Abode outperformed major hotel markets in terms of occupancy, according to STR.
A rendering of the rooms inside Iconic Hotels’ upcoming property in Braddon, ACT.

Independent hotel group Abode Group, part of A.C.T construction and development firm Geocon, has signalled its expansion in the Australian Capital Territory by announcing an organisational restructure and new name for its growing collection of hotels.

The group currently owns six hotels in Canberra, five of which are flagged under the Abode Hotels brand, and two restaurants, with significant expansion on the cards. Two new hotels – a 63-room Abode Hotel in Kingston and a 180-room property in Braddon are both due to open to guests before July 2019. The opening date for a third – a 150-room property in Belconnen – is awaiting finalisation. The Braddon property will also feature two new restaurants – Braddon Merchant and Midnight Bar as part of a general hospitality precinct.

Iconic Hotels has confirmed to HM the company’s five existing properties will remain under its current flagship Abode Hotels branding.

Another luxury mixed-use development at West Block, which will also feature a hotel and hospitality offering within the Parliamentary Triangle, is due to open its doors to guests in 2020.

Geocon founder Nick Georgalis said Iconic Hotels was setting the pace for hotel development in Canberra and the wider ACT.

“With continued success across our flagship hotel brand, Abode Hotels, we look forward to delivering new hotel and hospitality offerings and unique commercial and retail opportunities to the Canberra community.

“Our new luxury accommodation brand is an exciting project which will provide an unparalleled luxury experience for guests traveling to Canberra. The brand will respond to market demand and exceed and extend the current market offering,” Georgalis added.

By 2020, Iconic Hotels says it is aiming to have a management portfolio of over 1,000 hotel rooms across Canberra alongside a suite of food and beverage outlets.