This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
HOBART’S status as the third best performing hotel market in Australia is attracting global attention with the world’s largest hotelier, Marriott, opening its first “The Luxury Collection” property in the Apple Isle to meet the growing demand from well heeled guests.
Hobart has recently overtaken Perth as the third best performer in Australia, behind Sydney and Melbourne, according to the latest tourism report by Deloitte Access Economics.
Marriott has signed an agreement with Alan and Carol Schwartz’s Trawalla Group to redevelop the heritage buildings in Parliament Square into a new prestige hotel.
The Luxury Collection and JW Marriott global brand leader Mitzi Gaskins said the signing of this hotel marks yet another milestone for Marriott as the group forges meets the growing demand for experiential luxury travel in Australia.
“Australia is an extremely desirable destination for our guests, and this hotel is sure to become the place for luxury travellers to stay while visiting Tasmania.
“Bringing the Luxury Collection to Australia marks a significant milestone for the brand, further cementing our leadership position in global hospitality, while providing our guests indigenous experiences that celebrate each individual locale,” Gaskins said.
Asia Pacific COO Rajeev Menon said luxury travel in Australia has grown remarkably in the last few years, and there is still growing demand for new hotel product, specifically in Tasmania.
“We’re confident this new Luxury Collection property will have a significant impression on Australia’s luxury hospitality market and we’re excited to be working with Trawalla Group Parliament Square Hotel Operator Pty Ltd to bring this distinct new project to life,” he added.
Scheduled to open in 2018, the property will be the first hotel in Tasmania for Marriott’s The Luxury Collection. This hotel will take residency in an assortment of heritage buildings, including the Georgian-style St. Mary’s Hospital originally constructed in 1847. The original features of the heritage buildings will be restored by Sydney-based hospitality interior design firm JPDC with the Georgian and Art Deco architectural style maintained throughout.
The prestige hotel will comprise 128 rooms, an upscale restaurant, lobby lounge, and whiskey bar.
Trawalla Group managing director Alan Schwartz said it has always been the company’s intention to partner with a brand that appreciates and embraces Tasmania’s natural beauty, history and heritage.
“We also share the brand’s passion for design, indigenous experiences and refined luxury, and are committed to working with the best talent and experts in the industry to bring this project to its full potential,” Schwartz said.
As a Luxury Collection hotel, the hotel will join an ensemble of more than 100 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries.
“This property will further strengthen the company’s luxury pipeline, which aims to deliver authentic travel experiences and exceptional service. Marriott International will also continue to build upon its success with construction on The Ritz-Carlton Perth, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, and the highly anticipated W Brisbane,” Gaskins said.
Australian Property Journal
