Sydney is set to get its second hip boutique hotel within 12 months following today’s (Nov 7) confirmation from 8Hotels that 1888 Hotel on target to open in Pyrmont in March 2013.
Speaking exclusively to HM, 8Hotels’ CEO, Paul Fischmann, said his company was looking forward to operating the 90-room property, one that’s located in a heritage building dating back to the year 1888.
“The program is on schedule and on budget, and were very happy with the progress,” he said. “Structural work and services are in and FF&E install will commence shortly followed by the interior decoration.
Fischmann said there were many elements that will make the project the most unique in 8Hotels’ 20-property collection.
“1888 is being developed within an original, historic and very beautiful wool store which was built in 1888,” he said.
“We have soaring high ceilings, exposed brick and spectacular iron bark throughout which we’ve recycled into the in-room work desks and benches, incorporated into our wardrobes and applied to the ground level flooring.
“There are huge period windows with natural light in every bedroom, a stunning seven storey internal light filled atrium, two glass passenger lifts, a selection of room types – including Cosy, Kings, Lofts and Suites – as well as a private entry two- level entertaining room.
“There’s also a light filled conference space which adjoins the 1888 Eatery serving an all day Australian menu.”
On the technology side, Fischmann said there would be “free high-speed WiFi and 40-inch flat screen TVs” in every room.
He said the deal came about after “a long collaborative search with our developers to find the right hotel opportunity culminated in the purchase of the building to become 1888.
“8hotels and our developers had worked on a number of potential sites in the last few years and hadn’t been satisfied until we came across this building,” Fischmann said.
For more on 1888 Hotel, see the December issue of HM magazine.