Refurbishment drives occupancy rise

Media Release
November 15, 2005

Extensive refurbishment of the centrally located 60 room boutique apartment hotel Metro Apartments on Bank Place has resulted in an average 90% occupancy for the Melbourne property, according to Metro Hospitality Group’s General Manager, Rajeev Dani.

Not only is the rise in occupancy testament to the quality of the fit out, it also justifies the Metro Hospitality Group’s decision to shift its focus to the 4 star hotels and apartments in its 11 property chain, rather than its mid- market inns brand.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place has traditionally drawn guests from outer Melbourne (those wishing to spend a weekend in the city or attend a city show) or from interstate. An increase in corporate and government guests has largely been responsible for the recent rise in accommodation numbers, along with an increase in visitors from regional Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand, according to Mr Dani.

“These are considerable 4 star markets, which are better insulated against some of the unforeseeable or unmanageable problems of longer range international tourism such as natural disaster, terrorism and very high fuel prices, but which are sometimes overlooked,” Mr Dani said.

“People from these markets want comfort, location and service at an affordable price. They also tend to be sports mad and Melbourne, with the Australian Open early next year followed closely by the Commonwealth Games, the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Melbourne Cup, will be a sports fan magnet.”

Refurbishment of the blue stone Metro Apartments in the heritage listed Bank Place piazza has resulted in a high quality, casually modern, interior ambience. Guests can choose from either one-bedroom suite or studio rooms with Queen sized beds, contemporary timber furniture and sleek grey and glass ensuites. Each suite includes a fully equipped kitchen and laundry so that guests can self cater.

“Guests who want suite accommodation usually stay longer than those booking a room, so self catering is an attractive budgeting option,” Mr Dani said.

“It was also an important factor in the decision to refurbish Metro Apartments on Bank Place to ensure an attractive and enjoyable hospitality experience.

“Many of our regular guests have commented favourably on the refurbishment.”

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is managed by Metro Hospitality Group, the oldest Australian owned hotel chain with more than 800 rooms in key locations across Australia. The Group is owned by the publicly listed Transmetro Corporation which also owns the Paddy Maguire pub group and Red Spot car rentals.