 guest rooms at Airlie Beach’s Mantra Club Croc has been unveiled this week.

Owned by Well Smart Group and operated under Accor’s Mantra brand, the resort’s new interior design concept aims to showcase "seaside elegance", offering boutique-style accommodation with coastal-inspired décor.

Situated close to the beachfront and Coral Sea Marina, Mantra Club Croc is housed around a traditional Queenslander-style building, providing guests with a glimpse into the region's history.

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer for the region Adrian Williams said: “The transformation of all 160 guest rooms, coupled with the upcoming upgrades to other areas of the resort, solidifies Mantra Club Croc as a premier holiday destination, seamlessly blending historical charm with modern coastal flair.

"It has raised the bar on hotel accommodation, and elevated the guest experience, in the holiday hotspot of Airlie Beach.

“Accor and Well Smart Group have a long and successful relationship, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with them again on this landmark refurbishment. Their incredible vision is evident in every detail of this project.”



“Our commitment to continuous improvement underscores our dedication to providing a world-class tourism offering," said Well Smart group director Jack Jia.

"The resort has been tailored to savvy leisure and business travellers who value immersive spaces, modern dining, and leading-edge design - it offers a seamless and intuitive experience, while providing access to the Whitsundays’ famed blue waters, white sands and rugged green-clad islands.”

Notable features of the room refurbishments include local photographers' artworks, pendant lighting, coastal-style wall panelling, a free-standing minibar, a robe with an open hanging rail and shelves, custom bedheads, and a storage banquette with an upholstered seat pad."

In addition to the room upgrades, Mantra Club Croc now offers a reimagined room service offering, a new poolside cocktail service, and has received a full resort high-speed wifi upgrade (which is provided complimentary to all guests).

The refurbishment will also extend to the resort’s reception area and poolside restaurant and bar later in the year.

Mantra is Australia’s largest hotel brand with 75 properties across the country. Accor operates two well-appointed resorts in Airlie Beach - The Sebel Whitsundays Airlie Beach and Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach.

Mantra Club Croc room start from $175 per night, including breakfast daily and a welcome drink. To book, visit ALL.com

European style in Hanoi's French Quarter

Mövenpick: a well-priced hotel brand that ticks a lot of boxes for me. And Hanoi: by far the most interesting city in Vietnam.

The Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre has announced its re-opening following a serious project.

Situated within the vibrant French Quarter - the best part of Hanoi for visitors - Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre is located just a few minutes away from iconic landmarks and is a precinct where traditional colonial buildings co-exist harmoniously with modern buildings.

Within a short drive are Hoan Kiem Lake (another district with good hotel choices), Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, St Joseph's Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and Temple of Literature.

"We are delighted to embark on this new chapter for Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre," said Garth Simmons, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy Division, Asia (helluva job title).

"Drawing from Mövenpick's rich heritage in gastronomic innovation and commitment to deliver extraordinary service, we will continue to prioritise culinary excellence and heartfelt hospitality.

"Our offerings have been thoughtfully evolved to cater to those seeking a balanced life, whether it be finding solace in tranquil spaces or energising social interactions while on the go for work."

All 155 rooms and suites have been revamped. Each room features king-sized, or twin beds, eco-friendly amenities, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, a smart TV, complimentary high-speed wifi, and a pillow menu.

Some room categories offer in-room espresso machines while guests staying in executive rooms and suites can also enjoy exclusive access to the executive lounge, along with a range of additional benefits.

On site are the Kinetic Gym & Wellness Studio, which offers a variety of cardio machines, weight training equipment, spa treatments and sauna facilities, while the new Cabana Club Pool is the spot for enjoying Latin tunes and a cocktail.

The hotel has four restaurants and bars and regulars will know not to miss Chocolate Hour.

There are also two equipped meeting rooms and a spacious ballroom, in the unlikely event you should need such an amenity.

"This remarkable hotel encompasses everything one desires," says seriously enthusiastic GM Nicolas Josi,

"There is a prime location in the heart of the city, refined décor, exceptional amenities, and, most importantly, a distinct character that sets it apart. It truly embodies the Mövenpick spirit."

To celebrate its re-opening, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre has a special offer starting at $260++ per night (VND 4,200,000++).

The deal includes breakfast for two, daily complimentary Chocolate Hour at Lounge 83, complimentary wifi access, complimentary parking (should you be crazy enough to drive), and a credit of $62 (VND 1,000,000) net per room per day to spend on hotel services like food and beverage, transportation, laundry and spa treatments.

But the offer is only available for stays until March 31.
Don’t think I’ll get there in time but have added it to my wish list. 

See: MÖVENPICK HOTEL HANOI CENTRE DEAL

Adelaide city hotel gets a serious facelift

Peppers Waymouth Adelaide this week revealed a new look and new guest offerings.

The 202-room central city hotel has been given a makeover and now has 17 floors of reappointed guestrooms, as well as the addition of two new luxury suites and two dedicated family rooms.

The hotel has added a new restaurant - TUTTO Cucina + Bar - with an open kitchen and wine cellar on its ground floor, plus a new private dining room/boardroom, guest library lounge and enhanced conference facilities.

The hotel’s multi-million dollar refurbishment coincided with moves by Adelaide City Council to beautify the urban environment surrounding the hotel.

Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer Sarah Derry said: “Peppers Waymouth Adelaide has long been a popular accommodation choice for visitors to Adelaide, chosen by travellers who cherish the warm personality of the hotel and value its central location in the heart of Adelaide.

“This transformative renovation takes the hotel experience to an entirely new level and complements the high quality of service provided by the hotel team. Peppers Waymouth brings a new vibrancy to Waymouth Street, drawing international and local visitors to the city to enjoy Adelaide’s world-class line-up of festivals and events, and strong food and cultural scene.”

Each room now features floor-to-ceiling windows, full Italian marble bathrooms and bespoke furniture.

The two new Bentham Suites on level 18 (image above) feature a separate living/dining area, work space, fireplace, large flat-screen TV, and views of the city and Adelaide Hills.

TUTTO Cucina + Bar will feature both traditional and modern Italian classics including a range of pasta dishes and fig, gorgonzola and truffle honey bruschetta.

The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna on site and room rates start from $279 per night at ALL.com.