How apartment hotels became cool
Beige walls, white sheets, cream carpet: all the territory of your typical apartment hotel. But something has been stirring over the last few years.
From bright colours to designer furniture, apartment hotels are starting to compete in the cutting-edge realm hotels typically occupy.
The first question is to ask just why apartment hotels have a reputation of being underwhelming. It seems to boil down to the clientele – mainly business, family and long-term stay.
These groups need a space they can personalise and that is motivated by comfort and ergonomics. “We have no intention for it to look like a hotel,” Ascott Limited vice president head of interior design Kian Liew said.
Despite this, the group has recently opened the Citadines Suites Louvre that is an aesthetic match for classic and opulent Parisian hotels.
And then there’s Citadines St Georges Terrace Perth which uses a neon yellow palette for a futuristic flourish.
It seems the difference between designer hotels and this new up-and-coming breed of apartment hotels lies in the small details that make it more residential than recreational.
For instance, hotel rooms will have upright chairs while apartments allow for further recline so their clients can relax for longer periods. Lighting is another consideration, with apartments hiring consultants to consider the relaxation factor of the room.
“Serviced apartments are an opportunity for people who decide on a longer stay to personalise their own space. We have a canvas that you can build on, but even if you decide not to add anything it doesn’t feel basic,” Liew said.
The Ascott Group reports a move away from the cookie cutter approach to apartment hotels. While the one size fits all mentality brings a property to market faster, it’s better to take time.
“From property to property we do have a flavour or accent design element that is synonymous to the city or location,” Liew said.
But there’s a distinction that the accommodation group makes to avoid anything too excessive.
“If it’s too cutting edge I would appreciate it for two to three days, but for three to six months it can be too in your face. Design is not just aesthetic – it is what makes a home – so we have to work out how we create the space to use as a home,” Liew said.
At the Citadines Suites Louvre and Citadines Perth there is a graphic wall behind the bed and on the cushions that is based on the city’s skyline.
“The idea is as soon as you walk in, whether it’s Paris or Perth, there’s something about it that’s not the same but gives you a sense that you’re in a Citadines property,” Liew said.
The latest apartment hotel on the Sydney scene has also taken cues from its location – the fun-loving and show-stopping Adina Bondi Beach. Ann Ronay spearheaded the interior design with the intention of translating the Bondi promenade to the rooms and common areas of the Adina Apartment Hotel.
“It was about creating a hotel that gave the guest an opportunity to get into the Bondi way of life, a place to kick back and relax whether they’re here for work or for the weekend,” Ronay said.
She describes the design as understated, elegant, luxurious and relaxed with a contemporary Australian feel. “I love working with colours and textures that are tactile and organic and establish a sense of authenticity and richness,” Ronay said.
The overall impression is modular 1960s beach house chic, with colour injections from patterned cushions and wall images by local specialist beach and underwater photographers Frothers. Retro styles and art deco architecture from the neighbourhood were referenced for inspiration.
The trendiness however does not start and stop at the hotel reception. It is part of a retail development that includes Gelato Messina, a cult product for Sydney sweet tooths.
Punthill Brisbane has taken its cues from Melbourne’s creative scene. The wallpaper is derived from the quirky cartoon bird art of Saul Steinberg, famed for The New Yorker design.
Punthill owner Robin Caras was heavily involved in the design of the property.
“I am constantly looking for inspiration, from New York city streets to art galleries in London, a piece of myself and my travels is in this property,” Caras said.
The balconies feature coloured bird cages made by disadvantaged South Africans while the lobby has a bright orange palette, vintage furniture and chalkboard walls.
“Our guests often comment that the property is 'so Melbourne’ and I couldn’t agree more, we want our guests to be wowed and to give them the most unique experience possible,” Caras said.
The Sebel Docklands is also inspired by Melbourne, designed to go beyond the beige apartment line. “We wanted to offer more than other new build apartments on the market, to create something luxurious,” McBride Charles Ryan architect Debbie Ryan said.
The brief was to integrate public and private space with curvilinear forms in the waterfront quarter. “Unusual form always captures people’s imagination – we used a complex interlocking plan, it is more like a jigsaw puzzle that fits neatly together,” Ryan said.
Art takes centre-stage with an atrium installation by artist Nike Savvas. Glass spheres hang from the atrium roof and the marine colour theme takes its cues from pearl and coral.
“The result is colourful, lively and activated, providing delight to the pedestrian realm,” Ryan said.
There are 136 apartments in the new-build, from studios to one and two bedroom apartments. Sandy Reay wanted to create the vibrancy of Melbourne with the feel of an inner city New York apartment in the interior design. The design avoids hard and sharp edges and fixates on wavy curved flourishes instead.
Apartment hotels are increasingly surpassing expectations, and results such as the Oaks on William apartment hotel in Melbourne pulling rank in the top ten of TripAdvisor’s best Australian hotels are proof.
Oaks is also developing Oaks Pinnacle in Melbourne which has quirky design elements tailored to the arts city.
Now that design is taking centre-stage, it seems the industry’s daggy image will be long-forgotten as the more modern properties retain their traditional markets and grab for the new.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
apartments ascott designer group punthillLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.