The $65 million ibis Adelaide, owned and developed by Hines Property Group, opened its doors today (July 18) making it the first purpose-built economy hotel in Adelaide’s CBD for two decades and the largest ibis hotel in Australia.
Visiting Adelaide to attend the 2014 Adelaide International Guitar Festival, John Jooste, a classical guitar teacher from Perth, was the first guest to check in to the hotel and was greeted by General Manager Nathan Frost and his team with much excitement and celebration.
Ibis Adelaide has been developed by Hines Property and will be managed by global hotel group Accor. The hotel is and the first internationally branded hotel of its type to open its doors in Adelaide.
General Manager of ibis Adelaide, Nathan Frost said: “After working countless hours in the lead up to today, my team and I are over the moon to welcome our first guests to ibis Adelaide. We are confident that the hotel will be a hotspot for Adelaide locals and that our interstate and international guests will be amazed at the quality of the newest Ibis in Australia.”
Adrian Williams, VP Operations for VIC, SA and TAS for Accor said that the opening of the ibis Adelaide will be a significant boost for the city’s already burgeoning tourism industry following the recent Adelaide Oval upgrade and the Convention Centre expansion.
“This is a key development for Adelaide. The economy hotel sector is the fastest growing market in global travel, and is set to grow even faster with the rapid expansion of low-cost carriers many of which now operate direct flights to Adelaide from key Asian and domestic feeder markets. The ibis brand is the biggest economy hotel brand in the world and we are expecting the hotel’s launch to stimulate travel from a range of sectors, particularly business and leisure travel,” Williams said.
With 311 guest rooms, ibis Adelaide is the largest Ibis Hotel in Australia and will be a major boost for Adelaide’s tourism sector which is dominated by 4- and 5-star hotels. The 17-storey premium economy hotel also features conference and meeting facilities, a guest lounge, food and beverage retail and a fitness centre.
Located at 122 Grenfell Street, ibis Adelaide is a short stroll from the city’s famous shopping and dining precincts, Rundle Mall and Rundle Street. The Adelaide Oval, Casino, Convention Centre, Botanic Gardens, National Wine Centre and Royal Adelaide Hospital are also within walking distance. The hotel is also located close to Adelaide’s Arts district, which includes the Festival Centre and Dunstan Playhouse.
ibis Adelaide will have an official opening ceremony on 14 August.