Docklands’ first 5-star hotel, Peppers, opened yesterday (Jan 19) almost fully booked, providing confidence in the precinct’s tourism potential to stakeholders and investors.
Located in Melbourne developer Capital Alliance’s mixed apartment and hotel project M Docklands, 90% of Peppers’ 87 hotel rooms were booked months in advance ahead of Melbourne’s summer sporting season which includes the Australian Open and cricket.
“Peppers Docklands is an unparalleled offering within the Docklands precinct, and represents a continuation of Mantra Group’s strategic direction to grow the Peppers brand in CBD locations,” said Mantra Group’s Executive Director – Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Kent Davidson.
Operated by Mantra Group, it is the first Peppers hotel to open in the city and will join 12 Mantra-branded apartment hotels in Melbourne CBD and the airport.
Peppers Docklands General Manager Jeremy Nordkamp said it was positive to see such strong early demand for the hotel in Docklands.
“We’re thrilled to be opening Peppers Docklands today, bringing premium five star accommodation to the precinct and drawing local and international tourists to the area,” he said.
“With Melbourne’s sporting events peaking over summer, including the Australian Open and cricket season, it’s no surprise we’ve reached 90 per cent capacity upon opening to the public.”
Capital Alliance founder and CEO Mohan Du, who led negotiations to bring the five-star hotel to Docklands, said its opening signified the beginning of mixed-use developments reinvigorating the Docklands precinct.
“With the opening of Peppers we expect not only an increase in tourists to the area but a new vibrancy to emerge in Docklands,” Du said.
“Mixed-use developments that encourage foot traffic 24 hours a day from tourists and residents alike are key to invigorating Docklands and ensuring its success. Without them the area is active only during work hours and commute times – M Docklands will change that,” he said.
Designed by Elenberg Fraser, M Docklands also features 186 sold-out residential apartments, which will commence settlement in February.
“We are proud to be bringing luxury accommodation to Docklands, further enhancing its charm and transforming it into a 24 hour activated tourism and residential area,” Du said.