Rydges Hotels and Resorts has opened the doors to its newest hotel in Fortitude Valley, offering stylish contemporary accommodation while paying homage to its location within the historically rich Brisbane Showgrounds precinct.
Rydges Fortitude Valley was officially launched on Thursday April 14, with a VIP luncheon showcasing the rural theming that inspired development of this unique new hotel.
Positioned adjacent to the Showgrounds precinct and opposite the Royal International Convention Centre (RICC), Rydges Fortitude Valley was envisaged as, “regional Queensland’s home in the city”, providing convenient and luxurious accommodation for guests attending Brisbane’s celebrated Ekka or the many other events and festivals held in the district throughout the year.
Distinguished guests at Thursday’s launch event included Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad and the hotel’s development partners, Stewart Baron of Baron Corporation, Peter de Winter of Forte Group, and Phillip Wolanski of Denwol Group.
Rydges Fortitude Valley Executive Chef Francesco Trucco created an array of stunning dishes embodying the paddock-to-plate ethos inspiring menus at the hotel’s signature restaurants, including a selection of free range roasted meats and beautifully presented sweets, complete with bales of straw to match the event’s Ekka-esque styling.
Rydges Fortitude Valley General Manager Matthew Hurley said the 208-room hotel would meet the future needs of this evolving lifestyle destination, which is currently undergoing a $2.9 billion major redevelopment by RNA and Lendlease.
“Rydges Fortitude Valley is delighted to welcome guests as we bring a new dimension in world-class service for both business and leisure travellers seeking a warm and personal experience while taking advantage of all the latest amenities on offer at the hotel,” Hurley said.
“We are pleased to play a key role in the growth of tourism in the vibrant city of Brisbane, while focusing on maintaining the aesthetic of rural Queensland in keeping with our location’s rich history,” he said.
Deputy Premier Trad said the opening of the new hotel was a boon for the city, diversifying the tourism landscape and creating 96 fulltime jobs.
“World-class developments in the inner city area such as this are showing the world that Brisbane is a thriving city worth investing in,” Trad said.
The hotel’s opening formed part of the second stage of the RNA’s Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project, which is expected to deliver $300 million annually in economic benefits to the state, while creating more than 2,000 jobs.
Rydges Fortitude Valley embodies an aesthetic of urban chic with an equal focus on comfort and is located in the heart of Bowen Hills, where crowds have gathered since 1875 to celebrate the Royal Queensland Show.
Dining options including the signature Six Acres Restaurant, which will offer guests an exciting farm-to-the-table experience, while The Paddock Bar is destined to be a lively meeting place with panoramic views onto the RNA Showgrounds and the Royal International Exhibition Centre.
Destined to become an icon of the district’s exciting revitalisation, the hotel is situated along Brisbane’s newest and most vibrant café and retail strip of King Street, and on the fringe of the city’s renowned entertainment quarter of “the Valley”, with its eclectic mix of shopping, bars and restaurants.
Brisbane CBD is just minutes away, with the vibrant hubs of Chinatown, Newstead and New Farm all within walking distance, while convenient travel options exist for guests wishing to explore famed destinations including Queen Street, the Story Bridge, Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba.
The hotel also targets business travellers, offering three flexible meeting rooms, and is ideally situated across from RICC, which boasts indoor and outdoor facilities including a main arena with grandstands capable of accommodating up to 18,000 people.
The site also boasts a fully equipped gymnasium and heated outdoor pool.
Free WIFI is available for all Rydges guests, while all guest rooms and suites feature a mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, individually controlled air conditioning and more.