Guests have returned to an era of old-world charm and elegance when the historic Hotel Kurrajong Canberra reopened its doors on 16 December 2014.

Nestled among trees between Lake Burley Griffin and Capital Hill, the heritage-listed hotel that originally opened in 1926 is in Canberra's parliamentary district, operated as a boarding house and more recently, a hotel school.  In a joint venture between TFE Hotels and the National Roads & Motorist's Association (NRMA), the pavilion-style hotel has been fully restored with a distinct art deco theme, ahead of its reopening this month.  

CEO of NRMA, Tony Stuart said the history behind the famed Hotel Kurrajong Canberra married well with the NRMA's proud history in Canberra as Australia's largest mutual organisation.

Originally constructed as one of two hotels of equal walking distance from Old Parliament House, Hotel Kurrajong is part of the fabric of Australia's political capital.  It is most famous as post World War Two Prime Minister Ben Chifley's home in Canberra; he preferred the comfortable, down-to-earth hotel to the Australian PM's official residence, The Lodge.

The restored Hotel Kurrajong has old world charm with a stylish and contemporary twist. Guests will be struck by the 1920's-inspired decor and hospitality from the moment they arrive. The cosy fireplace, the Library that is full of historic literature and the collages of photographs from different periods along the hallways give guests a sense of the hotel's history.

Hotel Kurrajong offers a premium dining experience at Chifley's Bar & Grill, a quality-driven steakhouse and bar with the award winning hatted chef Michael Chatto at the helm.  Chatto has created a delicious menu with the use of fresh local produce, hand selected meats and more than 120 local and international wines. With a strong focus on premium beef, Chifley's features a stand-alone steak menu, where customers can choose from 18 different cuts including David Blackmore Wagyu and Cape Grim Black Angus, each listed with its weight, origin and marble scores.

Michael and his team will take inspiration from the 1920's to create a unique experience for diners.  Guests will be able to select cuts from the window to The Back Bench, a meat ageing room on display in the dining room, which spreads into a glassed-in terrace overlooking the hotel gardens.

Michael Chatto's influence on the hotel extends to the guest rooms, each with a minibar stocked with Hotel Kurrajong's own ginger beer brewed on-site, almonds smoked and biltong cured in the hotel kitchen.

Rachel Argaman, CEO of TFE Hotels, said: “We are very excited to be reopening the doors of this sophisticated and historic hotel with ties to key Australian political and architectural figures.

“TFE Hotels is particularly respectful when working with heritage buildings and our aim is to keep the essence of the hotel while creating a modern, comfortable stay for our guests, offering premium service whilst steeped in history,” she added.

The iconic hotel underwent a significant renovation to ensure it retains many of its historic architectural features including pavilions, deep verandas and courtyards. Andrew Parr of SJB Interior Design is the man behind the new sophisticated refurbished interior.

“With Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, we have remained true to the era and existing architecture of the building and selected design elements that offer a historical context with a sophisticated 21st century twist.

We see style and luxury combine effortlessly with the hotel's distinct architectural history to bring a refined sense of glamour and elegance,” Andrew Parr said.

The hotel's sophisticated design and chic furnishings also pay homage to its notable origins and design by the Commonwealth's Chief Architect John Smith Murdoch in 1926; who was also responsible for the design of Old Parliament House.

The hotel comprises of 147 rooms, 26 of which are located in the heritage wing, four executive suites, four balcony rooms and eight terrace rooms. The hotel's charming garden setting is keeping most of his original plantings that were established by Thomas Charles Weston, then the Superintendent of Parks and Gardens in Canberra.

For more information visit: www.tfehotels.com 

About TFE Hotels

A joint venture between Toga Group and Far East Hospitality Holdings, TFE Hotels (Toga Far East Hotels) is a leading hotel operator across Australia, NZ and Europe.

Combining the strength of two international hospitality businesses, TFE Hotels will continue to pursue growth opportunities, with the potential for greater operational efficiencies worldwide.

TFE Hotels currently operates nearly 70 strategically located hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Europe. TFE Hotels' brands include: Adina Apartment Hotels, Medina Serviced Apartments, Rendezvous Hotels, Vibe Hotels, Travelodge Hotels and Hotel Kurrajong Canberra. These brands represent over 9,000 apartments and hotel rooms which vary in price, location and design to meet a range of different accommodation needs. For more information, visit: tfehotels.com  

• Adina Apartment Hotels in 26 locations (Australia and Europe). Other locations coming soon include Adina Apartment Hotel Mascot (2015), Adina Apartment Hotel Royal Randwick Racecourse (2016) and Adina Apartment Hotel Frankfurt Messe (2016).
• Hotel Kurrajong Canberra (Australia) reopened in December 2014 after complete restoration program.
• Medina Serviced Apartments in 5 locations (Australia).
• Rendezvous Hotels in 11 locations (Australia & New Zealand).
• Travelodge Hotels in 17 locations (Australia & New Zealand). Soon to be 18 with the opening of Travelodge Mascot (2016).
• Vibe Hotels in seven locations (Australia). Other locations coming soon include Vibe Hotel & Conference Centre Marysville (2014) and Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport (2015).