As Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge Melbourne – located at the site of Melbourne’s historic Pentridge Prison – gears up for its official launch this autumn, TFE Hotels has revealed an additional 19-room, experience-led urban retreat.
Opening in May 2023 – alongside, but in contrast to, TFE’s 106-room contemporary apartment-style hotel – The Interlude will invite guests to stay in converted prison cells.
“The Interlude is an urban retreat-style experience, the likes of which has never-before-been-seen in Australia, and one of only a handful of prison hotel conversions in the world,” said TFE’s Group Chief Operating Officer, Chris Sedgwick.
“Guests will stay in converted-cell suites which have been transformed by modern design and architecture into calming spaces.
“And, when they’re not in their room, they’ll be able to immerse themselves in the flavours, colours, and stories of Coburg’s creative arts community through curated programs, or self-guided visits to the precinct’s onsite art gallery which displays resident and emerging local artists.”
Among the experiences available for guests is the Time Travel with Wine experience led by Sommelier Liinaa Berry, and lessons in chocolate with Coburg Chocolatier, Koko Black.
Guests can also enjoy a candlelit underground relaxation pool or take some time out in the Reflection Garden.
“Drawing on the heritage of the site, guests will be invited to take a seat at the long table in the Reflection Garden, surrounded by bluestone walls, to hear the tales of the past and find out what makes the creative community so special today,” Sedgwick said.
As part of the billion-dollar dining and entertainment precinct, Adina Pentridge and The Interlude will offer guests unique accommodation experiences at the 170-year-old heritage site.
The modern Adina Pentridge tower – which offer a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments – took almost two years to construct with builders paying careful attention to Pentridge’s famous bluestone walls.
The hotel features built-in solar panels, a rainwater tank recycling system, and a high-tech glass facade that uses daylight to break down dirt, reducing cleaning to once every 12 to 24 months.
General Manager, Jesse Kornoff, will oversee the hotel, events, food and beverage, and experience offerings at the precinct.
“Right now, the finishing touches are being put on Olivine wine bar, North and Common bistro, and nine bespoke conferencing and events venues, collectively known as Chapter Place which, as a collective, will be transformative for the wider Pentridge lifestyle precinct when they open in May,” he said.
With the addition of high-tech National Trust tours of the historic site, Kornoff believes Chapter Place and Adina Pentridge will be highly-sought-after leisure and MICE destinations.