Hotel news: Novotel Devonport opens in northern Tasmania, W Sydney to open in late 2023

October 11, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier

The opening of Novotel Devonport on the northern coastline of Tasmania will boost the city’s meetings credentials, with the destination already home to a sizeable convention centre. And, after several delays and a collapsed building contractor, W Sydney officially has an opening month.

Business events boost in northern Tasmania

The 187-room Novotel Devonport opened this week overlooking the Mersey River in Devonport, with direct access to the city’s paranaple convention centre, which can host up to 800 delegates in theatre or dinners for up to 450.

The new Novotel property also features a northern Tasmanian outpost of Southeast Asian restaurant, Mr Good Guy, an offshoot of the original Hobart restaurant.

“It is an exciting time for Devonport; the city is on the verge of a tourism boom, with several major infrastructure works underway to revitalise the city,” said Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry.

“Novotel Devonport represents one of the most significant tourism investments in the region in years in the bustling coastal city of Devonport.

“Regional Tasmania holds great appeal for visitors and the presence of Novotel Devonport will contribute to the region’s ability to attract conferences and events.

“Novotel Devonport is a celebration of innovative interior design, thoughtful detail and will provide a great culinary experience, caring for guests and the local community.”

A deluxe King room at the just-opened Novotel Devonport

W Sydney to open in Q4 2023

In Sydney, Marriott International has confirmed the long-awaited W Sydney will open in October 2023.

Originally slated to open in 2020, between the disruption of the pandemic and the collapse of building contractor Probuild, the largest W Hotel in the world has suffered delays not of its own making.

Located waterfront in Darling Harbour, W Sydney will have 585 rooms and suites and a dedicated events floor with over 1,000m² of meeting space. The largest space, The Great Room, will be 592m² and have floor to ceiling windows overlooking the water.

“We are incredibly excited to confirm our opening date for W Sydney in October 2023,” said W Sydney’s general manager Craig Seaward.

“There have been delays, but trust me, it will be worth the wait.

“It’s a luxury hotel with a new perspective, one that not only connects deeply with its host city and its urban setting but is also imbued with a sense of freedom and possibility. To cross the threshold of W Sydney will be to enter an exciting new world of creativity, design, culture and connection.

“We simply can’t wait to welcome our guests.”