We’re all busy little bees and it’s only Monday!

Save yourself some time by wrapping up your essential hotel news with us, then head over to read our vital story on The Bachelor and his many dates.

Kickstart the week right, and get in the know, now.

Make like Bond and live in style

The luxury 5-star hotel, Palazzo Versace in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, welcomed the arrival of two bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom motor cars conceived to enrich its guests’ experience and made exclusively for the world’s first fully fashion-branded hotel.

Global ultra-high net worth travelers who strive for the definitive experience in luxury hospitality will be enthralled by the plush sanctuary and sumptuous comfort embodied in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, specially designed to reflect the opulent surrounds of the Palazzo Versace Hotel.  In creating the motor cars, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Team worked hand in hand with Palazzo Versace Gold Coast to personalise “The Best Cars in the World” for this destination of the rich and famous.

Adding the final touch in creating the ultimate luxurious interior ambiance is the stunning Starlight Headliner – 1,340 fibre optic lamps hand-woven into the Moccasin leather roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

TFE deals of the week

Stay at Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough in a Guest Family Room or Deluxe Ocean View Family Room and you’ll receive a family pass to the show (2 adults and 2 children) and a hotel breakfast to give you plenty of energy for the day ahead, or for couples, book in a Guest Room or Deluxe Ocean View Room to receive two tickets to the show and a hearty morning feast.

Book by October 2 and stay between September 26 and October 3 2015, and you’ll also score tickets to the IGA Perth Royal Show, with 400 entertainers, 300 performances and nearly 100 hours of entertainment every day, there’s something for everyone this spring.

Visit TFEhotels.com for further details and available dates.

Hooray for Accor!

Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO AccorHotels Asia Pacific has been awarded the Ordre National du Mérite from the French government, one of the highest civilian orders possible, for his tireless work in forging links between France and the world. This award goes to only a handful of non-French-citizens each year and is nominated by the President for those who best exemplify the Gallic spirit.

The award came just days after he was selected as Asia Pacific Hotelier of the Year at the HM Awards.

The award was presented at the Pullman Sydney Quay Grand hotel in partnership with Atout France, the French tourism development agency.

In the picture: His Excellency Christophe Lecourtier, French Ambassador to Australia with Michael Issenberg Chairman and CEO AccorHotels Asia Pacific.

Mercure Newcastle Airport takes off

The Hunter region’s latest conference venue, the brand new Mercure Newcastle Airport, and the unveiling of the new-look terminal at Newcastle Airport have been welcomed as huge boons for the local meetings market.

The $15 million Mercure Newcastle Airport hotel opened on August 1, with special delegate packages just released, while the $14.5 million expansion and redevelopment of Newcastle Airport’s terminal was officially opened on August 28.

The Accor-owned, carbon-neutral hotel, located in Newcastle Airport’s thriving business precinct 27km from Newcastle and 32km from the heart of Port Stephens, offers 95 sound-proofed rooms, restaurant and bar, airport shuttles, multiple meeting venues catering up to 120 delegates, hi-tech audio-visual equipment and an on-site technician.

Outdoor team activities such a quad biking on Australia’s biggest sand dunes, fishing charters, golf, camel rides on the beach and dolphin cruises are between five and 25 minutes away in the Port Stephens region.

Win an Apple Watch!

Red Planet Hotels has announced the launch of a significant content upgrade to its app and guest reward options. The upgrade across its technology platform coincides with the unveiling of its new affiliate programme “Referred”, which offers substantial cash commissions for members.

Red Planet Asakusa, Tokyo – one of the 25 hotels in Red Planet’s Asian network giving away Apple Watches to celebrate the upgrade of the company’s app and launch of its Referred affiliate programme.

To celebrate these technology-related launches, Red Planet is giving away Apple Watches to lucky guests who book through its innovative app and stay in any of its 25 hotels between now and September 30, 2015.

Dusit continues Oman expansion

In keeping with its expansion strategy to launch in exciting world destinations, Dusit International announces its latest project in the Sultanate of Oman.

Executives from the Bangkok-based hospitality group Dusit International, led by Managing Director and CEO Mr. Chanin Donavanik, joined executives from the Al Jarwani Group to ink a management agreement on a new dusitD2 hotel in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

The dusitD2 Palm Mall Muscat, scheduled for completion in 2017, will be located within the mixed-use Palm Mall development that will offer unique attractions including Oman’s first snow village and the Sultanate’s largest aquarium. The upscale hotel will offer approximately 150 guest rooms and 100 suites with an enticing culinary offering.

Select rooms will offer stunning views of the mall’s aquarium and snow village. Leisure facilities will include a gym, spa and pool, while meeting rooms and a ballroom will cater for business guests and special events.

Quest kicks off Port Adelaide hotel

Port Adelaide is set to receive its largest major development commitment in 45 years with construction beginning today on part one of the project; the $25 million development of the new Quest Apartment Hotel.

Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Jay Weatherill was on site to perform the official turning of the sod ceremony alongside developer Hans Ehmann, Smith Group and General Manager Brand for Quest Apartment Hotels, Tony Gauci.

Quest Port Adelaide will feature 103 apartments over five levels, comprising studio, one, two and three bedroom configurations. The development also includes on site parking, a conference room and gym. The Quest property will be located at 106 Nelson St in Port Adelaide and is expected to open in September 2016.

The ideal New Years’ hotel escape

In the heart of it all, Le Parker Meridien New York lives on West 56th Street. With a pedestrian entrance on West 57th Street between Avenue of the Americas and Seventh Avenue. Just steps away from Central Park, MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Broadway theaters and Fifth Avenue’s famous shops.

And they’re giving guests amazing deals on a minimum three-night stay over the New Year period.