By Vanessa Cavasinni, editor Australian Hotelier
Two major hotel groups, ALH Group and Maloney Hotel Group, have both recently completed renovations on their flagship Sydney hotels.
After being closed for more than a year, ALH Group’s Crows Nest Hotel (pictured) is re-opening this month. The 100-year-old hotel underwent a multi-million dollar overhaul, completed by Darren Dickfos Architects and builder Rohrig.
The building’s original heritage features were respected in the redesign, being integrated into a more contemporary design. As part of the redevelopment of the venue, a brand-new rooftop terrace was built, five functions spaces were added, along with a courtyard.
Part of the redevelopment of the site is the focus on food and live entertainment. Chef Kelly Rodgers, formerly head chef of Kirribili Hotel and Group Tournant Chef for the Keystone Group, will be leading the food offering at the Crows Nest Hotel. The menu will focus on hearty, share plates that will be driven by quality produce.
The second stage of the redevelopment will kick off shortly, with the opening of a bar specialising in wine and boutique beers.
Meanwhile, Maloney Hotel Group have also finished the first stage of renovations at Hotel Bondi, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Kim Maloney purchased the hotel in 2015, and has given the hotel a thorough renovation – the hotel continued operating throughout.
The first stage of renovations focused on giving the hotel a fresh, airy look that complemented its beachside locale, while also upgrading the accommodation rooms. Clean white furniture, intricate tiling, white linen and timber tables add to the laidback beach aesthetic. The accommodation rooms have also been updated, with new furnishings and Wi-Fi.
“Over recent years Bondi Beach developed as a thriving food and beverage destination with top-notch bar and dining options. Phase one of the renovation gives us a strong presence in this landscape and there are future exciting developments planned for later this year. These include expanding the kitchen to feature a stone fired pizza oven and oyster bar, a dedicated lounge and functions bar and a total overhaul of the accommodation,” said Kim Maloney.
The second and third stages of Hotel Bondi’s renovation are due to begin mid-2016.
Also in Bondi, Beach Road Hotel has also finished a major renovation of their large upstairs area. With design firm Luchetti Krelle on board, the two-bar area has been transformed into an urban beach bar with polished concrete floors, bright colours, timber finishes and soft leather lounges.
As part of the new upstairs offering, the Bar Luca/BL Burgers team – a Sydney burger institution – have taken over the kitchen, which will now be referred to as BL Burgers Beach Road.