The doors have open at Melbourne’s newest hotel, the $150 million ‘golden tower’ that is Novotel Melbourne South Wharf.
Both a bold architectural statement and vote of confidence in the Victorian capital’s tourism, meetings and events industry and rising 26 storeys from its highly visible South Wharf location, the striking new Novotel comprises 347 guestrooms and suites and is situated directly adjacent the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), which is undergoing a US$350 million expansion to transform it into the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
READ: Airline Review: Etihad Business Class Abu Dhabi to Zurich
Designed by Woods Bagot, NH Architecture and with interiors by Fender Katsalidis and Woods Bagot, the hotel joins other new Novotels globally, such as the brand’s flagship Canary Wharf property in London, to reflect the very latest in hotel and interior design trends.
Similarly with Novotel’s much-lauded Canary Wharf property in London, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is located within a historic maritime precinct. Its contemporary architect contrasts with nearby docks and cargo sheds, as well as an original working ship, the Polly Woodside, which has been preserved and permanently moored. Built in Belfast in 1885, the Polly Woodside is now a key tourist attraction.
While ideally suited to the corporate and conference traveller, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is also targeting the intra- and interstate leisure visitor. The hotel’s close proximity to Etihad Stadium, South Wharf shopping and dining options, and broader Southbank and CBD attractions, is expected to be strong drawcards for this market.
READ: We Check-in at U Sathorn, Bangkok’s Urban Oasis
“This hotel’s development, along with the MCEC expansion project, represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure investments into Melbourne’s tourism and convention industry,” says general manager Glen Erickson. “Novotel Melbourne South Wharf will contribute significantly to the continued evolution of Melbourne as one of Asia Pacific’s most desirable – and frequently visited – destinations for both business and leisure travel.”
Also in the Headlines…
10 Predictions for the Airports of the Future
About the Author
