Melbourne Airport Set to Build Dual-branded Hotel

Melbourne Airport is teaming up with AccorHotels to build a dual-branded, 464-room hotel in its new property precinct, The Hive.

The mixed-use hotel will operate under the Novotel and Ibis Styles’ brands and will be located just steps away from Terminal 4. Guests will enjoy access to a wellness centre, conference rooms, pool, gym and rooftop garden, cafe, bar and combined restaurant facilities.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Property, Linc Horton, said the hotel expansion will support the airport’s growth in aviation.

“Demand for air travel in and out of Melbourne is at an all-time high – and it’s going to continue to grow strongly so we are thrilled to welcome AccorHotels to Melbourne Airport, which will help support our forecast passenger figures of almost 70 million travellers by 2038,” said Mr Horton.

“Currently our on-airport hotels are operating at significant capacity year round so it is crucial we expand our hotel amenity. 

“This hotel will be a great addition to Melbourne Airport. Not only will the property give travellers more choice in accommodation style, it will offer two price points within the mid-market sector – reflecting the 3-star Ibis Styles and 4-star Novotel options.”

Mr Horton said Melbourne Airport worked closely with renowned architectural firm Fender Katsilidis and interior designer Woods Bagot, to create a hotel that looks and feels like Melbourne.

“From the food and beverage menu right through to the aesthetics we have captured the essence of Melbourne, and we’re very proud of that,” said Mr Horton.

Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Pacific said, “We are excited to be working with Melbourne Airport on this development and thrilled to be embarking on another dual branded hotel complex and attracting more visitors to Melbourne.”

Fender Katsilidis Director, James Pearce, said the hotel aims to be much more than a great hotel for travellers.

“The hotel is going to act like a village centre and a gathering place to support the airport community in addition to travellers,” said Mr Pearce.

“The 10-storey hotel features wings that not only catch the eye but also provide product efficiency. The façade also has sunshades that create an interesting abstract landscape in pop-art colours.

“Another great element is the sculptured pool, café and bar pavilion derived from an aerofoil, which has been sliced to reveal the pool and gym activities within.

“The exterior looks fresh and crisp on the skyline designed to catch the eye.”

Woods Bagot lead interior designer, Sarah Alessi, said the interior design is based on creating a sense of connection.

“Travellers want a genuine sense of connection within a local context so we embarked on a design that would reflect elements of Melbourne and regional Victoria,” said Ms Alessi.

“Guests will find that the Ibis Styles' hotel represents the urban grain of Melbourne through a personalised, modular and playful aesthetic, while the Novotel will take on a regional Victorian feel that has a sense of space and openness with a natural palette that creates the idea of a sanctuary.”

Construction is set to commence in the second half of 2018.

Public consultation is currently underway on the preliminary major development plan for the proposed new hotel development.

For further information: Melbourne Airport media: +61 3 9335 3666