Accor Presents New Hotels Opening in Australia and New Zealand in 2021

From the launch of the Mövenpick brand in Australia, to the first internationally recognised five-star hotel to be built in Adelaide in 30 years – Sofitel Adelaide, and two brand new The Sebel properties, 2021 will be a strong year of new hotel openings for Accor in the Pacific. The new openings in 2021 represent a strong investment in tourism for the Pacific region.

Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said: “With the domestic leisure market growing, Australia and New Zealand are well positioned to capture both domestic travellers and returning international travellers when the borders reopen. The new properties represent the best of Accor, in the most desirable destinations and offer an exceptional choice for guests. We have worked with outstanding partners to make these properties become a reality and all hotels, resorts and apartments will be part of our award-winning ALL loyalty program.”

From Sydney to Hobart and Auckland to Wellington – the following hotels are some of Accor's most anticipated new properties scheduled to open in Australia and New Zealand in 2021…

NSW | THE PORTER HOUSE HOTEL SYDNEY - MGALLERY: 

Accor will open a new-build luxury boutique MGallery hotel, The Porter House Hotel Sydney, on Castlereagh Street in late 2021. This landmark mixed-use development will comprise a 36-storey tower with a 121-room hotel housed over levels 1-9 with 131 residential apartments above on levels 10-34. Designed by the award-winning Candelapas & Associates architects, the hotel and residential apartments will interweave the existing 1870s heritage-listed Porter House adjacent to the tower, which will be thoughtfully redeveloped as part of the project. Guest rooms and suites in the new tower will take their cue from the heritage building with thoughtful use of materials and detailing. The Porter House Hotel will also feature an array of additional facilities, including lobby, pool and fitness centre, two restaurants, a fourth floor bar with roving art gallery, meeting and private dining facilities and a business centre.

VIC | THE SEBEL MELBOURNE RINGWOOD: 

The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood is on track to open in February 2021, which will bring 103 rooms, including full apartment-style rooms, to Melbourne's burgeoning Eastern suburbs growth corridor in Ringwood. Spanning six floors, the property will feature 48 studio apartments, 48 one-bedroom suites and seven two-bedroom suites, with guest access to impressive onsite amenities including, an ultra-modern fitness centre, four sophisticated and well-appointed meeting spaces, two practical function rooms, a restaurant, delicatessen and bar and an open-air terrace. Located 23km east of Melbourne's CBD and two minutes from retail shopping mecca Eastland, Ringwood is the gateway to the Yarra Valley and a rapidly growing commercial corridor.

SA | SOFITEL ADELAIDE: 

On track to open in mid-2021, Sofitel Adelaide will be a world-class hotel - exuding a refined and understated sense of modern luxury with a touch of Sofitel's renowned French decadence. Located in Currie Street in the city's CBD, the hotel is the first internationally recognised five-star hotel to be built in Adelaide in 30 years. The hotel will be part of a 32-storey mixed-use tower, which in addition to being a hotel, will also house the tallest residential development in South Australia. Of the 32 stories, the first 24 will be dedicated to the hotel, with a total of 250 guestrooms and suites, together with leisure and business facilities, which will include a restaurant, four bars, ballroom, swimming pool, health and fitness centre, meeting and conference rooms and a Sofitel Club Lounge.

TAS | Mövenpick HOTEL HOBART:

 Accor will introduce its premium Swiss-born hospitality brand, Mövenpick, to Australia in January 2021. Mövenpick Hotel Hobart is set to be a warm, contemporary designed hotel with a cosmopolitan vibe that invites exploration and discovery. Located on Elizabeth Street, one of Hobart's principal heritage streetscapes, and close to the bustling Hobart waterfront, the new build hotel is within close reach of the city's key commercial, retail and leisure attractions and will boast 221 guestrooms and suites with spectacular views of Hobart's historical city and harbour, an onsite restaurant, gymnasium and meeting facilities. A range of Mövenpick brand signatures will also be offered at the hotel, such as a daily 'Chocolate Hour' for guests.

NZ | THE SEBEL WELLINGTON LOWER HUTT: 

Opening in mid-2021, the new-build The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt will overlook the Hutt River, a short drive from Wellington International Airport. Built in partnership with Hutt City Council's project for the New Civic Centre, which includes a new 800-seater Events Centre adjoining the City's historic Town Hall, this apartment-style hotel boasts 60 fully serviced studios and one bedroom apartments and will provide a modern and convenient place for business and leisure visitors to stay while attending conferences, exhibitions or events. Complete with a restaurant and bar, Biscotti, this new hotel embraces The Sebel brand standards, with warm, stylish and homely furnishings to make guests feel welcome as soon as they arrive.

NZ | MERCURE AUCKLAND QUEEN STREET: 

Mercure Auckland Queen Street is a 96-room hotel spanning eight stories. The hotel, which is slated to open its doors to guests in late quarter one 2021, will also feature a restaurant with street frontage and a boardroom, and is conveniently located in the heart of Auckland's CDB at the top-end of Queen Street. The building is evolving from an office conversion, blossoming new life as a hotel and adding a new look to the precinct.

Guests can stay with confidence with Accor. All Accor properties have enhanced their cleaning protocols to ensure stays are as clean, safe and comfortable as possible. With ALLSAFE, Accor hotels, resorts and apartments have implemented a program of additional hygiene and safety measures, so you can stay with complete peace of mind. Through Accor's innovative partnership with AXA, all Accor properties also offer free-of charge access to expert medical teleconsultations to guests to assist with any medical situations that may arise during their stay.

Accor brands in the Pacific include: SO/, Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis Budget.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: www.accorhotels.com

Accor Inspires Memorable Moments at MGallery in Asia Pacific

As travellers continue to seek a greater sense of purpose, there is an increasing preference for adventures off the beaten path which are both immersive and authentic. MGallery's Memorable Moments integrate distinctive hospitality with meaningful experiences that inspire lifelong memories. A collection of captivating boutique hotels that exude charm, charisma and a profoundly local character, MGallery artfully blends high-end luxury with culture. Accentuating Accor's portfolio of over 1,100 properties in Asia-Pacific, each MGallery embodies the style, stories and deeply rooted heritage in each location.

Memorable Moments take many forms at MGallery. All experiences pay tribute to the local landscape, culture and on-site offerings. From a beachside candlelit dinner to a grandiose helicopter ride, each moment is set to be the most definitive memory of the travel journey.

Venturing to the top of the world for a truly local experience
The newly opened MGallery Hotel de la Coupole in Sapa, Vietnam brings travellers to the peak of Indochina, Fansipan, via private cable car to marvel at the spectacular views. Recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest three-rope cable car route, this journey boasts breath-taking scenery of Muong Hoa Valley in Hoang Lien National Park alongside the striking peaks of Hoang Lien Son Range. The highest mountain in Vietnam, Fansipan is one of the country's few eco-tourist spots with about 2,024 floral varieties and 327 faunal species.

Couples embarking on a wellness journey will find absolute bliss at the Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery. Located in Uong Bi City, two hours away from Hanoi, the hotel brings guests on a hike up the magnificent Yen Tu Mountain to enjoy the beautiful sunrise from the peak while indulging in a gourmet local breakfast. The sacred Yen Tu Mountain is the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism in Vietnam, inheriting the rich culture and historical importance since the Tran Dynasty. An ideal place for trekking with natural forest and beautiful landscape, guests can engage with the local guides to learn more about the different varieties of plant species on the mountain and hear about the mythical stories of this charming destination.

Understanding cultures through food, heritage and indigenous produce
While Yogyakarta is most well-known for being the epicentre of Indonesia's religious heritage with the likes of Borobudur, a Buddhist temple, and Prambanan, a Hindu temple, Yogyakarta's lively arts and cultural community stretch far beyond the temple ruins.

At The Phoenix Yogyakarta MGallery, hop onto the 1961 Vintage Mercedes Benz 180 for a journey of endless discoveries. Passing through the famous Malioboro Street, through to Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan Palace), Taman Sari Water Castle and Plengkung Gading, the three-hour ride ends at the Phoenix Silver School where guest can take delight in a personalized silver craft making workshop session with a local silversmith followed by a light lunch. As part of the experience, guest can make their favourite piece of jewellery as a souvenir to bring home.

Not just a sanctuary to rest and relax, MGallery – The Royal Beach Seminyak in Bali, Indonesia is renowned for its gourmet paradise where guests have the opportunity to immerse in a one-day local food tour. The experience starts with a visit to the market with the hotel Chef. Guests can learn more about Balinese produce and seasonings while picking out fresh ingredients for lunch. Following the visit, guests can enjoy a hands-on lesson to create the 'Canang Sari' and join in the daily ritual practiced by locals during the temple tour. Renowned for the strong spirituality that emerges from every aspect of their daily life, the Balinese 'Canang Sari' is an offering made every morning to thank the Gods for world peace and blessings. The Memorable Moment culminates with a cooking class where guests learn traditional culinary techniques and presentation before enjoying the fruits of their own labour.

Known as a 'peaceful meeting place', Hoi An is a destination where travellers meet, relax and dine amidst the unique architecture, stunning surroundings and fine restaurants. Delight in a sumptuous array of afternoon tea spread at Hotel Royal Hoi An - MGallery which overlooks the city's architectural heritage. Couples can enjoy a leisurely bike ride to the pier and depart on a private evening cruise by the Thu Bon River to watch the beautiful sunset. For an evening wind down, be mesmerized by the enchanting landscape from the town's highest rooftop bar at the hotel and enjoy the panoramic views of the city's skyline before relishing in a tête à tête dinner under the stars by the pool.

Luxury beyond the skies
Renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, The Mitchelton Hotel Nagambie – MGallery in Victoria, Melbourne brings its Memorable Moment up a notch with an ultra-luxurious gourmet experience. Embark on a scenic helicopter ride the overlooks the marvellous views of Nagambie before joining the head chef to explore the grounds for local ingredients for a customised dinner menu followed by a private cooking demonstration using the freshly picked ingredients and a private cellar tour to select and do a wine match with the winemaker. The day ends with a private riverside dinner of your very own dish creation with the chef.

Experience an unforgettable helicopter ride over the magnificent Adelaide Hills at Mount Lofty House Adelaide Hills and be charmed by the city's historical culture, rich produce and beautiful wineries. Take a vintage car tour to visit some of the region's most iconic wineries where guests can revel in a private wine tasting session with the city's top wine makers followed by an intimate five-course degustation dinner menu with wine pairings.

As MGallery continues to expand in the region, guests can look forward to more Memorable Moments in Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, which will open in November this year and in Hong Kong with the launch of The Silveri by MGallery in March next year.

For more information and bookings, please visit: www.accor.com