Australian Hotels Prepare for Boom in Bookings in Lead Up To Ashes - Metro Hotels

With an estimated 37,000 international visitors heading to Australia for the Ashes test series this time next year, tickets to the matches aren't the only things in high demand.

Australia is set to battle England on home soil for the Ashes, with the first Test starting at The Gabba in Brisbane on November 21, 2013 and the 5^th Test finishing in Sydney on January 7, 2014. The five Test series is expected to be a boom for local tourism operators. 

According to Metro Hotels' Chief Operating Officer, George Bedwani, the Group has already experienced a huge demand for hotel accommodation in all cities where the tests are being held.

"Metro Hotels' in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney started receiving bookings from both agents and individuals as early as the day after England regained the Ashes in the 2010/2011 series," he said.
"Bookings are already extremely strong, especially group bookings, despite the series not commencing for another 12 months."

The Ashes is one of the most famous sporting rivalries in the history of the sport, and certainly cricket's oldest and most fiercely fought competition.

After England's 3-1 win in the 2010-11 Ashes Series, the 2013-14 Tour is already setting itself up to be another historic showdown, with England looking to continue their winning streak and the Aussies fired up to win back the urn.

In addition to the test matches, there will also be five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches between Australia and England.

With 13 properties across Australia, Metro Hospitality Group is the country's oldest Australian owned hotel chain. The Group offers a range of 4-star hotels and apartments in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Gladstone, with the same affordable, quality, centrally located accommodation and friendly service common to all Metro properties Australia-wide.

*2013-14 Ashes series

• 1^st Test - Thursday 21 to 25 November 2013, The Gabba - Brisbane
• 2^nd Test - Thursday 5 to 9 December 2013, Adelaide Oval - Adelaide
• 3^rd Test - Friday 13 to 17 December 2013, WACA Ground - Perth
• 4^th Test - Thursday 26 to 30 December 2013, MCG - Melbourne
• 5^th Test - Friday 3 to 7 January 2014, SCG - Sydney

Guests are able to book at all Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au.

Welcome in the New Year at Metro Hotel on Pitt - Metro Hotels

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in the city just became easier with Metro Hotel on Pitt’s special New Year’s Eve accommodation package.

Ideally located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Metro Hotel on Pitt is the perfect place to base yourself while you head out to enjoy one of the world’s best New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Tourists come from all over the world to see the fireworks display on Sydney Harbour and to enjoy the festive summer atmosphere as Sydney celebrates the end of one year and welcomes in the next - and you can avoid the public transport crush by booking your city hotel.

To help you, Metro Hotel on Pitt has put together a great value NYE Celebrate Sydney Package for just $359.00 per night* ($1077 for 3 nights), which includes:

• One night’s accommodation for two in a Standard Queen room
• Breakfast for two people
• A celebration cocktail for two people
• Free internet
• *Minimum 3 nights stay between 29 December 2012 and 1 January 2013; subject to availability

According to Metro Hotel on Pitt’s Executive Assistant Manager, Lisa Kapinski, Sydney is heavily booked over the New Year period due to the city’s popularity with international guests.

“This is an opportunity for couples to enjoy the free entertainment that the city offers without the hassle of getting in and out of the city,” Ms Kapinski said. “The package is for a three night stay so you can relax and enjoy the city when it is looking its best.

“Metro Hotel on Pitt is an easy walk to all the major tourist attractions. International guests pay thousands of dollars in flights to come to Sydney for New Year’s Eve. Local guests only have to pay the room rate to enjoy everything the city has to offer.”

Previously a central city Post Office, the hotel is located in a charming, heritage-listed building at 300 Pitt Street, within easy walking distance of Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and Chinatown.

The Hotel’s facilities include a fully licensed bar and restaurant, Paradiso, offering a range of Modern Australian and European dishes, and a comprehensive wine list with a choice of local and imported wines.  

Guests are able to book the NYE Celebrate Sydney Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately guests can book online by logging onto Metro Hotels' website at www.metrohotels.com.au.

Festive Season Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Festive Season Special from $195.00 per night including:

• One night's accommodation in a Deluxe Room
• A box of candies on arrival
• A big bottle of house wine on arrival
• Free Internet

Book this Festive Season Special at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

View Metro Hotel Sydney Central
 
 Terms and Conditions:

• Offer is strictly subject to availability.
• Valid until 30th December 2012
• Rates are not valid with any other offer.
• All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking 

Enjoy a Merry Sydney Christmas at Metro Hotel on Pitt - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel on Pitt, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, is offering a very Merry Sydney Christmas package to the many local and international visitors to Sydney who find themselves in transit on Christmas Day, either travelling to a holiday destination or visiting family and friends.

Guests can book Metro Hotel on Pitt’s great value Merry Sydney Christmas Package for $250*, which includes:

• One night’s accommodation for two in a Superior Deluxe Queen room
• Christmas lunch or dinner for two people at Paradiso Restaurant (2 course)
• Breakfast for two people
• Free internet
• *offer valid for December 24 and 25, 2012; subject to availability 

For those who only wish to book the two-course Christmas Day Luncheon or Dinner ($35 per person), please call Paradiso Restaurant direct on 9264 4111.

According to Metro Hotel on Pitt’s Executive Assistant Manager, Lisa Kapinski, the hotel is popular over Christmas because its restaurant is one of the few places open in the Sydney CBD for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“Our guests can be guaranteed that our restaurant, Paradiso Restaurant, is open for Christmas Eve and the whole of Christmas day,” said Ms Kapinski

Previously a central city Post Office, the hotel is located in a charming, heritage-listed building at 300 Pitt Street, making it easy for guests to explore the city.

It is within easy walking distance of Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and Chinatown. Metro Hotel on Pitt is only minutes away from Town Hall and Central railway stations and with monorail and buses at the hotel’s doorstep, making it easy for guests to travel with no fuss to the airport and Sydney’s outlying attractions.

Metro Hotel on Pitt offers 115 comfortable four-star guest rooms complete with modern facilities such as broadband Internet connectivity, key card access to rooms and lift, and cable television. The Hotel offers a mix of standard, superior and executive rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, and offers 24 hour reception and room service till 10 pm.

The Hotel’s facilities include a fully licensed bar and restaurant, Paradiso, offering a range of Modern Australian and European dishes, and a comprehensive wine list with a choice of local and imported wines.

Guests are able to book the Merry Sydney Christmas Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately guests can book online by logging onto Metro Hotels' website at www.metrohotels.com.au.

Santa Special at Metro Hotel Miranda @ Metro Hotel Miranda - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Miranda is offering this Santa Special staying in a Balcony Queen Room including:

• Free unlimited internet
• Cheese Platter for 2
• Bottle of Wine upon arrival

Mid-week rate *$350.00 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Weekend rate *$450.00 Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Book this Santa Special at Metro Hotel Miranda
 
View Metro Hotel Miranda
 

Phone: 02 9525 7577

email: fharlick@metrohg.com

Terms and Conditions:

• Minimum 3 Night stay is required*
• Terms and Conditions apply
• Black out dates apply

Aspire Hotel Sydney - November 2012 Photo Set

Aspire Hotel Sydney - November 2012 Photo Set

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Reception Desk

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Eureka Function Room U-Shape Style

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Bathroom

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Stockman Function Room Theatre Style

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Front of Hotel including entrance

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Function Room

Aspire Hotel Sydney - Standard Room - Twin

Aspire Hotel Sydney Deluxe Room – King Bed

Metro Hotel Ipswich International Creates Better Access For All Guests - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Ipswich International was named 2012 Inclusive Community Champion in the Best Tourism Award category by Spinal Injuries Association for ensuring inclusivity and access for all people.

The Hotel was one of six Ipswich ‘champions’ recognised for creating a world of better access for all, not just in relation to disability and wheelchair access, but by ensuring everyone, from mothers with prams to elderly with medical conditions, has access to participate socially and economically.

Metro Hotel Ipswich International’s General Manager, Ted Matthews, said he and his staff were delighted to receive this Award.

“We are committed to ensuring our property gives equal access to all our guests, including the elderly and people with a disability, both in and around the hotel,” Mr Matthews said.

Metro Hotel Ipswich International offers lift access to all floors from the car park, with clearly marked disabled parking.  There are a number of rooms on each floor with disabled access and facilities, including wheelchair accessible bathrooms with open shower areas.

The showers are fitted with handrails, shower bars, moveable shower head and shower seats. Toilets are wheelchair accessible, and fitted with grip bars.

On the ground floor, there is flat access to Platform 9 restaurant and lounge bar, function rooms and terrace, and to a disabled toilet.

People with disabilities and special needs should contact the hotel direct on (07) 3812 8077 before arrival for further information or to make the hotel aware of any special requirements.

Stay in Touch with Free Wi-Fi at Metro Hotels - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotels now offers free Wi-Fi at three of its 13 properties Australia-wide, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour, Metro Hotel Miranda and Metro Apartments Bank Place in Melbourne, with all its other properties offering free internet with select accommodation packages.

According to Mr George Bedwani, Chief Operating Officer of Metro Hospitality Group, the internet has become an important part of our daily lives regardless of whether we are travelling for business or pleasure.
    
“A high proportion of our guests are business travellers. Their feedback has clearly indicated free high-speed internet as a key criterion when choosing which hotel to stay at.

“Free wireless or high-speed internet in rooms is becoming a service guests expect, and we are delighted to offer a service to our guests that’s going to save them money by choosing to stay with us.”

According to Stephen Nemetz, Manager of Metro Apartments Darling Harbour, the recent introduction of free internet access for guests has been extremely popular, particularly with international guests.

“The Apartments are very popular with international visitors due to their excellent location, directly opposite Darling Harbour and an easy walk to all major Sydney attractions.

“We all know what it’s like to be travelling interstate or overseas and needing to stay in touch with business colleagues and with family and friends. Free internet access is fast becoming a major factor when choosing a place to stay.”

Another Sydney property, Metro Hotel on Pitt, offers free internet with select accommodation packages.



 “We offer a free internet package to guests who book the package through our website www.metrohotels.com.au,” said Executive Assistant Manager, Lisa Kapinski.

“We have also been running a promotion on GDS for our coporate guests which includes free internet.  Our bookings have increased by over 232 percent in the last three months, compared to the same period last year.”

Earlier this year, Metro Apartments on Bank Place removed all charges for internet usage in a move designed to make it easy for guests to stay connected. Guests are now able to access free wireless internet in their room or free broadband at the lobby computer kiosks.

10 Reasons to Stay in An Apartment When on Holidays - Metro Hotels

Holidays are important. We save up for them for months and sometimes years, and many of us put a lot of work into finding the perfect place to stay. We trawl the internet, ask friends and family and search guide books in the hope of finding that elusive perfect destination and property to invest our hard-earned holiday dollars in.

Once you have decided on your destination, the biggest choice you will make is where to stay. Metro Apartments believes strongly that choosing an apartment for their holiday stay provides the holiday-goer with many benefits.

Here are 10 reasons why Metro Hotels believe you will love staying in an apartment on your next holiday.

1). Space. The main reason you choose an apartment is space, and lots of it! No longer are you tripping over your spread-eagled suitcase, its contents spilling out on the floor of your bedroom, or stepping around clothes drying all over your ensuite like a Chinese laundry. Life in an apartment means you can spread out just like you were at home, with your clothes stacked neatly in a cupboard, your suitcases packed neatly away and your bathroom used only for the purposes for which it was build.

2) Kitchen.  In an apartment you are provided with a toaster, microwave, plates, cutlery, bench space and even a kitchen sink! You have everything you need to be able to cook a meal in your own fully-equipped kitchen. Dinner can be takeaway or a gourmet feast – just find a supermarket nearby and buy what you need. Its fresher and healthier than eating out and, when you’re finished, stack the dirty dishes in the dishwasher or wash up in the kitchen sink – it’s as easy as being at home.

3) Laundry. While we’re talking about facilities, you can’t go past the laundry. Having the ability to throw in a load of dirty clothes and to dry them in a clothes dryer, ready for wear the next day, is a convenience no one on holidays wants to be without. You don’t need to wash your undergarments in the bathroom sink and hang them over the shower rail, or throw your soggy and sandy beach towel over the balcony rail. In an apartment, your personals and other items are fresh and dried and back in your wardrobe before you know it.

4) Location. Metro Apartments are perfectly located so you are always close to major attractions and to transport, so you don’t have to suffer the inconvenience of being outside the city centre just to have the convenience of an apartment.

5) Service. Metro Apartments have a reception and service desk which are always adequately manned so you can get help if and when you need it, and apartments are regularly serviced to ensure they are kept clean and comfortable. Metro Apartments pride themselves on their exceptional service record, so whether it’s a tip on the best theatre in town or directions to a local tourist attraction, Metro Apartments staff are available to help.

6) Cost.  Apartments are more suited to longer stays and therefore have a lower turnover and a lower cost base, meaning you get more but pay less. Apartments can also accommodate more guests, often without a surcharge, so you can spread the cost across the guests and save even more money.

7. Safety and privacy. There are fewer people coming and going in apartments so you and your family are more likely to be able to travel safely around the building in an apartment than in a hotel.

Read on at Metro Hotels News

Metro Apartments on Bank Place Riding High on Business Travel Boom - Metro Hotels

Melbourne is riding high on a boom in business travel with the city securing an impressive 14 business events for the next six years, and apartment-style accommodation in the heart of the city, the preferred accommodation choice for a growing number of business travellers, is set to benefit from this increase in popularity.

Melbourne will host nine international and five national conferences in the next six years, including the Engineers Australia National Conference 2014, Green Cities 2015 Conference, Congress of the International Federation for Structural Concrete 2018, and General Meeting of the International Mineralogical Association 2018. The events are expected to feed an additional $27 million into the Victorian economy, much of it in room nights for delegates.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is preparing to accommodate many of these delegates, having already begun to benefit from the surge in events at the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) after it secured 210 international and national business events in 2011/12.

Metro Hotels Chief Operating Officer, Mr George Bedwani, said people attending conventions, exhibitions and conferences at the MCVB comment on preferring to stay in the heart of the city and to walk the 15 minutes there and back to get some exercise before the event and to clear their head afterwards.
 
“After hours, being located in the CBD has its benefits both for exhibitors and for conference delegates,” Mr Bedwani said. “In the city they have the choice of a huge array of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes and are only a short tram ride to the famous Lygon Street.

“Yet the major reason many choose to stay with us is that they get all the benefits of an apartment as opposed to staying in a hotel room. They can prepare their own meals, do their washing and relax in a more spacious, home-away-from-home environment while still enjoying excellent service and facilities.”

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers 60 four-star boutique apartments, including one-bedroom suites or studio rooms, a unique spa room and a split level, two bedroom penthouse. Tucked away down the atmospheric cobbled laneway of Bank Place off Little Collins St, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza are a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s charming lanes, hidden cafes, fine dining restaurants and enticing shopping. Guests can stroll to Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino.

While apartments have a laundry and fully equipped kitchen so guests can self-cater, the temptation of The Vault – a unique underground restaurant located in the original basement vault of the Apartments, and the renowned Syracuse, located directly opposite, is sometimes too tempting to ignore.

Read this Press Release and more at Metro Hotels News

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Chitty Chitty Bang Bang package for $205.00 including:

• One nights accommodation in a Deluxe 2x Double Bedded Room
• Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast for up to 2 adults and 2 children
• Chocolates on arrival

Book this Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central 

View Metro Hotel Sydney Central
 
Terms and Conditions:

• Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.
• Children age is 00 – 12 years old.
• Valid until 20th December 2012.
• Rates are not valid with any other offer.
• All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking
  Bookings are non-refundable

Secrets to Getting the Best Hotel Rates – by Metro Hotels - Metro Hotels

With summer just around the corner, many people are now looking to book their holiday accommodation for the best possible price.  George Bedwani, COO of Australian hotel chain, Metro Hotels, has provided the following tips to achieving the best rate:

1. Book on the Hotel’s own website

Before booking a hotel through a third party website, always check rates directly on the hotel's own website. Metro Hotels’ properties offer the best available rate to customers on its own website www.metrohotels.com.au . Customers will find a hotel’s own website has accommodation rates and packages that cannot be found anywhere else.

2. The early bird gets the worm

Despite properties continually promoting last minute deals, booking your hotel accommodation well in advance will help customers save the most. Hotels are eager to secure business in advance and regularly offer good deals as an incentive for early bookings. This then allows the hotel to charge a higher rate to those who haven’t planned ahead.

3. Call the Hotel directly

Put modern technology aside for a moment and do what people used to do 10 years ago - call the hotel direct.
There is a good chance that you will be able to get a better deal than what you can see advertised. As well, hotel reservation staff can answer any questions you may have on the spot and ensure that you are getting exactly what you need at the best possible price.

4. Extend your trip
Some of the biggest discounts are often offered to guests who stay the longest. Ask a hotel if any discounts are available if you extend your stay by a day or two. You may end up paying the same price (or less per night) for a longer stay.

5. Join rewards programs

Metro Hotels offers its Metro123 rewards benefit to any customer making a booking online at www.metrohotels.com.au . By simply entering Metro123 in the Promo code section of the website, customers will receive a minimum 10 percent off the already best available rate at all their 13 properties throughout Australia.

6. Check out Room Packages

Do the maths – sometimes you can pay as little as $20 more per night but you get a much bigger and better room plus you get additional benefits which may include breakfast, late check-out, free car parking or free internet. It always pays to spend a little extra time to do the maths and you’ll be surprised at how many deals you can find.

READ ON: Secrets to Getting the Best Hotel Rates – by Metro Hotels - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Miranda - A popular Accommodation Choice For ‘Medical Stays’ - Metro Hotels

The recently renovated and renamed Metro Hotel Miranda, the closest hotel accommodation to Sutherland Hospital and a wide range of medical specialists, is increasingly becoming a popular accommodation choice for people visiting Miranda for medical reasons or to visit loved ones in hospital.
 
As a result of increased demand for ‘medical stays’, Metro Hotel Miranda recently added 14 new Superior rooms, four of which specifically cater for people with physical disabilities and the aged, to its offering of 40 family and standard rooms.

According to Metro Hotel Miranda Manager, Dale Harlick, while the hotel is popular with both business and leisure travellers, it has experienced a significant increase in business from people attending hospitals nearby for surgery or other medical treatment.

“Many guests have been recommended to stay at the hotel by doctors from the local hospitals and medical practices,” Dale said. 

“This is because of the positive feedback they have received from people who have had to come from the South Coast and surrounding areas for medical treatment and have had family staying with us for extended periods.”

Located at the highest point of Miranda, Metro Hotel Miranda is a non-smoking hotel and offers quality accommodation at affordable prices for all its guests.

The property was renamed to reflect its new enhanced offering, and Dale Harlick said the hotel would continue its focus on providing exceptional hospitality, service and dedication to excellence for which it is renowned.

Continue Reading this Metro Hotels Press Release:

Metro Hotel Miranda - A popular Accommodation Choice For ‘Medical Stays’ - Metro Hotels

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Holidaying Families Increasingly Choose Apartment Living - Metro Hotels

A leading provider of accommodation in Australia says families are finding the convenience of apartment living the best way to stretch their budget and maximize their lifestyle while on holidays.

With 13 properties and more than 1,000 rooms across Australia, Metro Hotels offers both hotel and apartment-style accommodation and has experienced an increase in demand for apartments in its key city locations.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is located in walking distance to the many attractions of Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct as well as close to Monorail and train stations for access to other areas. Metro Apartments on Bank Place is located in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping district.

The two boutique properties offer everything a family wants when holidaying in two of Australia’s most exciting cities – a convenient location with enough space for the family to relax but without the huge price tag of an expensive hotel or resort.

Metro Hotel’s Chief Operating Officer, George Bedwani, said leisure travellers were a strong market for Metro Apartments Darling Harbour and Metro Apartments on Bank Place, with guests citing the convenient location, extra space and facilities as the greatest attractions.

“In Sydney, our guests love the fact they can walk out the door and be in the heart of one of the city’s most attractive and vibrant areas in minutes, yet are only a short walk or train trip from most other attractions,” Mr Bedwani said. “In Melbourne, Bank Place is truly in the heart of the city so people can shop, enjoy a show or just stroll along the Yarra River.

“Yet the real attraction of both these properties for families is when they return to their apartment and can relax and enjoy a home-away-from-home experience. They can prepare a meal or do their own washing without leaving the premises, yet when they depart they don’t have to clean up and change beds like you would in a rental property.



“Australians may aspire to owning a backyard when it comes to our homes but we are increasingly choosing an apartment when it comes to our holidays.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics data found the number of guest nights spent in serviced apartments jumped 73 percent in the past decade to more than two million nights.

See this Press Release and others at Metro Hotels Press Releases

Second Stage of Refurbishment for Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central, Metro Hospitality Group’s flagship property on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets, Sydney, will embark on the second stage of refurbishment early next year with the remaining six floors of rooms in line for a full upgrade.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central completed the first stage of its refurbishment in September with guests now enjoying a superior standard of accommodation and a 100% smoke free environment. The hotel has phased out all Standard rooms and now offers only Superior and Deluxe rooms.

With the refurbishment of four of the hotel’s 10 floors, the rooftop pool area, the restaurant terrace and guest lifts now finished and drawing excellent feedback from guests, Metro Hospitality Group is keen to ensure the remainder of the hotel’s accommodation and facilities offer the same high standard.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central General Manager Sandra Calabretta said Stage Two was scheduled to commence in late February 2013 and would involve upgrading the remaining six floors of guest rooms at the hotel.

“This is an exciting time in the history of this hotel as we are offering our guests a significantly better quality of accommodation and facilities as a result of this refurbishment,” Ms Calabretta said.

“We have received positive feedback from our guests regarding the first stage so have decided to move ahead with the next. The end result will be a hotel perfectly placed in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment precinct offering a quality accommodation option at an affordable price.”



Metro Hotel Sydney Central is situated directly opposite the Capitol Theatre and is a popular accommodation choice for people wanting to watch one of the many national and international productions staged at the Capitol and State theatres each year.

The hotel is a short walk from Chinatown, Paddy’s Market, Cockle Bay, the Queen Victoria Building and the popular King Street Wharf.

Angela Thielen - Work Experience at Aspire Hotel Sydney (Metro Hotels)

My name is Angela and I´m from Germany but at the moment I live at Bondi Junction in Sydney, which is a great place to live. I am 25 years old and I´m studying Hotel and Tourism Management.

My College provided me with theoretical as well as practical experiences and qualifications in the fields of hotel and tourism.

According to the college´s needs, I have to complete two periods of full-time practical work experience, each lasting 6 months.

And so I decided to do my first Internship in Australia at the Aspire Hotel Sydney.

I choosed Australia because it´s just an awesome country with many interesting and different cultures and so many different places to see. After almost 3 month now, here in Sydney, I almost feel like home.

Working at the Hotel provides me with a lot of experiences in different departments like, working in the Front Office, Reservations, Accounting, Housekeeping  and Sales & Marketing, which I´m really looking forward too,  in the next weeks.

It is also a very good opportunity to improve my english and communication skills, as well as I feel, that I´m becoming more confident in talking and handling with other people. I really like the teamwork and to have the chance to work with so many different cultures  in one place.

During my stay in Sydney I try to see, as much as I can, in and outside the city.

 I have already been too the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, Manly and many other places.

It is really so much you can see here. But my favorite place to relax and hang out with friends is Bondi Beach, which is just a stroll away from where I live.

After my Internship I will travel around to see a lot of the other great places that Australia offers.

I would like to see the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and of course I won´t leave without having seen the Outback.

This whole experience is the best that I have ever had and I´m looking forward to enjoy the upcoming few months.

Book Hotel Accommodation early This Christmas to Avoid Disappointment - Metro Hotels

The Christmas holiday season is a popular time for people to stay overnight in Sydney to avoid driving home after festive celebrations, or to accommodate visiting relatives and friends in city accommodation - but many people leave it too late to book, a leading Australian hotel chain has warned.

George Bedwani, COO of Australian hotel chain Metro Hotels, said accommodation in Sydney is already booking fast for the Christmas and New Year period, and people planning celebrations in the city during this period should consider booking now to avoid disappointment.

“It is important to remember that if you book early you will save on hotel rates as leaving it until the last minute, occupancy will rise and premium rates will apply.

“Our experience is that the current depressed economy has not impacted bookings for this period at all and accommodation in Sydney will be heavily booked for December and January. If people already know the date of their office Christmas party or want to spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney, now is the time to book accommodation.”

Mr Bedwani said New Year’s Eve in Sydney continues to be an international highlight, with Sydney City Council ensuring each year is uniquely themed to ensure crowds continued to congregate around the harbour to enjoy the spectacular fireworks and other festivities on offer.

He said some rooms were still available for New Year’s Eve for people keen to make the most of the celebrations, or to show visitors one of the best celebrations anywhere in the world.



Metro Hotels has five hotels and apartments in Sydney CBD. All its Sydney properties are heavily booked so people seeking accommodation for the December or January period should visit the Metro Hotels website at www.metrohotels.com.au or

call the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321.

Book Hotel Accommodation early This Christmas to Avoid Disappointment - Metro Hotels

Enjoy Metro Hotel on Pitt’s Great Spring Special - Metro Hotels

Treat yourself and your partner to an indulgent break this Spring at Metro Hotel on Pitt, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. 
Guests can enjoy Metro Hotel on Pitt’s great value Spring Special for $250* per night, which includes:

• One night’s accommodation for two in a Superior Deluxe Queen room
• Dinner for two at Paradiso Restaurant on the ground floor (entree, main & coffee/tea)
• Bottle of wine on arrival
• Extended checkout till 12 noon
• *offer valid from September 1st – November 30, 2012; subject to availability

Previously a central city Post Office, the 4 star Hotel is located in a charming, heritage-listed building at 300 Pitt Street, making it easy for guests keen to brave the chilly winter air to explore the city.

It is within easy walking distance of Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and Chinatown. Metro Hotel on Pitt is only minutes away from Town Hall and Central railway stations and with monorail and buses at the hotel’s doorstep, making it easy for guests to travel with no fuss to the airport and Sydney’s outlying attractions.

Metro Hotel on Pitt offers 115 comfortable four-star guest rooms complete with modern facilities such as broadband Internet connectivity, key card access to rooms and lift, and cable television. The Hotel offers a mix of standard, superior and executive rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, and offers 24 hour reception and room service till 10 pm.

The Hotel’s facilities include a fully licensed bar and restaurant, Paradiso, offering a range of Modern Australian and European dishes, and a comprehensive wine list with a choice of local and imported wines.  

Guests will be able to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy a smoke free environment when they stay at the Metro Hotel on Pitt, a 100% smoke free hotel.

Guests are able to book the Spring Special at Metro Hotel on Pitt by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately guests can book online by logging onto Metro Hotels' website at www.metrohotels.com.au.

View this and all Metro Hotels Press Releases at Metro Hotels News 

Enjoy a Stopover in Ipswich – Queensland’s Best Kept Secret - Metro Hotels

With summer just months away, thousands of NSW residents are planning to enjoy a truly Australian summer holiday on the iconic beaches of the Queensland coast.

Yet when planning their trip, only a few regular travellers along this route are likely to know to stop off in what is Queensland’s best kept secret – the provincial city of Ipswich.

Located just 30 minutes from Brisbane, Ipswich is Queensland’s oldest provincial city and the perfect place to break your journey.

This wonderfully historic city offers visitors plenty to see and do, be it exploring some of the country’s finest examples of domestic architecture with houses dating back to the 1800s, wandering through the award-winning Workshops Rail Museum (the birthplace of Queensland Rail), visiting the Ipswich Art Gallery, and visiting more than 500 parks, wineries, cafes and restaurants.

Ipswich is also known for its local art and craft cottage industries, with art galleries, markets and craft and antique stores centrally located as well as being scattered in the many beautiful townships that dot the surrounding countryside.

And when in Ipswich, Metro Hotel Ipswich International is the perfect place to stay. Rated four and half stars, the Metro Hotel Ipswich International is boutique in size but equipped with all the facilities of a much larger hotel.

This seven-storey hotel is overlooks pristine parklands, offering 97 rooms including nine one-bedroom Serviced Apartments, two Executive Spa Suites and 68 Superior Rooms and 16 Deluxe Rooms.

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Metro Hotel Sydney Central Completes Major Refurbishment - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central, the Group’s flagship property in Pitt Street, Sydney, has just completed a major refurbishment designed to provide guests with a superior standard of rooms and facilities.

The refurbishment of four floors of rooms is now complete, and from this month, Metro Hotel Sydney Central will only offer Superior and Deluxe rooms, with standard rooms completely phased out.  The entire hotel is now 100% smoke free.

“The rationalisation of room categories will make it much easier for our clients to make a booking and get the quality of room they are looking for,” Ms Calabretta said. “Prior to the refurbishment we had too many room categories and it was a little confusing for our guests.”

The rooftop pool area and restaurant terrace are now finished, providing guests with a more welcoming and enjoyable venue in which to relax. Improvements to the area included a pool upgrade, re-tiling of the area, new and improved lighting and the addition of modern pool furniture.

The guest lifts have been upgraded, with the third and final lift to be completed by mid September.
According to Ms Calabretta, the refurbishments are already proving to be a success. “The new pool deck looks great and, not only will it be an excellent and attractive facility for our guests to use, we have received a number of enquiries from organisations who want to hire the area for an evening cocktail function by the pool.”

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is situated in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment district, directly opposite the Capitol Theatre.  The hotel is a popular accommodation choice for interstate and intra-state visitors in Sydney to watch one of the many international productions staged at both the Capitol and State theatres each year.

“The recent production of Mary Poppins brought us a lot of business, and we are expecting a similar flow-on effect when The Addams Family is staged in March 2013 and when The Lion King returns in December 2013,” Sandra said.

The hotel is just a short walk to Chinatown, Paddy’s Market, Cockle Bay, Queen Victoria Building and King Street Wharf. A car is not necessary when staying at Metro Hotel Sydney Central, because, as the name implies, the hotel is so central you can get around car-free with ease. Discounted light rail and monorail passes are available from the hotel’s reception. Central railway station is just a 500 metre walk, and the light rail and numerous bus routes provide lots of opportunities to explore wider Sydney.

Metro Hotels showcase their properties at Qantas Corporate Travel Show

Richard Amour - Metro Hotels Sales Manager

 For the second year running, Metro Hotels have showcased their accommodation properties at the Qantas Corporate Travel shows held in Perth, Brisbane and Canberra.

The 2012 Canberra Qantas Corporate Travel Show attracted 829 invited guests consisting of 129 Corporate Travel Agents, 291 Corporate Travel Coordinators and 409 key Qantas Frequent Flyers clients. The popularity of the show meant Canberra easily retained the mantle as the most attended of the four Qantas Corporate Travel Shows in 2012.

“The corporate and government sectors are a very important source of business for Metro Hotels,” explained Mr Richard Amour, Metro Hotels Sales Manager. “In particular, our Perth, Brisbane and Gladstone properties receive a great deal of corporate business due to the continued buoyancy of the resources industry.” He said.

After trialling the shows in 2011 Metro Hotels were very eager to attend again in 2012 as they saw the trade show as a great way to make new contacts and create greater exposure of the brand and the individual properties to those people who actually make the bookings on behalf of the guest.

“It also makes a great deal of sense that we are involved in the Qantas Corporate Travel Show as all our Metro Hotels and properties are part of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and therefore all our guests can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points when they stay at any of our 14 properties throughout Australia.” Explained Mr Amour

Disabled Access Proving popular at Metro Hotel Miranda - Metro Hotels

The introduction of disabled facilities into several of its new Superior rooms on the top floor of Metro Hotel Miranda is proving popular with disabled and senior guests.

Metro Hotel Miranda’s Superior rooms with disabled facilities are part of its recent addition of 14 new Superior rooms, all of which are fitted with oversized low windows to allow guests to fully appreciate the stunning views of Sydney and the Royal National Park offered.

The rooms are wheelchair accessible from all levels of the hotel and can be offered with an adjoining room for family or friends, giving guests the option of having a carer nearby yet with separate sleeping and bathroom facilities.


All disabled rooms are fitted with a queen and a single bed. The bathrooms are large enough for a wheelchair to manoeuve easily, with all fixtures wheelchair accessible. Bathrooms are fitted with a shower seat and grab rail, and all rooms are safe and secure with wide doorways and level, non-slip surfaces.

Metro Hotel Miranda is a non-smoking hotel and offers quality accommodation at affordable prices for all its guests. Disabled rooms are priced the same as equivalent Superior Queen rooms, with all rooms on the top floor of the Hotel having spectacular views over Sydney, Botany Bay and the Royal National Park.


Located at the highest point of Miranda and popular with business and leisure travellers alike, Metro Hotel Miranda added the 14 Superior rooms to its offering of 40 family and standard rooms earlier this year, converting the top floor of the hotel. Corner suites have kitchenettes and rooms are modern and tastefully decorated, providing a new level of outstanding comfort and quality without hefty prices.

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Book Hotel Accommodation Early Or Miss Out - Metro Hotels

With the September school holidays just around the corner, the accommodation industry is urging Australian travellers to secure their bookings before everything is snapped up.

"Feedback from our 14 accommodation properties around Australia shows a large increase in bookings for the September school holiday period," Metro Hotels Chief Operating Office George Bedwani said.

Mr Bedwani said the bookings are not only increasing but people are tending to book further out to ensure they get the days and dates they want. According to Mr Bedwani the days of getting a good deal at the last minute are declining rapidly and people have to be a bit more organised and plan ahead.
"If customers leave it until the last minute then it most likely that they will miss out or at the very least, they will be paying a premium price for their stay," explained Mr Bedwani.

"Low-cost airlines and some really good deals offered by the hotels and resorts make it more affordable for families to take a break within Australia, and this helps boost the domestic tourism, at a time when the industry really needs the boost," Mr Bedwani said.

Looking ahead to other peak holiday periods later in the year, including the Christmas-New Year period, Mr Bedwani suggests that Australian travellers plan ahead and book soon to avoid disappointment.

Metro Hotels Employment Opportunites: Aspire Hotel Sydney Is Seeking a Full Time Front Office Team Leader To Join Our Team

As Front Office Team Leader, you will be responsible for providing a great leadership to the Front Office team and assisting Front Office Manager and Senior Duty Manager in day-to-day supervision of Front Office operations.

This position is also responsible in undertaking key front office functions including exceed guest expectations by delivering outstanding service. Successful candidate will be expected to have:

• Ability to demonstrate ownership of daily reservation activities and hotel operations
• Experience of at least 1 year in a front office environment.
• Strong Communication and problem solving skills
• Ability to make decisions and manage your duties.
• Ability to supervise and lead by example
• Provide a positive environment that encourages Mentoring and training of Front office Team
• Strong customer focus.
• Excellent time management and the ability to multitask.
• Full availability to work a 7-day rotating roster (day and evening shifts involved). 

Candidates with previous RoomMaster, Fedelio or Opera PMS experience will be highly regarded. Only short listed candidates will be contacted

If this is you please apply with a cover letter and resume to: rrisal@aspirehotel.com

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