Quest Apartment Hotels – Your Home Away from Home Across New Zealand, Fiji and Australia

Quest on Kilmore, Christchurch

A Trusted Name in Serviced Apartment Accommodation

For travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and flexibility, Quest Apartment Hotels stands as a leading provider of serviced apartment accommodation across New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia. With 42 properties throughout New Zealand and one in Fiji, Quest offers guests a seamless experience whether they’re staying for a night, a week, or several months. Each location is carefully chosen for its proximity to central business districts, event venues, and local attractions, ensuring guests are always close to where they need to be.

Spacious Apartments Designed for Living

Unlike traditional hotels, every Quest apartment is designed to feel like home. Each suite features separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, creating a spacious environment for both relaxation and productivity. Fully equipped kitchens allow guests to prepare their own meals, while in-room laundry facilities make long stays more convenient. Whether travelling for business, relocation, or leisure, Quest’s thoughtfully designed spaces provide the perfect balance of comfort and practicality.

A Range of Services for a Seamless Stay

Quest Takapuna aparthotel Auckland

Quest Apartment Hotels goes beyond accommodation to provide a range of in-house services designed to make every stay effortless. Daily servicing keeps apartments fresh and tidy, while guests can take advantage of valet laundry and dry-cleaning options. For families, babysitting services can be arranged, and for those seeking convenience, a grocery delivery and pantry shopping service ensures the fridge is always stocked. Guests can even enjoy restaurant-quality meals through chargeback options with selected local dining venues.

Perfect for Business or Leisure Travel

Whether visiting for a short business trip or an extended family stay, Quest’s apartments cater to every kind of traveller. Workstations and high-speed internet make it easy to stay connected, while the spacious layouts offer the flexibility to unwind after a busy day. Guests also have access to offsite gyms, ensuring wellness routines can continue uninterrupted. Quest’s commitment to service and attention to detail has made it the largest hotel group by location in New Zealand — a trusted choice for corporate travellers and holidaymakers alike.

Experience Local Hospitality in Every City

Each Quest location reflects the character of its community, with friendly staff dedicated to making guests feel welcome and supported. Conveniently situated near city centres, transport hubs, and entertainment districts, Quest Apartment Hotels provide the perfect base for exploring or doing business. From Auckland and Wellington to Christchurch and Queenstown — and even tropical Fiji — Quest’s consistent quality and warm hospitality ensure guests always feel at home, no matter where they travel.

Quest Apartment Hotels

Quest Highbrook hotel Auckland

Contact: Tiffany Searle
4/19 Como Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Phone: +64 212 337 610
Website: https://www.questapartments.co.nz/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

Quest Apartment Hotels Sets a New Standard for Inclusive Travel with Accessibility Accreditation Across 86 Properties

Accessible Accommodation Founder Kerry Williams
& Quest Springfield Central Owner Luke Frederick

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December 2024), Quest Apartment Hotels is celebrating a monumental achievement that sets a new benchmark for accessible accommodation in Australia. With 86 of its properties now accredited through the innovative three-tiered rating system developed by Accessible Accommodation, Quest is leading the way in providing inclusive travel experiences for Australians living with disabilities.

As 4.4 million Australians live with a disability, the demand for accessible and inclusive travel options has never been greater. Quest’s commitment to this cause not only ensures that travellers with disabilities can book with confidence, but also represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable and welcoming travel landscape for all.

A Groundbreaking Accreditation System

Quest Apartment Hotels is the first major accommodation provider in Australia to adopt Accessible Accommodation’s three-tiered rating system, which is now recognised as a key benchmark in the tourism sector. This accreditation system, utilised by the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, enables prospective guests to assess a property’s accessibility with ease, empowering them to make informed decisions when booking their stays.

Each accredited Quest property prominently displays its accessibility seal on the rooms available for booking, allowing guests to quickly identify accessible options. This move makes the booking process significantly easier for those with specific needs, enhancing transparency and ensuring that everyone has access to reliable information.

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated. By implementing this accreditation, Quest is not only setting a high standard for inclusivity within the tourism industry but also leading the charge to address a major gap in accessible travel options across the country.

Award-Winning Collaboration

Quest’s commitment to accessible travel has been recognised with the prestigious Innovative Collaboration Award at the 2024 HM Awards, a highly regarded event in the Australian hospitality industry. This accolade celebrates Quest’s partnership with Accessible Accommodation—a collaboration that has proven to be a game-changer for inclusive travel in Australia.

The partnership has seen Quest go beyond basic compliance with accessibility standards, elevating its offerings to ensure that all guests feel truly welcomed and valued. Through this collaboration, Quest has worked tirelessly to implement new features and make its accommodations more inclusive, modern, and comfortable for guests with diverse accessibility needs.

Real-World Impact: Increasing Accessible Room Occupancy

For Quest Springfield Central owner Luke Frederick, the impact of going beyond compliance has been clear. "Accessible room occupancy has increased by nearly 50% this year," says Frederick, reflecting on the positive changes made at his property. "It’s important to us because we believe everyone should be welcomed equally. Having the ability to offer accessible accommodation and provide options to suit our guests’ needs is fantastic for our property, while creating an effortless stay is at the heart of what we’re about at Quest Springfield Central."

This shift in focus, from mere compliance to active inclusivity, is not only beneficial to guests but also makes strong business sense. As more people with disabilities and their families look for travel options that cater to their needs, Quest has positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader in the hospitality sector.

Setting New Standards in Accessibility

Quest’s dedication to inclusivity is particularly evident in its Victorian property, Quest Burwood East, which became the first non-boutique operator in Australia to receive a Tier-3 accreditation, the highest level of accessibility rating. The Tier-3 rating indicates that the room is equipped with features designed to support people with high-level mobility needs, such as a Hi-Lo Electric Bed and a hoist, ensuring that guests can enjoy their stay with maximum comfort and dignity.

Accessible Accommodation Founder Kerry Williams praises Quest for its ongoing efforts to meet the needs of the growing community of travellers with accessibility requirements. "We created this accreditation system so guests with accessibility needs can find peace of mind when booking their stay. When a hotel displays our Accreditation Seal, it signals that their accessible features have been thoroughly vetted by accessibility experts, eliminating anxiety that many of our followers experienced in the past," says Williams.

A Commitment to Empowerment and Independence

For Quest, accessibility is about more than just meeting minimum standards—it's about creating a travel experience that empowers guests, fosters independence, and upholds dignity. Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Quest’s GM of Brand and ESG, explains that their ongoing partnership with Accessible Accommodation is a reflection of Quest’s long-standing commitment to improving accessibility across their network.

"Accessibility is not just about meeting standards; it’s about opening doors—both literally and figuratively—to experiences, independence, and dignity for everyone," says Dimitrakopoulos. "At Quest, we believe that travel should be an inclusive journey that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. Our commitment to providing accessible accommodation ensures that no one is left behind and every guest feels truly welcomed and valued."

Business and Social Impact

The appetite for accessible accommodation has been growing steadily, and Quest has embraced the opportunity to meet this demand head-on. Franchise owners across the network are increasingly recognising the social impact of providing inclusive options, alongside the business potential it offers.

Dimitrakopoulos highlights the excitement among Quest’s franchise partners to integrate accessible features into their properties: "There’s a tremendous appetite among our Franchise Partners to accommodate greater accessibility in their properties. They recognise not only the social impact but also the business potential in meeting the needs of this growing market. We’re proud to support our franchised Business Owners with resources, training, and actionable steps to deliver meaningful improvements to inclusive travel."

Looking Ahead

With 86 accredited properties and more expected to follow suit, Quest Apartment Hotels is shaping the future of accessible travel in Australia. This initiative is a crucial step in making travel more inclusive for all Australians, ensuring that those living with disabilities have the freedom to explore, experience, and enjoy their journeys just like anyone else.

For more information about Quest Apartment Hotels and its commitment to accessible travel, visit the Quest website or learn more about the Accessible Accommodation Accreditation System.

The Ascott Limited’s Quest Geelong Central now open

Quest Geelong Central

The Ascott Limited, Australia (Ascott Australia) is proud to announce its latest apartment hotel in the heart of the gateway city, Quest Geelong Central, is now open.

Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles officially cut the ribbon. last week

Ascott Australia has invested in a second Geelong property to capitalise on major local investments in tourism, healthcare and events, including the $500m Geelong women’s and children’s hospital to be built within Barwon Health’s CBD site, and the $294 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct on the waterfront.

Quest Geelong Central represents Ascott Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sustained expansion of the local visitor economy, expected to be worth $1.2 billion by 2025.

The greenfield hotel offers 87 spacious self-contained apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

Configurations include modern studios, and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with balconies and Corio Bay views available, in addition to accessible and pet-friendly rooms to provide a true home away from home experience for all guests.

Part of Pellicano’s $70 million mixed-use Pivot House development, guests will enjoy comfortable serviced apartments with access to amenities including a rooftop gym, business lounge, 40-person conference room, BBQ areas and secure onsite parking.

Ascott Australia’s GM Growth and Capital Strategy, James Shields, says Quest Geelong Central occupies prime position to attract both leisure and corporate travellers.

“Ascott continues prioritising investment in strategically located properties and building mutually beneficial relationships with our trusted development partners like Pellicano to ensure we maximise returns for Quest business owners and deliver an effortless experience for guests,” said James. “Geelong has attractive short and long-term demand drivers in place for a second Quest property, particularly given the expanding local healthcare sector and upcoming Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct.”

Quest Geelong Central is the eighth joint development project with Pellicano.

Managing Director of Pellicano, Nando Pellicano, said he was proud of the long-standing relationship with Quest.

“This latest property in Geelong reflects the continued success of our collaboration with Quest and is the fifth apartment hotel building retained in our portfolio. We’re pleased to deliver this much needed asset to Geelong and wish the Quest team every success,” Nando said.

Brendan Sanders, Acting Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine said Quest Geelong Central opening in the region is another exciting step forward in the diversification of room stock in Geelong and The Bellarine and growth of the local tourism sector more broadly.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming this internationally branded hotel to Geelong’s accommodation mix, strengthening our region’s vision in becoming a regional hub for domestic and international travel. The addition of the 87 self-contained apartments will have more visitors staying longer and exploring more of the exceptional experiences we have on offer in the region.”

Quest Geelong Central is owned by hospitality industry veterans Greg O’Shea and Linda Murray, who are new Quest franchise business owners, and existing Quest franchisees Mark and Ky O’Shea, and Daniel and Jennifer Wilson.

“Growing up in Camperdown, Geelong was always my weekend getaway,” said Greg. “I love the people, the culture and the sense of community here. I’m proud to be opening Quest Geelong Central after 35 years in hospitality, particularly as Quest celebrates 35 years of franchising.”

“I’m a proud Rotarian and my community values drew me to Quest. I want my guests to feel like they’ve checked into a small town. Local businesses are so supportive and we’re working together to add value for guests so they can live as local as they like it here in Geelong. It’s a city of opportunity at the moment, there’s so much investment and a real buzz around town.”

“I love that my business is backed by the global recognition of The Ascott Limited, and the respect and confidence corporate and leisure travellers have for the Quest brand means we’re in a strong position as Geelong continues to grow. Booking enquiries are much higher than we expected for the summer period due to upcoming major events and concerts.”

“I know that achieving our goal of making guest stays effortless comes down to the quality and consistency of customer service. I’m excited for our guests to meet our talented and dedicated team who will help guests experience the best of Geelong.”
* Andrew Stewart: astewart@alphaconsulting.global

Quest celebrating 35 years of corporate travel success

Back row: Bianca Tachdjian Quest Ivanhoe, Cat Mapperson

 Quest St Kilda Rd & Quest on Dorcas, Teresa Arcuri Quest

Moonee Valley, Gazal Kamali Quest Watergardens, Natalie

Bui Quest Caroline Springs, Amy van de Ven Quest Orange,

David Mansfield, Managing Director Quest Apartment Hotels

Front Row: Stephanie Robertson Quest Collingwood, Sophie

Sun Quest Griffith and Liz Galea Quest Preston

Through capitalising on corporate travel trends like work from anywhere, leisure trends like comfortable staycations on a budget, and universal travel trends like the growing demand for local connections over box ticking tourism, Quest continues delivering effortless guest experiences as a trusted brand that’s stood the test of time.

2023 marks 35 years of making corporate stay effortless for Quest Apartment Hotels, a member of the Ascott Limited, and there are more milestones on the horizon this year as Australasia’s largest serviced apartment brand continues to evolve its offering.

While June data from NAB, Westpac and ANZ highlights flagging consumer and business confidence, Quest is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the growing corporate hunger for value and reliability as Australasia’s largest serviced apartment operator.

With 159 hotels and 13 additional properties in development, Quest will open 6 more properties by June 2025, representing an additional 469 rooms and bringing Quest’s room tally to over 9,400 spacious serviced apartments nationally.

Quest’s success in adapting to changing market conditions remains a key driver of the brand’s success. With a focus on incorporating ESG into day-to-day operations at properties across the country, to strategically locating new properties in emerging suburbs with strong growth prospects, Quest continues setting franchise business owners up for future success.

The recently opened Quest Watergardens and the upcoming Quest Woolooware Bay are both located within emerging suburban town centres to deliver a home away from home experience for the corporate clients who continue choosing Quest for their accommodation.

Design elements have evolved to incorporate local architecture and mixed-use developments. The first Quest was a 55 key red brick property that opened in 1988 in the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Fitzroy. The 83 key Quest Collingwood, the first of 4 properties to open in 2023, marked a full circle moment in terms of geography and architecture, with the new aparthotel just 15 minutes from the original site and incorporating red brick into the façade.

Quest Collingwood exemplifies Quest’s commitment to suburban sites, with Quest corporate office set to occupy the office space above the new aparthotel once the lease on the current St Kilda Rd premises expires.

At Quest, ESG activity goes beyond the boardroom and is being led by Quest’s dedicated 146 local business owners. The network’s community support umbrella, Quest for a Cause, is now incorporating hundreds of charitable initiatives across the country in which local teams continue supporting the communities that support their businesses.

At a network level in 2023, Quest is accelerating its ESG activity through purpose led partnerships. Since 2020, through the partnership with the Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program, Quest has provided over 13,000 room nights at no cost to families of regionally based youth with complex cancers who require ongoing treatment in capital city hospitals.

This year Quest is also working to address the housing affordability and rental crisis in the country through additional partnership activity with the Housing All Australians charity.

Quotes attributable to Managing Director at Ascott Australia, David Mansfield:

“Our extraordinary success would simply not have been possible without the ongoing support of our partners and clients, our guests, and our local business owners.”

“Our people and culture are key to Quest’s success. The local knowledge and inherent intuition of Quest local business owners means they continue to provide the safe pair of hands and elevated service our guests expect. That hasn’t changed in 35 years.”

“We continue to evolve our brand in line with changing guest expectations without losing sight of who we are — Quest is a network of local business owners and teams who go the extra mile for our guests. A sense of community is precisely what we all want from post-pandemic travel, and with authentic local experiences top of mind for guests, Quest is perfectly positioned to meet this demand through our spacious serviced apartments.”

Quotes attributable to multi-site Quest Business Owner of 19 years, Andrew Clarke:

“I was introduced to Quest in 1996, and my wife Angela and I were granted the franchise for Quest West End in 2004 and Quest on Rheola in 2005. From my perspective we’ve stayed with the brand because we believe in the brand. Faces, preferences and designs may change but the brand’s core promise remains. Quests guiding purpose is to make corporate stay effortless through the provision of spacious serviced apartments, and while the model changes, we’ve never strayed from that.”

“Quest has continued evolving to ensure we have a proven business model that gives us everything we need to build our own successful small business, which we then tailor to suit our respective local market conditions.”

“As always we’re looking forward to the Conference this year because it gives us the opportunity to connect with other business owners while learning and exploring different strategies for success.”

* Andrew Stewart: astewart@alphaconsulting.global