By JAMES WILKINSON IN CANBERRA
Australia’s capital, Canberra, has added another designer hotel to the city’s growing collection, with the opening late last week (Aug 17) of the hip East Hotel in Manuka.
Developed, owned and operated by Bisa Hotels, the property is located a stone’s throw from Maunka Oval and features 140 rooms in a range of configurations from studios to apartment-style suites.
“We are bringing something fresh to the Canberra market at East Hotel, with great, memorable service and an atmosphere that ensures our visitors and guests feel comfortable, relaxed and inspired,” said East Hotel’s owner and Bisa Hotels director, Dan Bisa.
“We are passionate about creating a happy, happening precinct that showcases the personality representing a side to Canberra that many may not have experienced.”
The property features a modern restaurant, bar and delicatessen off the lobby, Ox Eatery, a business that’s set to raise the bustling suburb’s drinking and dining stakes.
Rooms feature kitchenettes and some have been configured with families in mind. Some two-bedroom suites have a ‘kid’s cubby’, which is highlighted by bunk beds and X-Box Kinect game consoles.
Rodney Moss from Cox Architects was responsible for the property’s striking interior design.
“I believe in Canberra having more of a ‘city’ feel, so we have created what we hope will become a hub for travelers to Canberra as well as locals”, he said. “We designed a real building – city-style, built boundary to boundary.
“The public areas on the ground floor have a generous sense of intimacy and sophistication. The aim was for excellence, formal in its composition but carefully articulated and detailed.
“Polished pre-cast concrete and metal pans provide distinction to the exterior facades while very refined glazing and recycled timber add character, warmth and intimacy to the interiors.“
East Hotel General Manager Todd Handy said exemplary service would be the “cornerstone” of the guest experience.
“We want to come back to personal service. Once guests come through our doors we want people to connect with people,” he said. “Our staff are passionate locals who can not only escort you to your room but also advise you on places to go and how to get the most out of your stay.”
More properties could be on the way soon, with Bisa confirming East Hotel was “the first of many future projects for the hotel group”.