Independent hotel management company Trilogy Hotels is expanding to the Northern Territory under a multi-property partnership with Darwin-based DCOH Group.
The deal sees Trilogy take over management of 417 rooms across three city centre hotels – Novotel Darwin CBD, Frontier Hotel Darwin and Smith Hotel Darwin.
DCOH, formerly the Halikos Group, is a family-run business and one of the region’s largest privately-owned construction, real estate and hospitality providers.
Its expertise extends to hotel accommodation with vibrant food and beverage outlets and gaming venues.
“We’re passionate about hotels as much as we are about our local community in Darwin DCOH Managing Director, Shane Dignan.
“As proud hotel owners, we’re eager to harness Trilogy’s expertise to unlock the full potential of our key CBD assets while highlighting what makes Darwin a top destination. We’re keen to partner with Trilogy to achieve this.”
Darwin’s leisure and corporate travel markets are set to grow with the completion of Darwin Airport upgrades in late 2024 and the addition of new flights including direct routes between Singapore and Darwin.
Major infrastructure developments in the region including energy projects, roadworks, and defence facilities and operations will bring a welcome boost to the corporate hotel market.
Trilogy will focus on driving efficiencies across hotel operations with teams working together under the same owner.
“The Northern Territory holds a special place in our hearts as a key market in Australia driven by its own unique demand trends, indigenous culture and world-class attractions,” said Trilogy Hotels CEO, Scott Boyes.
“We plan to showcase the best of Darwin’s food and beverage scene, champion local produce and people, specifically our hotel teams.”
The 140-room Novotel Darwin CBD opened in 1988 and has operated as the Novotel Darwin CBD with Accor for nearly 30 years.
The hotel, which offers views of Darwin Harbour, features two meeting rooms, a fitness centre, the Esplanade Restaurant and Terrace and the Atrium Bar and Garden – a tropical indoor rainforest atrium with cascading vines.
It will continue trading under the Novotel brand as part of a long-term franchise agreement with Accor, benefiting from its global distribution and loyalty programs.
The 91-room Frontier Hotel Darwin features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and The Punters Bar, a traditional pub-style venue, while Smith Hotel Darwin features 186 rooms, an outdoor pool, a rooftop gym, an observation platform, as well as D Bar and Restaurant, serving up Australian-Asian cuisine.
The DCOH deal brings Trilogy’s portfolio to over 2,500 rooms across 13 properties in Sydney, Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Canberra and Darwin.