Brisbane’s burgeoning Howard Smith Wharves project has named its first hotel tenant after Art Series Hotels confirmed it would open its eighth property in the precinct.
A six-storey, $60 million hotel will be carved into the cliffs under the city’s Story Bridge, featuring 166 guest rooms. In line with the brand’s hallmark, artworks and giclee prints from a celebrated Australian contemporary artist will feature throughout the rooms and public areas. It will be the first new property for the brand since joining the AccorHotels family.
The new Art Series hotel – the brand’s second in Queensland after The Johnson in Spring Hill – will offer four food and beverage options including a bar, fitness centre, conference rooms and a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Brisbane River. A double-height wall of glass will be the centrepiece of the hotel’s lobby.
Howard Smith Wharves is one of multiple riverside development projects taking place in the Brisbane CBD. Once complete, it will feature a number of waterfront restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, a large craft brewery and a variety of green spaces offering picnic facilities and open space neighbouring the centre of town. It will also be a popular space for conferences, meetings and events in two event spaces – Rivershed and The Houses – both of which will be open by February 2019.
Commenting on the announcement, AccorHotels COO Pacific Simon McGrath said the new Art Series would set a clear direction for the brand in the city.
“Art Series Hotels is celebrated for offering guests a unique art-inspired hotel experience like no other.
“The stunning new flagship hotel at Howard Smith Wharves is a strong sign of Accor’s belief in the much-loved brand and will kick start our plans for future growth across Australia and New Zealand.”
No detail has been provided at this point as to an anticipated opening date for the new hotel.