Hostess Lyndey Milan (pictured with partner John Caldon)
Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia Relaunch Last week the Park Hyatt Sydney hosted the TV Week Logies Nominations, but today it was all about the relaunch of the luxurious hotel. Dozens of Australian media folks attended tonight to help celebrate the hotel's makeover. A larger day spa, restaurant, bars, private dining rooms, enhanced and larger conference facilities, gym and recreational spaces feature in the revamped hotel. Among the novel attractions is The Dining Room, led by Australian-born chef Andrew McKee. Original Sydney Sandstone and local woods were incorporated in the rebuild and the hotel commissioned a number of Australian artists including sculptors, painters and photographers. Australian hotel design firm, BARstudio, has created a new intimate and stylish interior, featuring an art gallery of interior pieces, including artefacts, books and artworks on the bedroom shelves and walls in all 155 bedrooms. There's also lots of eco-friendly elements... The hotel has introduced a new in-room energy management system which comprises ‘Smart Room Controllers’ that monitor air-conditioning output, in addition to occupancy sensors that automatically dim lights when guests leave the room. Auto blinds adjust to certain times of the day, reducing heat penetration during summer months. LED lighting has also been introduced to cut energy output. The hotel also now meets the ‘Water Efficiency Labelling & Standards’ (WELS) for water conservation, including waste and recycling. The speed of the water pumps is now regulated depending on how hot the water is, and the water is pumped from the harbour through the heat exchange for natural low-energy usage water cooling. Overall the hotel is expecting a 30% reduction in energy use. The environmental enhancements form part of Park Hyatt Sydney’s multi-million dollar rebuild which also includes revamped rooms, spa, restaurant and bars, and the addition of three rooftop suites. Park Hyatt Sydney’s General Manager, Andrew Mensforth, said: "Having undertaken a total rebuild, with only the external walls remaining, we look forward to showcasing the new hotel to our discerning local and international guests." Press Release... Park Hyatt Exemplifies Tourism Investment Tuesday, 20 March 2012 The renovations carried out at the Park Hyatt are a superb example of the investment Australian tourism needs to improve its international competitiveness, according to peak national industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF). The iconic Sydney waterfront hotel celebrates its official relaunch today, after its extension and complete refurbishment. TTF Chief Executive John Lee said Australia needs top quality accommodation to compete. “It’s vital we continue to improve our product offering to ensure we can deliver a quality experience for visitors,” Mr Lee said. “High construction, real estate, labour and operating costs make it difficult for Australia to compete on price with other destinations in our region, especially with the dollar so high. “So we have to be able to offer levels of service and luxury which present a compelling value proposition. “The transformed Park Hyatt delivers absolute luxury in an incredible harbourside location, offering world-class standards and unparalleled views of the Sydney Opera House.” Mr Lee said tax reform could help to facilitate further investment in tourism product. "We are calling on the federal government to allow tax loss carry backs for tourism businesses, acknowledging the seasonal nature of the industry and the impact of natural disasters. "We were encouraged by comments from Treasurer Wayne Swan in weekend media reports suggesting that such reforms may be announced in the 2012-13 federal budget. "A 50 per cent capital works deduction bonus for tourism properties would also help to stimulate necessary investment in new accommodation development." Websites Park Hyatt Sydney www.sydney.park.hyatt.com Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography Eva Rinaldi Photography www.evarinaldi.com