WORK LIFE: The Best Australian Business Hotels that aren’t Business Hotels at all
Originally published on Design Travel written by Stephanie Williams
In the past, business hotels were kind of bland. Muted colours, a small desk for writing very important memos (that could be sent via fax in the business centre), and a room service menu with the requisite club sandwich and burger. How times have changed. Business travellers no longer want their hotel to be an extension of the office, they want it to feel like they've come home, or perhaps like they're on holiday, exploring a new city or neighbourhood. Many large companies still have a set list of approved hotels, but we're seeing more and more hotels aiming to blur the lines between business and leisure travel. Here are our Australian faves, including an extra special offer in there just for Design Travel readers. Where is your favourite business hotel?
QT Bondi, Sydney
If Sydney is calling your name, then QT Bondi is a great place to lay your head. As a hood, Bondi offers relatively easy links to the city (take bus 333 to the sea, sea, sea, as the locals say) or a 20 minute Uber ride, you can do your business then relax in the evening with a run along the beach, followed by dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants (we love A Tavola or Sean’s Panaroma) and kick on at the bar (sundowners at Icebergs is a must, late nights at Neighbourhood or back to Icebergs). Take a dip in the ocean, breakfast at Lox, Stock and Barrel, then get on your way to the office.
Hotel Kurrajong, Canberra
If you’re in Canberra for work, there’s a fair chance you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the politicos who call this delightful place home. With history and style in equal measure, Hotel Kurrajong is perfectly placed near all the big government departments and city centre. The hotel was designed by the Commonwealth Chief Architect, John Smith Murdoch, who is also famous for designing Old Parliament House and opened in 1926. Prime Minister Benjamin Chifley was a long term resident, and sadly he even passed away here (I’ve stayed in that exact room, eek). The hotel underwent a beautiful restoration under the watchful eye of SJB Architects, featuring classic carpets and fabrics by Catherine Martin reviving the hotel as a modern take on 1920’s glamour. Head to Italian & Sons for classic Italian fare (Braddon is full of great eateries), then breakfast at Urban Pantry in Manuka.
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: The lovely team at Hotel Kurrajong have offered Design Travel readers 15% off their fabulous full flexible rate. Subject to availability and blackout dates, valid on bookings until 31st July, 2017 BOOK NOW
Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart
As a Hobart classic, the Henry Jones Art Hotel takes up residence at the far end of Hobart’s waterfront, a short walk from the central business district. Retire from a busy day of meetings with a locally brewed beer at Hobart Brewing Co, just behind the hotel, then make your way to Franklin to see what a top chef can do with incredible Tassie produce. Try Born in Brunswick for a taste of Melbourne in Hobart, or walk toward Salamanca for delicious pastries and coffee at Daci & Daci.
Ovolo Laneways, Melbourne
At the top of Little Bourke Street, lies Ovolo Laneways - it’s CBD laneway location makes you live and breathe exactly what Melbourne is about. Walk to work then spend after hours exploring the bars and restaurants nearby. But you might not want to leave the hotel - they have a complimentary happy hour for guests to mix and mingle - and even better the in-room mini bar is complimentary, win. Take clients to nearby Siglo Bar for a sundowner, then wander down Flinders Lane to find the eatery that suits you - Chin Chin, Supernormal, Cumulus Inc, Coda, you’re spoilt for choice. Coffee at The European to get your day started right.
