Massive upgrades worth hundreds of millions of dollars at Sydney’s top hotels will make 2012 one of the best performance years for the accommodation industry since the Sydney Olympics, says the TAA.
Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) Director Carol Giuseppi says major hotels were leading the way in a revitalisation of the entire industry with refurbishments and redevelopments recently completed at more than half a dozen iconic landmarks across Greater Sydney.
“We have seen major investment in the industry over the last year and that is set to pay dividends in the future,” Giuseppi says.
Giuseppi says the extensive period of upgrades and renovations – largely in the CBD – had cemented Sydney’s place on the travel itineraries of the world’s most discerning travellers.
“The AUD$60 million transformation of the Park Hyatt Sydney has set a new benchmark for luxury with three new roof-top suites featuring panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge,” she says
“The Park Hyatt now offers the city’s largest suite at 350sq metres, while the renovations at the Sydney Harbour Marriott have seen a AUD$20 million dollar refurbishment of all 550 accommodation suites at that landmark hotel.
“At the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, AUD$20 million has been invested refurbishing 477 guestrooms and adding that extra “wow” factor.
“The bar has also been raised at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney where the final stage of a two-year hotel refurbishment has seen the unveiling of four new signature suites including the Presidential and Deluxe Royal.
“Not to be outdone, the Marriott Sydney has also conducted a major refurbishment of its rooms while the Grace Hotel has also recently refurbished levels five and six with its signature ‘Neo King’ room range.
“Parkroyal Parramatta has a beautifully refurbished lobby, a new bar and extensive work done on 196 rooms.
“The re-development of Cafe Opera at the Intercontinental Sydney has added a whole new element of style at that venue.
“Swissôtel Sydney is also set to transform its conference and event facilities, restaurant, bar and executive lounge in the first half of 2012 as part of a major refurbishment.”
Giuseppi says the $870 million transformation of Star City, of which accommodation is a significant component, into ‘The Star’ would also help revitalise the industry.
“The first purpose-built five star hotel built since the Olympics, The Darling, brings the number of rooms and suites on offer at the Star to more than 650 across three towers,” she says.
“Sydney’s top hotels are newly refurbished, renovated and ready for business.”