Past News Items

Past conference and events industry news which may be of interest to you. Everything from new hotel and conference venues, major refurbishments and change in names and venue operators.

Bellachara

Gregg Currie, the hotelier who launched the NSW South Coast's popular, award-winning Bellachara Boutique Hotel, will move on to new opportunities after negotiations with the property's landlords over a new lease agreement stalled.

The venue is now part of the Accor group and has been rebranded as the Mercure Gerringong.

Crowne Plaza Torquay

IHG has stepped away as manager of Crowne Plaza Torquay and has made way for the hotel's new owner, Resort Management by Wyndham. The hotel will now be known as Wyndham Resort Torquay.

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns has recently upgraded their rooms to make your stay that much more enjoyable. Now with luxurious dream beds you can dream the night away after a big day of conferencing or of course our beautiful sightseeing. Never mind if you are not quite ready to start dreaming just yet, they have also updated all rooms to comprise modern LCD TV's, perfect for an escape into the world of movies, news or music. Great food, great service, great views!

Rydges North Sydney

Rydges North Sydney has completed a $2 Million refurbishment of all Queen/Twin rooms. The upgrade includes new carpet and curtains, new wardrobe, TV cabinet and mini-bar, new bed-head and soft furnishings and a freshly painted room. Existing features to stay in the room include flat screen televisions, Rydges 'Dream Beds' with luxury Egyptian cotton sheeting, throws and cushions & a glass desk with Italian leather ergonomic chair.

Rydges Port Macquarie

Rydges Port Macquarie has just completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment to now be the most stylish option on the mid north coast for your next event. A brand new conference floor accommodating up to 400 Theatre Style or 300 Banquet Style, state of the art technology and stunning views of the Port Macquarie coastline. The new Zebu Bar & Grill offers luxe surroundings and a mouth watering menu, along with the freshest Cocktails. Enjoy the ambience of the lounge bar set with a beautiful modern fire. 123 Accommodation Rooms including 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, 4 conference venues and all located on the water in Port Macquarie's CBD.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide

The Crowne Plaza Adelaide is adding two additional conferencing rooms to their inventory which is great for break out space and/or smaller meetings.

Be it a small meeting of 10 people or a conference of 250, Crowne Plaza Adelaide has the ideal event space to meet your requirements. Located on the top floor, this versatile space features a large pre-function area with bar, dedicated express elevators, registration area, balcony and floor to ceiling windows offering picturesque views of the Adelaide Hills. In addition to the ballroom which can be divided into four rooms, a purpose designed executive boardroom with balcony is available. All meeting rooms are equipped with state of the art technology.

Some recent additions to the Accor network

• Mercure Sydney Potts Point
• Grand Mercure Apartments Coolangatta
• Grand Mercure Apartments Magnetic Island
• Novotel Auckland Airport
• All Seasons Cairns Colonial
• Mercure Kingfisher Bay Fraser Island

Peppers and MasterChef team up to offer exclusive team challenges

Celebrating a shared dedication to the pursuit of fine food, Peppers and MasterChef have teamed up to offer an exclusive range of MasterChef inspired conference and incentive packages that promise to delight delegates with their very own MasterChef moment.

Incorporating components from the top-rating Australian television program, Peppers is offering the only true MasterChef team building activities on offer in Australia.

You and your team to enjoy the MasterChef experience available at selected Peppers properties until 30 November, 2011

Just like the real MasterChef contestants, delegates can test their tastebuds and culinary skills with one of the many challenges on offer, starting from $35 per delegate.

Accor takes over Mantra Kooindah Waters

Investa Property Group has appointed Accor to manage the resort component of Kooindah Waters Residential Golf and Spa Resort on the Central Coast.

As of 18 July 2011, the resort will be managed under Accor's Mercure brand and named Mercure Kooindah Waters.

Kooindah Waters Residential Golf and Spa Resort comprises 252 residential lots, an 18 hole golf course, a 108 room resort and an endota day spa on a 95ha site at Wyong. Facilities include six conference rooms, a restaurant and bar, 25m indoor lap pool, outdoor pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, sauna and spa.

The Rydges Albury

The Chifley Albury has been be rebranded as The Rydges Albury as of the 19th of April, after the hotel was acquired by Amalgamated Holdings Hotels and Resorts division.

With an established network of over 41 hotels, covering some 7500 rooms throughout Australia and New Zealand, Rydges aims to set new performance benchmarks for the 140 room hotel located in the main street of Albury.

Constellation Makes Waves Australia-wide

Constellation Hotels has announced four coastal, apartment-style properties will join its Australian-owned network in Cairns, Coolangatta, Newcastle and Lorne on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. The new Australis and Chifley branded properties signal the intention of Constellation Hotels to increase its stable not only in city and urban areas but also in popular coastal destinations.

Constellation Hotels Managing Director, Mr Jonathon Wooller said, "New generation apartments and hotels opened recently by Constellation in Newcastle and Wollongong have been trading above our expectations, and have paved the way for our hotel network to offer more spacious, modern and efficient hotel operations in other high-demand coastal destinations."

Australis Cairns Beach Resort and Australis Kirra Surf Apartments will become part of Constellation Hotels in May 2011. Currently under development, Chifley Grand Central Apartments in Newcastle and Chifley Lorne Resort and Apartments will open in 2012.

The new hotels will boost the number of Constellation's coastal properties to 20, joining other major leisure destinations such as Townsville, Noosaville, Surfers Paradise, Port Macquarie, Terrigal and NSW South Coast. Constellation Hotels currently operates more than 60 hotels, resorts and apartments across Australia and New Zealand in coastal, country and city locations.

New Accor Hotels

NSW
Mercure Maitland - joined the network in August 2010
All Seasons Broken Hill - joined the network in November 2010
All Seasons Harrington - joined the network in November 2010

VIC
Mercure Horsham - opened 25 October 2010
All Seasons Swan Hill - joined the network in December 2010
All Seasons Warrnambool - joined the network in September 2010

QLD
All Seasons Stradbroke Island - joined the network in September 2010

Chifley's Newest Hotel and Conference Venue to Open in Wollongong

Constellation Hotels will set a new benchmark for hotel accommodation and conferencing on the NSW South Coast, with the opening of the 4.5-star Chifley Wollongong in September 2010.
Located on Wollongong's foreshore and adjacent to WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre, Chifley Wollongong will offer 168 guest rooms and executive suites, 140 seat restaurant with alfresco dining, lobby bar, mezzanine business lounge, heated lap pool, gymnasium, and 9 conference and function rooms.

Chifley Wollongong's facilities include 9 conference and function rooms with the latest technology and sound-proof, tractable doors, with two separate pre-function areas located on the dedicated function floor. The largest room has the capacity for 300 people banquet-style and 500 people theatre-style making the venue suitable for conferences, meetings, seminars, special events and gala dinners.

Chifley Wollongong will enable business and leisure travellers visiting the region to stay in a newly built, superior quality hotel that is just minutes walk from City Beach, Wollongong Golf Course and CBD, while enjoying the hotel's stylish accommodation and conference facilities and state-of-the-art communication technologies.

Chifley Wollongong's facilities include 9 conference and function rooms with the latest technology and sound-proof, retractable doors, with two separate pre-function areas located on the dedicated function floor.

The largest room has the capacity for 420 people theatre-style and 500 people cocktail-style making the venue suitable for conferences, meetings, seminars, special events and gala dinners.

Delegate activities can also be organised at surrounding attractions such as Jamberoo Action Park, Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, and Nan Tien Temple to provide an opportunity for your team to get together in Wollongong's great outdoors.

A New Master of the Mansion - The Lancemore Group acquires the 'Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park'

A group of private investors, in conjunction with The Lancemore Group, have recently taken over management of The Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park (previously Sofitel).

The Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park cements The Lancemore Group's leadership position at the forefront of Regional Victorian hotels and is the newest addition to its portfolio of properties, which currently includes Lindenderry at Red Hill, Lindenwarrah at Milawa and Lancemore Hill at Macedon Ranges.

Chief Executive Officer of The Lancemore Group, Julian Clark is excited about the acquisition and commented that The Mansion Hotel & Spa is an iconic property that has an outstanding reputation in the marketplace, which has been established over the past 10 years.

"The Lancemore Group's track record in delivering for both owners and customers across various economic cycles for over 25 years was the key reason that the investors had the confidence to purchase The Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park. Given our scalable structure, knowledge of this unique sector and experience in adding properties to our portfolio, we anticipate that integration of this hotel into the group will be relatively seamless," says Mr Clark.

Located just 30 minutes drive west from Melbourne in the heart of Werribee Park, The Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park offers 91 deluxe guestrooms in an elegant, historic setting. A complete destination, the hotel features an indulgent day spa, indoor pool and tennis courts, Joseph's Restaurant & Bar, cosy library, snooker room and a range of luxurious conference, event and wedding facilities. Guests have a range of leisure options to choose from including an 18-hole golf course, the National Equestrian Centre, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Shadowfax Winery and tours of the lavishly restored historical Mansion.

New Hotel Opening for IHG - Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Adelaide's newest hotel Crowne Plaza Adelaide has the ideal event space. Located on the top floor, this versatile space features a large pre-function area with bar, balcony and floor to ceiling windows offering picturesque views of the Adelaide hills. With 308 accommodation rooms available and conference facilities for 250 banquet style, Crowne Plaza Adelaide truly is The Place to Meet.

New Peppers Retreat Offers Privacy and Prestige

Peppers have expanded its collection of retreats, resorts and hotels in Queensland with the launch of its first retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland - Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa.

Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa is a perfect addition to the Peppers collection of well-appointed retreats offering a hedonistic setting for intimate board meetings and incentive travel for up to 20 guests twin share.

Located just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast Airport, Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa offers spacious conference facilities and expansive verandahs and courtyards perfect for break-out sessions and morning/afternoon teas.

The architecturally stunning retreat is perched high on a ridge in the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland and offers the height of style and comfort with eight beautifully appointed villas and one exclusive one or two bedroom executive suite.

Like all Peppers retreats, Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa is dedicated to providing a personalised and unique experience which flows through to their dining facilities, where sumptuous cuisine, is coupled with great service and a well-stocked wine cellar.

First class facilities include a day spa, an infinity edge swimming pool, heated therapeutic spa, 85 metre par three golf practice area, walking tracks for the more adventurous plus a lounge, bar and dining area.

MGallery Takes Meetings to 'Grand' Heights

Accor's newest brand is called MGallery, a collection of distinctive, high-quality upscale hotels that have an exceptional personality through one or more of four principal elements: Vision, Design, History and Location. In Australia, there are two MGallery hotels: the first is the historic Grand Hotel in Melbourne's Spencer Street, which offers meeting facilities in the 'grand' style, ideal for think-tank sessions, boardroom meetings, and intimate receptions. The second MGallery - Cradle Mountain Lodge - is equally renowned, and takes incentives and small conferences to new heights, both literally and figuratively. Nestled discreetly into the natural Tasmanian wilderness on the edge of World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St. Clair National Park, Cradle Mountain Lodge offers an inspirational venue for conferences, meetings, executive retreats or incentives.

The Hunter Valley's Newest Luxury Spa and Golf Resort - Officially Open

Château Élan at the Vintage Hunter Valley Château Élan is a $40 million development comprising five stylish conference rooms, an 18 treatment room destination spa, lavish gourmet dining, and accommodation for up to 200 guests overlooking the Greg Norman designed golf course.

Château Élan is the first place in Australia, and one of only a handful around the world, where people can experience the full range of Terraké treatments supplemented by products from prestige group, Thalgo.

Crown Metropol - Now Open!

Nu luxury has arrived early!

Fresh vibrant, unmistakenably modern, Crown Metropol has arrived and has opened ahead of schedule.

Designed by a team of internationally renowned architects each of the 658 rooms, inclusive of 33 suites will exude a new luxury.

Australis Retreat at Wisemans - New Name...Same Retreat

Eager for more people to experience the unique and very special offerings of Wisemans Ferry and its surrounds, in early 2009 owner Barry Topple began searching for a national brand that would bring the area to a wider audience.

After much deliberation and very careful consideration the Constellation Hotel Group's "Australis" brand felt like home!

The team at Wisemans is very excited to be joining such a well respected hotel group and looking forward to welcoming both new and old friends to experience the Australis Retreat at Wisemans.

The New UNSW Conference and Residential Centre in Sydney - Now Open

Head to the beach for your next event ... the newly renovated UNSW Conference and Residential Centre is a superb teaching, conference and executive education centre, designed to inspire you to learn and interact in a vibrant and modern environment.

The UNSW Conference and Residential Centre in the AGSM Building, is located at one of Australia's leading teaching and research universities, the University of New South Wales and features Harvard, tiered and flat-floor theatres, syndicate and exhibition space, a business centre, entertaining areas and a large landscaped courtyard. The Residential wing includes 43 single executive-style hotel rooms, dining facilities and common areas, perfect for after hours networking.

Mercure Sydney Liverpool - Now Open

This hotel is located in Hoxton Park, near to the rapidly expanding western Sydney region of Liverpool. This 104 room hotel features 4 restaurants and 8 bars and a fully equipped gymnasium. Adjoining the Liverpool Catholic Club, this hotel has extensive conference facilities for up to 1000 delegates. Additional features include an ice skating rink and sports fields.

Citigate Mount Panorama Bathurst - Now Open

Located approximately 3 hours drive North West of Sydney International Airport and with an unparalleled position on the famous Mount Panorama racetrack and uninterrupted views of Conrod Straight, the Citigate Mount Panorama Bathurst Hotel offers the complete Bathurst experience.

Constellation Hotels - Launches Chifley Alice Springs Resort

This will mark the arrival of the prestigious brand's first hotel in the heart of Australia.

Formerly managed by Voyages Hotels and Resorts, the new Chifley Alice Springs Resort is situated on the banks of the famous Todd River and is 5 minutes walk from the town centre. The resort includes 139 rooms that cater for couples, families, and group travellers, and also features a restaurant, bar and lounge, extensive landscaped grounds and swimming pool.

Emirates' Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa - Now Open

The much-anticipated Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia's first luxury conservation-based resort and Emirates Hotels & Resorts' first development outside Dubai, has welcomed its first guests.

The A$125 million project, built on the same principles as Emirates' acclaimed Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, combines the expectations of the high-end traveller with a commitment to broader social, ecological and environmental sustainability.

Located between two of Australia's most prominent national parks and bordering the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa features 40 individual secluded suites, and is fully integrated into its environment, supporting wide-ranging conservation practices. The resort occupies only two per cent of its 4,000 acre land, while the remaining area is dedicated as a wildlife reserve.


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