Melbourne’s Southbank precinct will become home to the brand entry to Australia of disruptor brand YOTEL, it was announced today.
In a management agreement with site owners Cornerstone Partners Group, the 244-room YOTEL Melbourne will be developed and become the flagship property for the brand as it expands its footprint further into the Asia Pacific region.
Designed for the busy professional as a tech-focused hotel giving travellers a range of basics and no clutter, YOTEL rooms will be fitted with the next-generation adjustable SmartBed, rain showers in bathrooms and Smart TVs. A multitude of power points and USB outlets catering to travellers with multiple devices will also be in each room.
Guests will have access to the signature “KOMYUNITI” co-working space which will also be fitted with chillout zone, socialising area and space for informal meetings, with Workshop Coffee and signature cocktails being served on an outdoor terrace. A 24/7 fitness centre, restaurant, bar and viewing deck will also feature within the new hotel.
YOTEL Melbourne will be situated close to major city landmarks including Federation Square, the MCG and the Arts Precinct. The new property is scheduled to open in 2022.
The entry of YOTEL to Australia is the first step in a growth plan which will also see sister brands YOTELAir (positioned at airports) and YOTELPad (for extended stay travellers) also enter the local market, said YOTEL Chief Executive Officer Hubert Viriot.
“Over the past two years, we have been actively searching for the right locations and partners to roll out our brands in Australia, a key market for our global expansion and a key feeder market for our hotels in the US, Singapore and the UK. With solid market fundamentals and global appeal, Melbourne is the perfect gateway to launch our first property in the country.”
YOTEL currently operates five city centre hotels – four in the USA and one in Singapore – with seven airport locations in Europe and Asia, with more than a dozen more in its pipeline.