There’s a wealth of delicious news in this week’s hotel wrap, and we don’t just mean the announcement of a prominent chef partnering with a Saigon hotel. Dig in!

Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen leads new culinary experience in Saigon

The Reverie Saigon is endeavouring to deepen its guests’ appreciation of the city and its culinary heritage with a fresh approach involving a celebrity chef and an entire day’s exploration of one of Asia’s burgeoning food capitals.

Beginning this month, guests of the hotel will be able to experience six- to eight-hour expeditions across the city’s culinary landscape with Luke Nguyen (featured image), one of Vietnam’s most talented chefs.

Privately guided, the tours will introduce guests to major landmarks, tucked-away street vendors, riverside lunch spots, chic restaurants and also hidden bars and sky-high lounges if that’s your scene.

The Australia-born “MasterChef Vietnam” host, cookbook author, restaurateur and television personality is partnering exclusively with The Reverie Saigon on this in-depth exploration of Ho Chi Minh City.

For more information, click here.

Hilton signs first Hilton Garden Inn property in Australia

One week after celebrating its 100th Anniversary, Hilton today announced the signing of the 108-room Hilton Garden Inn Albany, Western Australia.

Hilton Garden Inn Albany is the first Hilton Garden Inn signing in Australia joining Hilton’s existing portfolio of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton branded hotels across Australia.

Under a management agreement with Foreshore Investments Albany, Hilton will manage the new-build hotel upon completion in late 2020.

TAA welcomes tourism funding boost in Queensland budget

Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) has welcomed the record $153 million in tourism funding – $20 million more than last year – announced in Tuesday’s Queensland State Budget.

TAA National CEO Michael Johnson said the $25 million to help rejuvenate Great Barrier Reef Island resorts, the $3 million in funding for the Premier’s Outback Events Program and the $2 million set aside to support new Indigenous ecotourism experiences will have flow-on benefits for hotels across the sunshine state.

Imperium Collection extends luxury offering

Imperium Collection (owners of Eichardt’s Private Hotel) is extending its luxury offering, with the launch of three elegant and exclusive villas on Queenstown’s picturesque Lake Hayes.

Nestled on a hillside with unsurpassed panoramic views, the two three-bedroom and one four-bedroom accommodations – with the option to combine the areas to make on expansive space – feature lavish interiors and huge outdoor spaces equipped with patio fireplaces, daybeds and hot tubs.

Designed to entice affluent travellers who value opulence, privacy and convenient proximity to major Central Otago attractions, a stay begins at $5,700 per night.

Onefinestay offers agents Italian booking bonus

From now until 15th July, agents can an additional 5 per cent commission when they book a client in a Onefinestay home in Italy.

The exclusive incentive is valid on any City Collection homes in Florence, Milan and Rome for stays throughout 2019.

For more information, click here.

Red-carpet ready: PARKROYAL Darling Harbour celebrates Sydney Film Festival

For the sixth year running, Darling Harbour’s premier hotel is the Festival’s official accommodation partner – an alliance which has seen the property welcome a raft of local and international acting talent, film-makers, directors, actors and film media through its doors.

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, Sydney has also been transformed into a collaborative hub for all things cinematic, as well as a host to exclusive press interviews with Sydney Film Festival talent right across the event.

Thanks to Pan Pacific Hotels Group new winter offer, festival-goers can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast for up to two people, and family travel is made easier as kids can stay and dine for free. For those looking to make the most of their visit, enjoy late check-out until 3pm. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, click here.

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach launches summer package

Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach has released its seasonal offer – the Sweet Seminyak Summer package.

The package requires guests book a minimum of four nights in one of the suites offering views of the lush garden, pool and ocean, or at one of the pool villas complete with 24/7 bespoke Neighbourhood Patih concierge service.

Guests can also enjoy the additional benefits of complimentary return airport transfer, 60-minute Balinese massage for two, and complimentary dinner at the signature restaurant, Salon Bali.

For reservations and information, call +62 361 209 9999 or click here.

Mount Hotham streamlines resort entry experience with virtual permit solution

UbiPark has announced a new partnership with Mt Hotham to streamline its existing permit payment solution and upgrade the resort entry experience.

The upgrade, which has been launched in time for the 2019 ski season, allows Mt Hotham Resort Management Board (MHRMB) to better manage resort entry demands and gain stronger insights for better decision making and planning.

The partnership is part of a three-year contract, in which UbiPark expects to process $10 million in revenue from 75,000 transactions.

Visitors who purchase their resort entry pass online will also receive a $5 discount per day.

For more information and to pre-book your pass, click here.

Accor debuts MGallery in Hong Kong

Accor has announced The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery in Hong Kong. Situated next to Novotel Citygate in Tung Chung, The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery will be the brand’s first hotel in Hong Kong when it opens towards the end of 2019.

As the first MGallery to open in a major city within Greater China, The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery has a unique story to tell. Its name references the silver mine resources in east Lantau, as well as the shimmer of water that surrounds the verdant island.

Silver is used as a design element throughout the hotel as accents to underscore the refined luxury that the property encapsulates.

The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery is part of Citygate’s mixed-use extension complex, and is conveniently situated above Tung Chung MTR station. Hong Kong International Airport and AsiaWorld-Expo are a short five-minute drive away, while Central can be easily reached within 30 minutes by train.

Lantau Island’s best attractions, namely The Big Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, and Hong Kong Disneyland, are all within easy reach.

Pacific Hotel Brisbane capitalises on skyline views with transformation

Pacific Hotel Brisbane’s refurbishment is set to open the hotel up to skyline views of Brisbane by providing every room with a balcony view.

The unique interior design transformation happened under the creative eye of talented Australian hospitality designer, Janine Lauder of Janineous Design. Technical upgrades will allow the hotel to cater for the needs of contemporary business and leisure guests, with Smart TVs and streaming capabilities, and free high-speed wi-fi.

The Pacific Hotel Brisbane’s lobby now features plenty of relaxed seating and a co-working hub perfect for casual meetings or working remotely.

Every accommodation room and suite have direct balcony access with the majority boasting city or park views, continuing from the 10th floor function venues where the professional events team deliver conferences, meetings, private events and weddings.

For more information, click here.