Metro Hotels Hammers Out a Great Idea for Trade Shows

What started as a simple idea for a low cost give-away has turned into a piece of marketing magic for Metro Hotels.

The sales department at Metro Hotels were looking for a low cost item that they could give-away to delegates who attended the many business trade shows the company exhibited at. "We looked at the usual stress balls and similar sorts of things and then we came across the stress hammer," according Metro Hotels Business Development Manager Richard Amour. "It was quirky, unique and had a certain attraction that we couldn't pass up," he explained.

The stress hammers have proven so popular that the sales staff receive emails from trade show delegates months after attending a particular event, requesting if they could be sent more hammers for their colleagues, children, nieces and nephews etc. According to Mr. Amour the stress hammers are a great conversation starter and everyone and anyone who works in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry can relate to stress.

"We have had a few politically correct people try to tell us that they are de-stress hammers but we are sticking with the majority opinion and therefore they will always be referred to as stress hammers." he explained. But what does a hammer have to do with hotel or serviced apartment accommodation? "Absolutely nothing," said Mr Amour, "and we think that is part of the attraction." In fact, Metro Hotels staff were getting asked so often what a hammer had to do with their business that they started to ask their clients the exact same question - and listed below are just some of the answers/ideas that they could safely publish:-

* Hammer out a deal at Metro Hotels
* Get hammered at Metro Hotels
* Metro Hotels - building relationships
* I nailed a great deal with Metro Hotels
 * Metro Hotels are hammering down prices

The only problem the sales team at Metro Hotels have now is ........... what do they come up with next? "The success of the Stress Hammers has been so huge that we are really scratching our heads to find something that will surpass the success of the Stress Hammers." Said Mr Amour.

Metro Hotels Hammers Out a Great Idea for Trade Shows

New Floors Proving a Popular Choice at Metro Inn Miranda

Metro Inn Miranda wants local businesses in the greater Sutherland Shire area to know about some of the exciting changes happening at the property.

“Metro Inn Miranda is proud to announce the opening of its new Executive floor.” explains Property Manager, Ms. Dale Harlick.

Spanning the top floor of the building, the mix of room types offer spectacular views from oversized windows. Tastefully decorated and strictly non-smoking, this brand new space also offers disabled rooms which have the option of an adjoining room. Situated in the premier corner positions, our Suites provide kitchenettes and magnificent views back towards Sydney city.

“We opened the new floor in January 2012 and the Executive floor now gives our corporate clients and their guests the quality and comfort they require.” said Ms. Harlick. “The response so far has been excellent and we are very encouraged by the enquiries we are receiving every day for future bookings during the year.” 

If you would like to view the new rooms or make a booking then contact the Metro Inn Miranda directly on (02) 9525 7577 and Ms. Harlick would only be too happy to show you around.

If you have yet to experience our warm and friendly hospitality then Dale and her team look forward to welcoming you and your guests to the Metro Inn Miranda in the very near future.

Make a booking now www.metroinnmiranda.com

New Floors Proving a Popular Choice at Metro Inn Miranda

Metro Hotels to Host the Cast of World Acclaimed ‘Rock the Ballet’ - Metro Hotels

Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet, a fusion of classic ballet technique combined with the excitement of musical theatre, hip hop, martial arts, tap, contemporary, gymnastics and more, will be performing in Australia from May 28 to July, 2012 - with Australian hotel chain Metro Hotels once again accommodating the cast during their show in Sydney.


“Metro Hotels is a keen supporter of major international shows.  In the past, our hotels have hosted the Japanese performing troupe Drum Tao in Sydney, the cast of Bar at Buena Vista and Cuban Ballet – Ballet Revolution and performers from the theatrical dance spectacular ‘The Merchants of Bollywood’ for the duration of their shows,” said Mr George Bedwani, Chief Operations Officer of Metro Hotels.

Described by critics as ‘absolutely dazzling dancing’ ‘The music is great…the dance gives it fresh meaning…amazing skill and passion.  They are insanely good dancers’ and ‘their incredible skills shone through every move they did…the most fun you’ll ever have at a ballet’, this raunchy, powerful and brilliantly entertaining show will commence its 2012 Australian tour in Melbourne on May 28.
According to Rasta Thomas, founder, director and principal dancer, Rock the Ballet is a show that goes way beyond a normal dance company experience and transcends borders.  “We are so fortunate to share Rock the Ballet with audiences across the globe – if you like great music, great dancing and want to have a great time, this show is for you!” he said.

“Metro Hotels is proud to be accommodating the cast in our hotels and hopes the show will attract people from all over Australia to visit one of our major cities, stay at one of our hotels and enjoy the production,” Mr Bedwani said.

Metro Hotels to Host the Cast of World Acclaimed ‘Rock the Ballet’ - Metro Hotels

Metro Inn Albany Manager, Alan Scicluna Holds Up His 'Catch Of The Day'

Metro Inn Albany Manager, Alan Scicluna holds up his 'catch of the day' - a mighty Salmon caught at the popular Salmon Heads fishing spot near Albany using mackerel for bait.

According to Mr Scicluna, "the Salmon weighed more than 5 kilograms but we weren't too sure just how big it was because our scales only went to 5kg."

Albany is blessed with many fantastic fishing spots catering for both the experienced angler and the complete novice.

"I am more than happy to share with our guests the latest hot tips on where the biggest and best fish are being caught." explains Mr Scicluna. "And you can even cook the fish you caught right away on the BBQ we have for guests to use at Metro Inn Albany," he said.

Metro Inn Albany Manager, Alan Scicluna Holds Up His 'Catch Of The Day'

Stay in Touch With Free internet at Metro Apartments on Bank Place - Metro Hotels

Metro Apartments on Bank Place has removed all charges for internet usage to make it easier for their guests to stay connected.

Guests will now be able to access free wireless internet in their room or free broadband at the lobby computer kiosks during their stay.

Previously, internet access was available for a fee and could cost guests staying for an average of three to four nights as much as $100 during their stay.

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.

“You can’t put a price on staying connected, so we haven’t,” said Mr Bedwani.

“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, like shampoo, telephones and cable TV. Metro Apartments on Bank Place is ensuring it meets guests’ expectations with no hidden charges, mark ups or variations regardless of how they book.”

Metro Apartments on Bank Place, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, offers chic, affordable boutique apartment accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down an atmospheric cobbled laneway, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping.

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is the ideal accommodation choice for those attending Melbourne’s many world-class sporting and cultural events. The AFL season is now in full swing and the city will also play host to numerous NRL games in the coming winter.

Featuring 60 rooms, there is a choice of either one-bedroom suites or studio rooms, as well as a unique spa room and a split level, two bedroom penthouse. The suites include a fully equipped kitchen and laundry so guests can self-cater.

Complete your stay with a meal at celebrated restaurants like the renowned Syracuse, located directly opposite the apartments, or The Vault – a unique underground restaurant located in the original basement vault of the Apartments, a very different dining experience.

Along with free internet, guests enjoy complimentary daily newspapers, fluffy bathrobes, in-house movies and Foxtel entertainment.

Stay in Touch With Free internet at Metro Apartments on Bank Place - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central To Butt Out Smoking - Metro Hotels

The 3 1/2 star Metro Hotel Sydney Central is set to make a fresh start to the new financial year by becoming a 100% smoke-free hotel.

"The move has come about following increased demand for more non-smoking rooms from a wide cross section of our clients," said Hotel General Manager, Ms. Sandra Calabretta.
And the timing for the changes couldn’t be better. “We are currently undergoing a refurbishment of the rooms and common areas of the hotel so it makes very good sense to make the switch now,” explains Ms Calabretta.

Since 2006 seventy per cent of the hotel plus the common areas have been smoke free. The hotel still had demand from some guests, mainly the Asian inbound groups, for smoking rooms so a number of floors were set aside to cater for this market.

“Over time we have seen a large decline in the need for smoking rooms from traditional markets so now it is a case of catering for the majority and not the minority,” said Ms. Calabretta.

In 2005, the Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour, also located in Sydney's CBD, was the first Metro property to adopt a smoke-free policy with no negative effect on the busines.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central To Butt Out Smoking - Metro Hotels

Extensive Refurbishment Underway for Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is currently in the midst of an extensive refurbishment as it moves towards providing guests with a superior standard of rooms and facilities.

The 3½ star Sydney hotel is undergoing renovations designed to ensure guests enjoy a high level of facilities and services as well as value for money.

The first part of the program involving the redevelopment of the rooftop pool area, is now nearing completion, providing guests with a more welcoming and enjoyable venue in which to relax. Improvements to the area include a pool upgrade, re-tiling of the area, new and improved lighting and the addition of modern pool furniture.

The second stage of refurbishments is currently underway and will see a complete renovation of the hotel’s three guest lifts. One lift has already been completed and work is underway on the second lift. The third and final lift will be completed by the end of August.

According to Hotel General Manager, Ms Sandra Calabretta, the staged upgrade of the lifts ensured guests were not inconvenienced as two lifts remain operational at all times.

“The Hotel has more lifts than it actually requires to run efficiently, and so there has been no inconvenience to guests,” Ms Calabretta said. “Combined with the new pool deck, these improvements 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.”

Read on at Metro Hotels Press Releases:

Extensive Refurbishment Underway for Metro Hotel Sydney Central - Metro Hotels