Sydney and Melbourne, two of Australia’s busiest and well-loved cities by tourists and locals alike, receive a lot of visitors every year. In fact, between the two cities almost 7 million international visitors were tracked over the last year. So, it makes sense that there would be considerable growth within the hotel sector to accommodate them.
Not only are there loads of new hotels scheduled for Melbourne, but existing buildings are looking to expand to accommodate the demand. There have been roughly 5,646 new hotel rooms announced since the beginning of last year with that number set to grow significantly.
Over in Sydney, an expected 4,600 rooms will be added to the hotel market by the end of 2022, a figure that excludes new developments. While this seems like booking a hotel in these areas will be easier than ever, don’t get too comfortable with last minute plans just yet. These numbers are set to buffer the increased traffic expected for the major city areas.
West Side Place, Melbourne
One of the more impressive new developments in Melbourne is West Side Place. Spanning half a city block, this spacious apartment complex will also include a five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which is no doubt set to be a popular option for visitors thanks to its views and central location on Spencer Street.
The Ritz-Carlton will be a luxury stay of the highest quality offering world-class inner city living. Upon completion, this will be the tallest hotel in Australia, complete with a sky check-in on level 79.
The Ritz-Carlton will offer 263 hotel suites, day spa, restaurants and bars, function rooms, and a 500-seat grand ballroom. There will also be an outdoor garden terrace to bring a little greenery into the city surrounds.
The Ritz-Carlton at the Star, Sydney
Sydney isn’t at all left out as it will also receive a new Ritz-Carlton hotel. While not quite as tall as Melbourne’s version, the Sydney Ritz will tower over The Star Casino at Pyrmont. Scheduled to be ready early 2020, it will feature 220 six-star hotel rooms (that’s correct, six stars) along with 200 luxury residences within its 61 stories.
Designed by architectural firm FJMT, the $500 million places the hotel rooms above some of the greatest located apartments in Sydney. Both visitors and residents will share the Sky Lobby that looks out over the Sydney harbour and includes a restaurant.
An addition to the hotel is tentatively called the “ribbon development” will feature three pools (two of which look out over the harbour), two gymnasiums, and a spa/wellness centre.
Further developments
While the two Ritz locations look to be unrivalled as far as luxury (and height), there are some other notable additions to the hotel scene in both Sydney and Melbourne in the pipeline worth mentioning.
W Hotels Worldwide, a subset of Marriott International, will be bringing W Sydney to the harbour. Also aiming for a 2020 release, the chain is known for its “Whatever/Whenever” service and striking design. The W brand is no stranger to Sydney; however, the revamped return of the brand will feature 593 rooms, suites, and serviced apartments. It includes a 24/7 pool deck looking over Darling Harbour as well as a range of restaurants and bars, a spa, gym, and large event space/ballroom.
Over in Melbourne, the nation’s first St Regis Hotel, also part of the Marriott Group will be a $1-billion-plus development including 650 residential apartments and 168 hotel rooms on the corner of Spencer and Flinders Streets.
The first of three St Regis hotels that will be coming to Australia (Sydney and the Gold Coast next on the list) the 33-level development will offer views of the Yarra River and city skyline.