Accor’s SO Hotel brand to make Australian debut in Melbourne
Accor has announced the continued expansion of its luxury portfolio in Australia, with the Australian debut of the SO/Hotels & Resorts luxury brand in Melbourne.
Slated to open in 2023, SO/Melbourne will be located on the corner of William and Franklin Streets overlooking Flagstaff Gardens.
The 288-room hotel will form part of a mixed-use development including 20,000sqm of office and co-working space.
“The demand for quality luxury hotels is at an all-time high, so the timing is right to introduce Australia to the audacious and fashionable SO/ Hotel brand,” said Simon McGrath, chief operating officer Pacific, Accor.
“SO/Melbourne will bring a bold and playful energy to Melbourne, blending the brand's vibrant luxury services with the heart and soul of the destination.
“Guests today are looking for travel experiences that excite the senses and they want to stay in places where they feel connected to the heart of their destination.”
SO/Melbourne is being developed by MIT Group Holdings Pty Ltd, the property arm of private tertiary educational institute, Melbourne Institute of Technology.
The project is part of a multimillion-dollar mixed-use urban regeneration project across two towers and a podium comprising a luxury lifestyle hotel, commercial workspace and a high-end ground floor retail space. An existing heritage building will be retained and incorporated into the lower level design to reflect the diverse history of the site.
The Elenberg Fraser architect-designed hotel is positioned in the upper levels between level 11 and level 34 with a tapering form to capitalise on views to Flagstaff Gardens and the Queen Victoria Market.
The hotel will feature a signature club lounge and private meeting room and a ballroom.
A specialty restaurant and bar, sky deck, all-day dining venue and outdoor terrace, lobby lounge and café will also be on offer.
Sheridan Randall, 27th February 2020
