Business travellers want apartment style accommodation

Draft Media Release
June 5, 2006

The flexibility of serviced apartment style accommodation is underpinning strong demand by corporate travellers for the 4 star, 60 room Metro Apartments on Bank Place, centrally located in the shopping and business heart of Melbourne, according to Metro Hotels' Group General Manager, Rajeev Dani.

"The serviced apartment market is strongly growing according to most industry observers and we have certainly noticed rising demand from business travellers, who want the flexibility and multiple choice that apartment style accommodation offers."

According to Tourism Victoria 28% of visitors to Melbourne now come for business reasons and many of them attend major events such as conferences and exhibitions. "Location is very important for these business travellers and Metro Apartments' easy access to Melbourne's large function venues such as the Exhibition and Convention Centre is also proving to be a strong drawcard," Mr Dani said.

The exhibition, conference and 'major event' market is growing strongly. From now to the end of this year, Melbourne will host 28 major exhibitions and trade fairs as well as the Australian Rules Football (AFL) Grand Final before a crowd of more than 100,000 people and the Spring Racing Carnival in October and November when more than 650,000 people will attend racing events over 15 carnival days culminating in the Melbourne Cup.

To cater for guests to these events as well as corporate travellers in general, Metro Apartments on Bank Place has focused on providing quality business accommodation at a competitive, 'value for money' price. Every room has Internet connection, Foxtel and in house movies are available and complimentary newspapers are delivered daily.

Conference and trade fair delegates and sporting event followers usually spend more than one night away from home and each Metro Apartments on Bank Place suite has an attractive, 'liveable' interior ambience with understated modern dining room furniture and luxury Queen sized beds. As well, each has a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, so that longer term guests have the option of either dining in or out helping them to stay within a sensible budget.

If, however, guests decide to eat out they can choose from a wide variety of high quality, but inexpensive bars and cafes (most Melbourne cafes have a liquor license), all within easy walking distance in both Little Collins St and nearby streets or dine at night in a glittering array of restaurants both in the CBD or a short tram ride away in nearby dining 'meccas' such as Lygon St Carlton and Brunswick St Fitzroy.

The elegant bluestone Metro Apartments, which is entered from the heritage listed cobblestone piazza Bank Place, off Little Collins St, is not only a short walk or tram ride away from major exhibition, conference and sporting facilities, but in the heart of Melbourne's financial, legal and shopping district.

"Metro Apartments is central to the best that Melbourne has to offer, for business, shopping and pleasure", Mr Rajeev Dani said.

Guests are able to book at Metro Apartments on Bank Place and other Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively bookings can be made online by logging onto the new-look website, www.metrohotels.com.au

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 800 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.