Manly Pacific shortlisted for international architecture and design award
Accor’s MGallery hotel Manly Pacific, on the oceanfront on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, has been named as one of the 16 most beautiful hotels in the world by the Prix Versailles, which recognises the “world’s most beautiful” achievements across various manmade structures from universities to train stations, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.
The shortlist for each category is selected from new or renovated infrastructure around the world.
Manly Pacific was the only hotel to be shortlisted from Australia or New Zealand for 2024. The hotel completed a $30 million revamp in early 2023.
“We are proud to be recognised on the global stage for creating a space that not only delights our guests, but also contributes meaningfully to the community and the environment,” said Manly Pacific’s general manager, Dylan Cole.
The Hanok Heritage House in Korea won the Prix Versailles in the hotel category.
Melbourne Place Hotel sold
An investment firm concentrated on the hotel market in Australia, New Zealand and across the broader Asia Pacific, Ark Capital Partners, has completed the transaction to acquire the 191-room Melbourne Place Hotel, located at the Parliament end of Melbourne’s city grid, for a private investor.
The hotel boasts four event spaces, with capacity to host between 12 and 300 in a single space.
Ark Capital Partners is now establishing a hotel investment fund with family office business Lead Global, to facilitate further investment in the local and regional hotel landscape.
“The completion of this deal represents the beginning of an exciting partnership between Ark Capital Partners and Lead Global, which will allow us to further capitalise on opportunities in the hospitality sector,” said Ark Capital’s co-founder and CEO, Rahul Parrab.
“We are thrilled to acquire such a prime asset and are confident that this is just the start of many successful transactions to come.”
The independent hotel soft opened in late 2024 and features a basement bar and two restaurants – a ground floor signature and a rooftop offering.
Crowne Plaza debuts at Sydney Airport
The 252-room Holiday Inn Sydney Airport has become the Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport.
Along with a new brand and new management in the form of Trilogy Hotels, the hotel is undergoing refurbishment, with $6 million already invested in the lobby area and further spending to come.
The hotel’s restaurants and bars are undergoing significant work while guest rooms and the six conferences spaces will also be updated.
