The young Hong Kong-based independent hotel group announces three new acquisitions in Australia.
HONG KONG – Hong Kong-based Ovolo Group Ltd., part of Hind Hotels & Properties Ltd., has rapidly grown into one of Hong Kong’s largest independent hotel and serviced apartment owner-operators since it was founded in 2002. The Group’s latest project in Hong Kong, Ovolo Southside, has just opened in July as the first warehouse-to-hotel conversion in Hong Kong.
Beyond the territory, the Group is making strong headway in Australia as it announces three new acquisitions: BLUE Sydney and Hotel 1888 in Sydney, as well as Oaks on Lonsdale in Melbourne, Australia.
Speaking of the latest hotel acquisitions in Australia, Mr Girish Jhunjhnuwala, Founder and CEO of Ovolo Hotels, said: “2014 marks a significant milestone for Ovolo Hotels by acquiring three hotels outside Hong Kong. The purchase is part of an aggressive brand expansion strategy across Australia. They presented a unique opportunity for us to reinforce our presence in the Australian hotel market.”
BLUE Sydney
The award winning BLUE Sydney (A Taj Hotel, and formerly the ‘W Sydney’) is the Group’s most recent acquisition in Australia. Located on the Wharf at Woolloomooloo Sydney, the hotel features 100 guestrooms including 36 loft suites with spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour foreshore, city sky line and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Ovolo Hotels made the purchase at the end of June 2014. Following the scheduled handover date on 31 October 2014, the boutique hotel will undergo a gradual renovation with the implementation of Ovolo’s unique style and brand standards and will be rebranded as an Ovolo hotel after the upgrade is complete.
Oaks on Lonsdale and Hotel 1888
Earlier in March and May 2014, Ovolo Hotels acquired Oaks on Lonsdale Serviced Apartments complex in Melbourne and Hotel 1888 in Sydney. The Group continues to work in close partnership with the current hotel operators. To further strengthen the Ovolo brand in the Australian hotel market, all properties will be rebranded once a suitable timeframe for renovation has been set.
Situated at the Paris end of the Melbourne CBD, at the heart of the city’s live theatre precinct, the 4.5 star Oaks on Lonsdale incorporates 148 spacious guest rooms, the majority of which are one or two bedroom apartments. After gradual renovation, Oaks on Lonsdale will be transformed into a unique and spacious all-Suite Lifestyle hotel property. Converted from a wool warehouse that was original built in 1888, Hotel 1888 is the world’s first Instagram hotel incorporating 90 spacious guest rooms. Situated on the CBD fringe of Pyrmont, Hotel 1888 is expected to greatly benefit from the new Sydney Convention Centre.
Mr Girish Jhunjhnuwala said: “Sydney and Melbourne continue to be the top destinations for hotel investors and for foreign capital into Australia. Through the Group’s expansion plan in the country and later in the Asia Pacific region, we hope to inspire design conscious living offering high-tech touches that have become a hallmark of the brand. Our aim is to provide truly effortless living and experience our unique personalized service with all the extras included.”
Ovolo Hotels is renowned for offering the first-to-market all-inclusive services, a cornerstone of the Group’s core concept of effortless living. Styled for maximum guest convenience and comfort, the hotel offers free breakfast and Happy Hour social drinks daily, alongdide free daily replenished in-room minibar, free Wi-Fi, self-service laundry facilities and flexible check out. With the new property joining the Group’s portfolio reaching a larger, international audience, Ovolo Hotels give more shiny happy people a chance to enjoy their bright rooms and bright ideas.
Photo caption: Entrance of Ovolo Melbourne
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