SilverNeedle Hospitality has announced that Brisbane’s Chifley hotel will be rebranded as the world’s first NEXT Hotel.
The hotel management company recently acquired the property for AU$57 million (US$60m) from the Abacus Investment Group, and will now embark on a major refurbishment to convert the Chifley from a 150-room hotel to a 300-room business property under the NEXT banner. The property is scheduled to reopen in 2014.
NEXT Hotels & Resorts is SilverNeedle Hospitality’s flagship brand, targeting business travellers. The company said the brand would offer “contemporary design with a focus on efficiency”.
“We are very excited about launching our flagship NEXT Hotels & Resorts brand in Australia,” said Iqbal Jumabhoy, Managing Director & Group CEO of SilverNeedle. “The rising demand for four- to four-and-a-half-star properties in the Asia Pacific together with Australia’s close proximity to Asia ensures we are well equipped to meet demand from the growing influx of travellers. Through NEXT Hotels & Resorts we are delivering a product designed for the business traveller by the business traveller.
“We will continue to increase our current portfolio in the Asia Pacific region by exploring and converting opportunities that fit our sustainable business model and growth strategy,” he added.
SilverNeedle currently operates 67 properties in the Asia Pacific region under the Grand Chifley, Chifley, Australis, Country Comfort and Sundowner brands, along with a large portfolio of independent hotels.