Sydney Lord Mayors Christmas Reception, Aspire Hotel Sydney's Ricky Risal in Attendance

Aspire Hotel Sydney's General Manager Ricky Risal was in Attendance at the Lord Mayor of Sydney's Christmas Reception
Ricky Risal (Aspire Hotel Sydney General Manager) with Lord Mayor of Sydney - Clover Moore

Invitiation for the 2011 Christmas Reception

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Sydney Lord Mayors Christmas Reception, Aspire Hotel Sydney's Ricky Risal in Attendance

Ipswich Events: Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

IPSWICH was party central on Melbourne Cup day yesterday, with the city's major venues turning on a day to remember for race fans.

The reaction of North Booval's Tracey Mullin in Brothers Leagues Club was a giveaway that she had won big on Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. How much she won was a morsel of information Ms Mullin wasn't prepared to share.

Enjoying the Melbourne Cup lunch at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International are (from left) Katrina Johnson, of Deebing Heights, Alex Mackey, of Burbank, and Emily Wonka.

"I won last year fairly big and someone stole the money from me, so I'm going to keep how much I won to myself," she grinned.

"It is the only time of the year that I bet. The dresses are fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is here for a good time.

"I've had a ball ... great company and great food."

Ms Mullin said she sensed there was less money being bet by patrons this year.

"I think people are betting less this year. They are a bit more conservative this year and maybe a bit unsure," she said.

Friends Virginia Fenwick and Duane Cleary were both also celebrating cup wins on Dunaden at Brothers Leagues Club when the QT visited.

Mr Cleary was celebrating a 100% record for the day.

"I only bought one ticket ... and I won," he said.

"Now we'll go and see how much I've won. It is all about having a bit of fun."

Ms Fenwick said she didn't have time to study the form but liked the look of number three (Dunaden).

With a few tickets in her hand it looked as though she was set for a few more handy wins on a day she had marked down on the calendar.

"Melbourne Cup, everyone stops for it. I'm having a great day," she said.

Dunaden's jockey, Christophe Lemaire, had arrived in Australia 24 hours before the race after Craig Williams lost an appeal to keep the ride.

He shed tears when judges told him the verdict.

"It's incredible - it's a great moment for me," Lemaire said.

"I was a bit anxious. I knew it was very close.

"I feel very sorry for Craig. He's a good friend of mine."

Dunaden edged out England's Red Cadeaux by the smallest margin in the $6.2 million race.

It was the closest finish in the 151-year history of the race, with German horse Lucas Cranach completing an international trifecta. Americain, the 2010 winner, started favourite and finished fourth.

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Hi im Karin - The Aspire Hotel Sydney Intern

Ninety days ago, I flew into Australia for 6 months. Three months have passed and I am writing this article about myself and my great life in Australia.

My name is Karin Lodewijks and I am a 19 years old girl from the Netherlands, studying Hotel and Event Management. Currently I am doing my internship at Aspire Hotel Sydney for 5 months.

After so much thinking, talking and saving my money, December last year I decided to come to Sydney for six months. First of all, I came here for my internship (of course) but secondly, because of the culture, the beautiful landscapes and the kindness, peacefulness and the hospitality of the people who live here. My thoughts and wishes came true and I am having a wonderful time in Sydney.

At this moment I am living in Bondi Junction and every weekday I am travelling to Ultimo to work at Aspire Hotel Sydney. During the months I have been here now, I brought the things I have learned at school into practice and I have gained a lot of working experience. It is really interesting to see how all the different departments work and communicate together, but at the same time are trying to reach their own goals. I already have had a look at some different departments such as housekeeping, reservations and sales and marketing but most of time has been spent with the front desk team. After my time at the Aspire, I hope I will find a position that suits me the best within the hotel industry.

During the weekends I am trying to see a lot of different things in Sydney and the surrounding areas and enjoying the different climate. It is really strange for me as a Dutch girl to celebrate Christmas and the New Years period in sunny Sydney. But I am looking forward to it. When my internship is finished, I am going to travel around Australia and I would like to go to New Zealand. I am so excited!

Time is flying - in 3 months I will have to go back to the Netherlands. But before that, I am enjoying and living the good life ‘Down Under’.

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Hi im Karin - The Aspire Hotel Sydney Intern

Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane: Metro Hotel Tower Mill has Wi Fi and NEW TV'S!

Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane has upgraded its Internet to “Wireless / Wi-Fi Hotspot” through out the property, charged to your room account, packages available including FOC Internet book through Metro Hotels website.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane has also completed a full installation of 32 inch LCD Televisions in all the rooms.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill, Brisbane: Metro Hotel Tower Mill has Wi Fi and NEW TV'S!

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Letter from a Happy Guest of Aspire Hotel Sydney

Letter from a happy guest of Aspire Hotel Sydney

Dear Aspire;

Thankyou so much for providing us with the room for two nights at Aspire Ultimo two weeks ago. We had a fantastic weekend and the motel was in such a perfect postition to access the city and in particular China town.

The room though starting to show some age was clean, very quiet and an extremely comfy bed. Just up the road was a great little cafe where we had breakfast both mornings. We loved the convenience and ease of driving in and being able to leave the car for the two nights and walk to all the night spots - we had a great meal late on Friday night in China Town.

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Letter from a Happy Guest of Aspire Hotel Sydney

Metro Hotel Ipswich International: Bremmer State High School film Commercial at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Pictures taken at Metro Hotel Ipswich International who gave students from Bremmer State High School the oppertunity to filming commercial for a Digital Photo Frame on Premises.

See Images below:

Metro Hotel Ipswich International: Bremmer State High School film Commercial at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Perth: Management Team of the Year at the AHA Accommodation Hotel Industry Awards for Western Australia

Metro Hotel Perth General Manager, Cheryle Irvin (holding award) and Metro Hospitality Group Chief Operations Officer, Mr George Bedwani (4^th from the right) along with the team from Metro Hotel Perth excitedly displaying their award for Management Team of the Year at the AHA Accommodation Hotel Industry Awards for Western Australia recently held at the Burswood Hotel complex in Perth.

Metro Hotel Perth: Management Team of the Year at the AHA Accommodation Hotel Industry Awards for Western Australia