One of Queensland's favourite holiday destinations launched a new era, revealing a new look lobby, bar and a fresh new name.

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, formally known as the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, officially unveiled its new name earlier this week (Thursday the 7th of November). The resort hosted an event to mark the occasion, welcoming a who's who of the Queensland tourism industry and VIP guests, ahead of the Queensland Tourism Awards which will be held onsite at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre (November 8).

Accor's Vice President Operations QLD/NT, Matt Young, explained that the recent lobby transformation, completed in late October, was one of the catalysts for the resort's new name.

“Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort better reflects the property's evolution, and aligns the resort with the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, which opened earlier this year,” said Mr Young.  “We believe that it's a more progressive and appropriate name given that we are located in a destination being profiled on the international stage now more than ever before.”

Novotel's $2 million refurbishment has breathed new life into the complex, transforming two spaces - the hotel lobby, plus a new look bar and alfresco deck overlooking the resort's outdoor pool and famous lagoon.

Designed by Medhurst Architects and Aplus Design Group and styled by Anna Roberts, the updated spaces have been inspired by the naturally refreshing features of the Sunshine Coast's surrounds, flowing seamlessly out to the resort's outdoor pool and private lagoon.

Novotel also enlisted the help of local Sunshine Coast company, Build4U, to complete the building works, and employed hundreds of Sunshine Coast locals throughout the project who can now proudly have their quality workmanship showcased for many years to come.

Since opening in 1990, the resort has been well known for its grand entrance with high atrium ceilings and the transformation has paid homage to the history of the building while introducing its fresh new look in 2019. 

The transformed lobby has retained these original architectural features and the Lagoon remains the focal point for the enjoyment of those making their arrival to the hotel.  The lobby has also retained and highlighted local indigenous artworks while adding new, vibrant designs to connect with SOLA bar. 

Mr Young said, "We're very excited with the new look lobby and SOLA bar and lounge. During our soft launch phase, SOLA bar has already been well received by guests and locals as a great venue to meet for casual dining or drinks. We anticipate this will become popular for locals as well.  It is very rewarding for us all to see the changes, we look forward to welcoming guests to experience the new Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort."

Shakespeare Property Group Managing Director Yak Yong Quek said, “The new SOLA bar and alfresco deck has created relaxed coastal dining facilities for guests with incredible views over the lagoon, it has increased our capacity for group dining and provided an on trend option for locals to visit.

“The concept of SOLA, Where sunshine meets Sicily has been inspired by the regions history and aims to deliver fresh locally supplied and produced cuisine highlighting the Sunshine Coast region.   We remain committed to upgrading our facilities and supporting our local economy, and we look forward to announcing more exciting resort upgrades in the future." 

Novotel's owners, Shakespeare Property Group, have invested heavily in the resort over the past year, not least of all with the opening of its $8 million purpose-built Sunshine Coast Convention Centre in May 2019.

Mr Young said, “After winning the Gold award in the category of Business Event Venue at the 2018 Queensland Tourism Awards, the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre is excited for the 2019 results and future of the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort.”  

ENDS

ABOUT THE SHAKESPEARE PROPERTY GROUP

Armed with more than 20 years' experience, the Shakespeare Property Group is a private Melbournebased investment company that seeks to co-invest and build solid, enduring and mutually beneficial partnerships with stakeholders and the communities it operates in. Shakespeare Property Group currently have more than $1.25 billion worth of commercial property interests (office, retail and hotel) under management across five Australian states. For more information on current projects, visit http://theshakespearegroup.com.au/

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in more than 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. With an unrivalled portfolio of brands from luxury to economy, Accor has been providing hospitality savoir-faire for more than 50 years.

Beyond accommodations, Accor enables new ways to live, work, and play with Food & Beverage, nightlife, wellbeing, and co-working brands. To drive business performance, Accor's portfolio of business accelerators amplify hospitality distribution, operations, and experience. Guests have access to one of the world's most attractive hotel loyalty programs—Le Club AccorHotels.

Accor is deeply committed to sustainable value creation, and plays an active role in giving back to planet and community. Planet 21 – Acting Here endeavours to act for positive hospitality, while Accor Solidarity, the endowment fund, empowers disadvantaged groups through professional training and access to employment.

Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit accor.com. Or become a fan and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Accor SA is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACRFY) in the United States. For more information visit accor.com. Or become a fan and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.