Marriott International’s 10 Melbourne hotels are experiencing a boom in bookings for the 2024 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, with the event driving occupancy over 90% and a 4% increase on average daily room rates over the race weekend (March 22-24, 2024).
Returning as the preferred hotel partner and presenting partner of the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Lounge, for the fifth year running, Marriott Bonvoy aims to “connect people through the power of travel” through its hospitality offering trackside and throughout the city.
Marriott International Area Vice President of Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt, said the partnership has once again bolstered revenue with racing enthusiasts travelling from all over to attend the event.
“Occupancy across our Melbourne properties is sitting at around 91% for the March 22 to 24 period and our average daily room rates are pacing 4% ahead of the 2023 event,” Hunt said.
“International room nights make up 46%, and domestic room nights 54%, citing the strong international drive of the world’s fastest motorsport event.
“Our two newest Melbourne properties, Le Meridien Melbourne and The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne are driving buoyant results. The premium and luxury category is performing very well, with these properties sitting at 85% and 94% over the race weekend respectively, demonstrating the strong demand major events drive into the city.”
Melbourne is Marriott International’s top city for growth in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region, with four new properties opening over the last two years – Courtyard by Marriott Flagstaff Gardens, AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, Le Meridien Melbourne and The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne – taking its room stock in Melbourne to over 2200 keys.
“Hotel occupancy levels have continued to increase over the last 12 months, with international travel picking up pace and continuing to steadily drive demand,” Hunt added.
“Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program is also performing well, with 50% of our lead bookings for the Formula 1 race weekend coming through Bonvoy members.”
The Marriott Bonvoy Lounge, which will host members, corporate clients, media and special guests, will offer luxury hospitality, access to premium racing viewing and exclusive experiences.
“We look forward to offering our guests curated hospitality experiences and opportunities to access the pits and drivers that make this sport so unique and special. Our members travel far and wide to experience incredible F1 moments and we can’t wait to show them how well we do it here in Melbourne,” Hunt added.
“The Marriott Bonvoy Lounge has become one of the most sought-after destinations at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit over the last five years,” said Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Travis Auld.
“We are delighted to continue this partnership with Marriott, which brings the very best in glamour, hospitality and entertainment right to the heart of our event.”
Reflecting the luxury experience at Marriott’s Melbourne properties, the lounge will feature plush seating, enriched colour palettes, ambient music and multiple bars offering premium food and beverage options.
Marriott said many elements of the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge are being repurposed and utilised from previous events, in line with its ESG efforts. The walls and façade from the hospitality suite at the Australian Open 2024 (as well as last year’s Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit activation) are being transformed and reused to create a 12-metre bar on the main floor of the Marriott Bonvoy Lounge.