Two Canberra hotels have beaten tough competitors from across Australia to take out prestigious innovation awards.
The Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport and the Little National Hotel in Barton were both presented with major awards at The Property Council of Australia Innovation & Excellence Awards in Sydney last Friday night.
Canberra’s newest hotel, The Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport, was presented with the Brian & Poulter Award for Best Tourism and Leisure Development.
Inspired by the geometry of Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for Canberra, the hotel was recognised for its modern, innovative design and exceptional architectural quality.
Hotel owners, the Capital Property Group, accepted the award which is open to tourism and leisure developments or refurbishments that have been completed in the previous five years and have been operating for at least one year.
“We set out to redefine the concept of the airport hotel as a drab, often boring and uninspiring place of convenience, and replace it with a unique social destination,” said Capital Property Group’s Head of Property, Richard Snow.
“Our architects, Bates Smart, provided us with a unique building which reflects the exceptionally high standards of design and construction we have applied to all the buildings in the Airport precinct.”
Mr Snow said the hotel’s success shows that people respond well when you build a design-driven quality product that creates a positive guest experience.
“Visitors to Canberra, business people and Canberra residents who enjoy great design and the hotel’s fantastic atmosphere and service have voted with their feet since the hotel opened in November 2015,” he said.
The Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport has 191 rooms and is located only 50 metres away from the airport terminal. It features 12 suites and nine apartments over six levels, as well as hospitality and conference facilities.
The hotel’s most arresting feature is said to be its full height circular atrium, which has a restaurant, bar, and lounges at the base.
Good start to the year for Little National Hotel
The Little National Hotel, owned and nominated by the Doma Group, took out the Kone Award for Development Innovation.
The Award recognises innovation that creates significant improvement and advancement within a development.
The innovation can be in a variety of areas including design, construction, financing and sustainability but must be something that can be replicated.
The award win caps off a great start to the year for the Little National Hotel which last month took out the Property Council of Australia’s ACT Development of the Year award.
The hotel has 120 rooms and is located on the footsteps of Parliament House in Canberra. It aims to provide ‘affordable luxury’ for business, conference and leisure guests.
Common areas, such as the library and lounge, are open 24 hours and the accommodation is designed to be high-quality without the heavy price tag.
Showcasing the property industry
The Property Council’s awards program is in its 35th year and aims to showcase the innovative solutions and outstanding achievements of Australia’s property industry.
“The ACT industry continues to punch well above its weight as it consistently demonstrates a commitment to high-quality, innovative development,” said the Property Council’s ACT Executive Director, Adina Cirson.
“Little National is a spectacular example of the emerging ‘affordable luxury’ market. Its clever design, high amenity and unique business model is changing the accommodation sector in Canberra.”
Ms Cirson also praised the design of the Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport.
“This newest entrant into Canberra’s hotel scene has already turned heads for its innovative design inspired by Walter Burley Griffin and exceptional architectural quality, and is attracting both residents and visitors to the national capital.”
Top picture is of the Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport (supplied).
Photo above is of the ACT Development of the Year Award being presented to Little National Hotel/Doma Group’s Managing Director Jure Domazet last month.
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