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.