IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first new-build voco property in Australia, voco Melbourne Central.
For planners, eight light-filled event spaces seat up to 90 people for intimate settings. Located across three floors and spanning 493m2 is a choice of pool terrace, boardroom, medium event spaces and a flexible three-in-one space with breakout rooms – all with natural daylight and city views.
There are 252 rooms in total, all of which are equipped with free Wi-Fi and Smart TVs.
Sustainability is also practised here. Starting with the guestrooms, voco’s bedding is made from 100 per cent recycled materials, while the linen produced in line with the Better Cotton Initiative supports sustainable cotton harvesting. To date, the initiative has equated to over half a million bottles that have been recycled to make voco bedding across the hotels.
Other sustainable elements throughout the property includes a herb garden on the seventh-floor terrace, locally sourced ingredients on the menu, pottery and porcelain from local makers, a lighting system that responds to the natural cycle of light, and biodegradable straws.
Facilities on-site include a rooftop plunge pool and 24/7 gym, alongside two F&B options.
In a nod to voco Melbourne Central’s location as the home of the Cobb & Co stables, which originated during Victoria’s gold rush period in the 1800s, the restaurant has been named Blacksmith Brasserie & Bar. The restaurant’s open-plan kitchen serves up lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and breakfast daily.
Meanwhile, Blacksmith Brasserie overlooks an outdoor terrace, with seven-metre-high ceilings accentuated by 180-degree vistas of the sky and city rooftops, a mix of casual and informal seating, and outdoor dining space.
Led by South Korean executive chef Ian Lee, Blacksmith Brasserie features classic dishes such as beef brisket tacos, barramundi parcel and a mizuna yuzu salad with crispy cheese chips.
Marriott International has opened the AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam, marking the brand’s debut in South Korea.
The hotel offers 218m2 of flexible function space, accommodating up to 130 people. Fully equipped with advanced audio-visual capabilities, video meetings and live streaming services, and a large LED media wall, the space is also lit by natural sunlight.
Meanwhile, the rooftop terrace offers an outdoor alternative for intimate gatherings and cocktail sessions.
Business travellers and event attendees can stay in one of the 274 guestrooms, while VIP guests can be put up at one of the four Premier Pool Rooms or Premier Pool Suite. These rooms feature private swimming pools and sunbeds on their terraces, with premium amenities such as Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso coffee machines, air purifiers and Korres toiletries.
F&B options include Spanish-inspired AC Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant that serves daily buffets with local and international favourites; rooftop bar Kloud for crafted cocktails overlooking the city; and the signature AC Lounge for coffee and tea.
Other amenities include a gym and sauna, as well as an indoor playground and educational programmes for business travellers with their young ones in tow.