New lease of life for Hunter favourite Chez Pok at Peppers Guest House and Hope Estate Winery has announced a joint partnership which will offer a fresh approach to functions held at one of Australia’s most famous cellar doors. Hope Estate purchased The Rothbury Estate in Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, and as part of the redevelopment of the winery they are partnering with Chez Pok to ensure that the approach to events combines old-fashioned values and levels of service with a progressive approach to cuisine. The former Rothbury Estate is steeped in history including the famous Great Cask Hall which has symbolised the best of the Hunter for many years. Hope’s mission for the winery is to embrace the history of the property and bring back the warmth and magic that Len Evans and Murray Tyrrell created when they originally built the winery in the 1960s. Visit www.thegreatcaskhall.com.au for further details.
Newly appointed rooms at Hyatt Canberra Hyatt Hotel Canberra has recently completed a refurbishment of its Club Rooms. The new-look rooms now offer improved lighting, new furniture and carpets and better access to power and internet connections. The furniture, selected by interior designer, Diana Simpson, includes night-stands, a glass-top timber coffee table and desk. A new armoire accommodates the personal bar and a 68 centimetre LCD flat-screen television has been designed to complement the new leather headboard. The addition of a taupe leather desk chair and large wall mirror adds to the functionality and feel of the newly appointed rooms. The property has 249 rooms including 15 suites, six Diplomatic Suites and a Presidential Suite.
Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley opens InterContinental Hotels Group recently introduced the Hunter Valley’s newest and largest hotel and conferencing facilities, the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. The purpose-built venue is located on the site of the Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club within the heart of wine country. The property includes 150 hotel rooms, 72 two-bedroom self-contained villas, and conference facilities, including a pillarless ballroom with natural light. Other facilities include a day spa, salon, huge outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants, three bars, four tennis courts, a 24-hour gym and kids’ club.
Adelaide Showground re-launch Adelaide Showground launched its new name and logo recently, and is now no longer known as Royal Adelaide Showground. Managed by the oldest business association in South Australia, the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA which was established in 1839, the Adelaide Showground boasts a wealth of history and experience that is unmatched in the state. In 1925, when the venue moved from North Terrace, it was officially known as the Adelaide Showground. In the following years names used have included, Wayville Showground, Royal Exhibition Centre, Royal Showground and Royal Adelaide Showground. Hence, the new name sees a return to its roots. The word “Royal” will be maintained for the society, the agricultural show and the wine show. With more than one million visitors and playing host to more than 100 events each year, Adelaide Showground is the centre of attention each and every week. It is home to trade shows, sports events, conferences, gala dinners, team-building events, product launches, staged productions and public exhibitions.
Toga Hospitality ventures into new territory Toga Hospitality has entered into a long term lease of Mirambeena Resort Darwin, which has been purchased by a Toga-related entity. The resort has been re-branded as Travelodge Mirambeena Resort Darwin. This is Toga Hospitality’s first hotel in the Northern Territory and the group is excited to add such an iconic local resort to its portfolio. Upgrade work will take place during the next few months to complete the change of identity. It is the first of three hotels that Toga Hospitality will operate in Darwin. The Toga Group is currently developing the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. This $1 billion dollar project will have as its centrepiece the new Darwin Convention Centre, and two more hotels. The hotels will be managed by Toga Hospitality and are scheduled to open in 2008.
An authentic Bavarian experience Imagine taking your whole company to Munich for dinner and a stein of fine Bavarian bier. A new kind of after-conference venue was recently launched at the Löwenbräu Keller, in Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney. Australia’s first authentic Bavarian Bier Hall offers a slice of pure Bavarian fun without ever leaving the country – the perfect conclusion to a successful conference. The new fully-themed entertainment venue offers true Bavarian hospitality, and features original handcrafted German furniture and traditionally dressed staff to create a genuine Bavarian atmosphere so good you will feel like you are actually in Munich. With full entertainment, decorations, food, and beverages provided, the Bavarian Bier Hall is the obvious choice for conference organisers seeking a full service, one-stop venue. Customised company branded glass bier steins for guests to take home as a souvenir of their event can also be organised. The Bier Hall can be booked for private functions for groups up to 220 guests or simply book your corporate group in to join the fun with other groups for a non-exclusive event. Call David on (02) 9247 7785 or email info@argyleevents.com.au.
Amora Hotels launches in Australia The Amora Group, with hotel assets in Thailand and New Zealand, has launched the Amora Group of Hotels in Australia. The two Australian hotels, Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney (formerly Rydges Jamison) and Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne (formerly Rydges Riverwalk) officially joined the Amora Group in October. Both properties have been owned by Dr. Tanapun Siripathrawan for a number of years and are key properties for the group – which aims to become a brand associated with well-located, high quality, international hotels. Amora intends to be a long-term player in the Australasian hotel industry and will look for expansion of its group over the next few years. The group has developed a strong management structure that has operated the Amora Hotels and Duxton Hotels in New Zealand over the last few years and this is the inevitable next step. Visit www.amorahotels.com for further details.
 Royce receives refurbishment The Royce Hotel, located on one of Melbourne’s most famous boulevards, St Kilda Road, recently completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment and extension, now offering 100 accommodation rooms and suites. Situated near the Shrine of Remembrance and Royal Botanic Gardens, The Royce Hotel is one of the city’s most stylish designer boutique hotels, combining five-star accommodation amid classic architecture. The property prides itself on offering the ultimate in personalised service with a contemporary edge, ideal for business and leisure travellers wanting a true boutique experience. The hotel has been extended upwards through the construction of two new accommodation levels. The additional floors set a new benchmark for excellence and luxury in five-star hotel accommodation. The refurbishment has also extended to some of the existing accommodation rooms as well as the hotel’s ballroom, restaurant dish and popular amberoom bar.
Novotel’s `loft suites’ for Darling Harbour The Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour has completed the final instalment of its comprehensive $14 million refurbishment and facelift, launching eight new ‘Loft Suites’ that offer guests not only a prime location but spectacular views across the busy harbour precinct. Located on the top floor of the well-appointed hotel, Novotel’s Loft Suites provide a stunning panorama of Darling Harbour while setting a fresh benchmark in four-star luxury designed to better cater to the hotel’s keen business and leisure market. A home (or office) away from home, each suite boasts stylish décor from designer David Forbes and offers a separate downstairs living area complete with a daybed, bar area, guest bathroom, three flat screen LCD TVs, and a desk (to seat three and perfect for small meetings). Upstairs a second living area awaits featuring a Panasonic CD stereo, dedicated work desk and ergonomic office chair. Visit www.novoteldarlingharbour.com.au for further details.
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