SilverNeedle Hospitality is set to debut its highly-anticipated Next brand in Brisbane, following the AUD$57 million purchase of the Chifley Lennons Plaza hotel from Abacus Investment Group.
The Chifley in Brisbane has been managed by SilverNeedle Hospitality for the last 15 years, and the refurbishment will see the hotel converted from its current 150 rooms into a 300 room new-generation Next hotel.
Scheduled to open in 2014, the Next hotel will be one of the largest hotel rebuilding projects in Australia in recent years.
Next Hotels and Resorts is SilverNeedle Hospitality’s flagship brand that has been developed with the needs of the business traveller in mind. According to the company, “it will embrace contemporary design with a focus on efficiency from point of booking through to final departure”.
“Inspired by the modern business traveller, Next Hotels has been created to deliver a unique and memorable hospitality experience that is designed to make the business traveller’s time count… the design approach taken will be to enhance the traditional hotel offerings to provide greater value in areas that matter most to our guests and our owners,” the company said.
SilverNeedle Hospitality Managing Director and Group CEO, Iqbal Jumabhoy, said the acquisition would propel the company to the next level in the brand spectrum.
“We are very excited about launching our flagship Next Hotels and Resorts brand in Australia,” he said. “The rising demand for four to four-and-a-half star properties in the Asia Pacific together with Australia’s close proximity to Asia ensures we are well equipped to meet demand from the growing influx of travellers.
“Through Next Hotels and Resorts, we are delivering a product designed for the business traveller by the business traveller.
“We will continue to increase our current portfolio in the Asia Pacific region by exploring and converting opportunities that fit our sustainable business model and growth strategy.”
Currently, SilverNeedle Hospitality operates 67 properties in the Asia Pacific region under the Grand Chifley, Chifley, Australis, Country Comfort, and Sundowner brands along with a growing portfolio of independent boutique hotels.