HOTEL NEWS
THE LATEST BOUTIQUE AND LUXURY HOTELS
INTERNATIONAL
The world’s first “super boutique” hotel has opened in London’s West End. The Londoner is a 16-storey hotel that merges lifestyle spaces, six bars and restaurants and a sweeping wellness floor with 350 luxe rooms. The $1 billion development generates its own electricity onsite and subtly incorporates sustainability elements all throughout its design. Guests have exclusive access to three lounges with board games, Assouline books, all-day antipasti and coffee, while the restaurants all reflect the wider city’s dining scene, ranging from an intimate Champagne bar, through to a modern take on a classic British pub.
AUSTRALIA
Melbourne has welcomed the first new-build Marriott Hotel in Australia in more than 20 years, with Melbourne Marriott Docklands opening late last year. The five-star hotel includes a sprawling rooftop infinity pool and neighbouring pool bar, which sit above 189 guest rooms. Embracing Melbourne’s love for food, the hotel also includes Archer’s restaurant, an elegant lobby bar and a laneway café.
In NSW, Kyah Boutique Hotel is bringing a slice of playful Palm Springinspired design to the Blue Mountains. The former 1970s motel has been spruced up with help from Sydney-based design firm MKD Architects and art deco-inspired furnishings. The new Blaq restaurant and bar uses hyper-local produce (mostly sourced from within an 80-kilometre radius of Blackheath and the hotel’s own vegetable garden) and is headed up by executive chef Mate Herceg, who has joined after running the kitchen at the Hydro Majestic Hotel.
Meanwhile, Kimpton Margot Sydney blends 1930s art deco heritage with lush modern amenities, opening on Sydney’s Pitt Street. Located within the former Sydney Water Board building, the 172-room hotel plays host to a social hour (complete with complimentary drinks for guests from 5-6pm), a rooftop pool and Luke’s Kitchen, by veteran chef Luke Mangan.