French multinational hotel group AccorHotels is claiming an Australian first with its upcoming integrated vertical dual hotel build in Melbourne’s CBD, due to be complete sometime in late 2018.
To be built in conjunction with Singapore-based Well Smart Group and spanning 36 levels and 483 rooms, the dual hotel project – Novotel and ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street – is the first development where two brands will eventually share public spaces including reception lobby, food and beverage, and leisure facilities across the one tower.
The ibis Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will comprise the lower tier of the tower and encompass 270 premium economy guest rooms. Novotel Melbourne Little Lonsdale Street will open above the shared public spaces in the middle of the development with 213 4-star guest rooms and suites.
“This is a significant, first of its kind development for Melbourne and AccorHotels,” says AccorHotels Pacific CEO Simon McGrath.
“While dual-branded hotels are not new and we have many examples of those, it’s certainly a global first for us to open two hotels that are scaled in a vertical integration.”
“The hotels will be able to share back-of-house facilities from kitchen to engineering, common areas and even staff in housekeeping and finance resulting in greater efficiencies, but importantly, each property will maintain its brand integrity, standards and product experience," he says.
