SilverNeedle Hospitality opened its first Next Hotel in Brisbane yesterday (Oct 14).
Located just metres from the Queen Street Mall, Next Hotel Brisbane – the highly anticipated business traveller-focused technology brand from SilverNeedle – officially opened its doors today after a $120 million redevelopment of the site.
Formerly operated by SilverNeedle as a Chifley Hotel, the building was purchased by SilverNeedle on September 24, 2012, gutted down to a shell and completely rebuilt into a 304 room, 4.5 star hotel.
The hotel was re-imagined by architectural and interior design firm Geyer in a process that started two years ago, with the construction taking just over a year.
The cornerstone of the Next Hotel is a business traveller’s app that is currently compatible with Android and iPhone smartphones that allows guests to themselves in at terminals located in the lobby. The app also allows guests to order room service, control the temperature, lights and devices in the room, post a do not disturb sign, organise their laundry and send messages to reception via a service centre. This can all be done remotely so that the room can be set-up to the individual guest’s preferences prior to arrival. The rooms also offer free mini-bar components.
Furthermore, the hotel offers Club Lounge access to all guests, as well as the public, has three napping pods and showers for guests who arrive prior to check-in and has complimentary WiFi up to 100MB of downloads for everyone, including visitors.
Of the decision to offer free WiFi, SilverNeedle CEO Iqbal Jumabhoy said, “Internet is not a luxury; it’s a utility that we need to have.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said, “This hotel matches with the Brisbane digital strategy that includes free WiFi in the Queen Street Mall, the Victoria Bridge and South Bank.”
The hotel also houses Australia’s first Forever 21 on the ground floor. The retail store is set to open this Thursday.