The Star Sydney is upgrading the Astral Tower and Residences Hotel in a $130 million refurbishment owners Echo say “to meet the growing market demand for quality five star accommodation in Sydney”.
The refurbishment of rooms and suites at the Astral Tower and Residences will complement The Star’s existing domestic and international luxury offering and is set for completion in mid-2016.
John Autelitano, General Manager of Hotels at The Star Sydney said the refurbishment demonstrates Echo Entertainment’s focus and investment in raising the level of The Star’s guest service experiences and world-class accommodation.
He said the strategic vision underpinning the refurbishment will ensure the integrated resort’s future as a leader in domestic markets, and a strong competitor in the global marketplace.
“The Star Sydney is a pinnacle tourism destination in Australia and a significant contributor to the visitor economy, welcoming over 11 million visitors each year,” he said.
“The national and international markets being targeted include generations of people who are increasingly affluent, and as such, are spoilt for choice.
“In this global marketplace, guests are no longer comparing The Star to national rivals in Sydney or across Australia, but rather against products and services offered by offshore rivals such as the integrated resorts in Las Vegas and Macau.
“We are confident that our ability to really understand our guests and what they want will continue to provide us with a competitive edge.
“We place high importance on customer service and guest service experience and the enhanced rooms, suites, and business facilities will ensure our competitiveness and attract visitors to the city of Sydney.
“We are extremely proud that The Star is embedded in the culture of Sydney and we currently play a major part in cultural and sporting events including the Spring Racing Carnival, Chinese New Year, NSW Rugby League, Vivid Sydney, the Sydney Swans, Good Food Month and the Pyrmont Festival, to name a few.
“These integral partnerships, combined with an increased calibre of product and service, will advance our repositioning at an internationally competitive level; offering a variety of luxurious, five star accommodation options designed with a local flavour that will suit discerning leisure and business travellers,” said Autelitano.
Astral Tower is being repositioned to target Generation X and experienced business travellers.
With a 5-star offering, elegant rooms and high-end suites, a state-of-the-art club lounge, new meeting rooms and business centre, the hotel will be re-launched in 2016.
It is operational throughout the refurbishment period with minimal impact for guests.
Astral Residences will offer chic five star rooms, targeting the leisure traveler and young professionals.
The Astral Residences will feature a sharp, fresh and minimalistic look focusing on the uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour that the hotel is renowned for.
The Darling at The Star has also just completed an upgrade of its Spa with the addition of a mosaic aromatherapy heated steam room with a salt water Jacuzzi, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility with one of Australia’s first Kinesis walls.