Exterior W Brisbane Rendering

Australia’s leading industry associations have warmly welcomed the return of W Hotels.

Scheduled to open in early 2018 as part of a mixed-use development, W Brisbane, developed by Shayher Leisure Holdings Pty Ltd, will bring a new interpretation of modern luxury to George Street at the western end of the central business district, overlooking the Brisbane River.

Starwood’s latest signing marks the re-entry of the W brand to Australia, bringing its passion for cutting-edge design, fashion and music to a new generation of travellers.

Since its first introduction in 1998, W Hotels has transformed into a global powerhouse with more than 44 hotels and retreats in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world.

“This venture emphasises the current and projected growth of the Australian accommodation sector,” said Accommodation Association Chief Executive Officer, Richard Munro. “Offshore investors recognise this and have a genuine appetite to invest here, with overseas investments in new hotel stock at its highest in 10 years.

“Investment in quality Australian bricks and mortar accommodation infrastructure is fantastic for the accommodation sector, and in turn, Australia’s economy.

“Australia’s unique, high quality accommodation development potential is accentuated by this capital injection from two offshore companies and industry sentiment is strong in accommodation investment.

“The other drawcard for this kind of overseas investment is the prospect of major events being held in the area. The W hotel will be ready for the Commonwealth Games in 2018, which is set to be a highlight on Queensland’s tourism calendar. Major events such as this are the ideal complement to the accommodation sector; they are mutually reinforcing.

“The Association is delighted to see this most recent collaboration and is confident that this recent flurry of overseas investment for quality hotels on our shores will continue.

“We also congratulate Starwood on its recent boom of developments and are eager to continue to see its success in the Australian market and further presence of its W hotel brand here in Australia,” Munro said.

Exterior W Brisbane Entrance

Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Acting Chief Executive Officer Trent Zimmerman said the announcement is great news for Brisbane.

“This project is a vote of confidence in Brisbane’s growing reputation as a destination for business and leisure travellers alike and a vote of confidence in Queensland’s tourism industry,” Zimmerman said.

“With more than 300 rooms, the W Hotel will add significantly to Brisbane’s stock of five-star hotel rooms and deliver a new level of luxury and world-class experience for visitors.

“The hotel’s location in the CBD overlooking the Brisbane River is ideal for visitors wanting to explore the city and also delivers terrific access to Brisbane’s cultural precinct, including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art.

“The W Hotel will also be ideally located for business events visitors, just a short walk across the river from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“In addition, the hotel will itself boost Brisbane’s capacity to host business events, with more than 960 square metres of meetings and events space within the hotel, and a range of dining and entertainment options across three restaurants and bars.

“This investment will help Queensland in its aim of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020 and will provide hundreds of jobs both during construction and once the hotel is operational.

“Congratulations to Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Shayher Leisure Holdings on today’s announcement and we look forward to the hotel’s opening in 2018,” he said.

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management