A fresh approach to mid-market accommodation will soon be launched on the Albury hotel scene thanks to an extensive renovation and name-change of the region's Rydges property to edgy, high-value, design inspired brand 'Atura Hotels'. Parent company of both Rydges Hotels and Resorts and Atura Hotels - Amalgamated Holdings Ltd (AHL) - see this investment as offering something new and unique to regional NSW.

Proving design hotel experiences shouldn't solely be the domain of the rich and famous, Atura Hotels presents a new designer take on affordable leisure and travel accommodation. Full of neat surprises with the latest in technology, such as complimentary WiFi everywhere - Atura delivers a high design, high value hotel experience where guests feel inspired and connected.

Genuine service, connection with local communities, urban, industrial and art-inspired interiors and an exceptional number of complimentary inclusions delivered at surprisingly affordable prices are the mainstay of the Atura Hotel experience.

Expect complimentary WiFi and local phone calls, state-of-the-art business centres with complimentary airprint printing and Apple hardware, minibars stocked with funky, fun and functional provisions and amenities by leading New York skincare provider Malin + Goetz - also found in Qantas International Business class.

“We're looking forward to delivering the real point of difference at Atura Hotels,” said David Seargeant, Group Managing Director of AHL. “The focus is on delivering design, personality and great value with travelers increasingly seeking value driven experiences to take them out of the everyday - a specialty of Atura Hotels.”

Renowned QT Hotels & Resorts designer, Nic Graham, is leading the refurbishment project's design, scheduled to commence in mid-August 2014.

Ceilings throughout the ground floor will be lifted and pipework exposed to lend a strong industrial edge to the interior. Removal of the conference room that opens onto the pool courtyard will create an urban and welcoming open-plan vibe on the ground floor.

The traditional hotel 'front desk' will make way for a modern, ply-wood clad reception pod and the public spaces will be filled with a modern mix of bespoke designer furnishings and fittings to engage and delight visitors to the property.

"There are a lot of quality touches you wouldn't usually expect to find and Atura Albury will be a real departure from any other hotel offering in the region,” said Mr Seargeant.
“With connection and engagement with the local community fundamental to the Atura offering, we're looking forward to seeing the response to the finished product from Albury locals as well as hotel and conference guests.”

The Albury property will continue to be owned and managed by AHL and led locally by new General Manager Jodi Brown. Jodi has an extensive background in the hotel industry after first joining Rydges in 2009.

More used to big city living, Jodi is thriving in the Albury environment. “In Albury we have all the conveniences of big city living, with all the benefits of a country town. The people are so friendly and welcoming and I love that long commutes are a thing of the past,” Ms Brown said.

Jodi's first priorities as General Manager include overseeing the day-to-day hotel operation throughout the 4-month long refurbishment, ensuring minimal disruption to hotel and conference guests.

“We are one of the region's most popular wedding and event destinations and whilst we're excited about the coming changes, our operational focus will be on minimising the impact of the renovation project on the guest experience. To do this, the hotel operations and renovation teams are working closely together to schedule works around the weddings and special events already confirmed” said Jodi Brown.

“Last year Rydges Albury won Best Wedding Venue for North Eastern Victoria so we're mindful of maintaining our reputation during the refurbishment project. We are also conscious that the planned changes to Atura Albury will only add to the property's appeal as a wedding and special events venue” Jodi continued.

Hotel guests, tour operators and event organisers interested in following the project's progress can keep track of what is happening via the Rydges Albury website 'What's On' blog which can be found on their website Rydges.com/Albury. The hotel team will post weekly updates on the progress with the latest information on which areas are being worked on at any one time.

In addition to Rydges Hotels & Resorts and Atura Hotels, AHL also operates luxury QT Hotels & Resorts, Art Series Hotels, Thredbo Mountain Resort, Events Cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas.

About Atura Hotels

Urban. Industrial. Art Inspired. Atura Hotels are where modern business and leisure travelers escape the predictable to embrace a new style of travel. This fresh take on the mid-market travel experience fuses dynamic spaces, hip styling and the latest technology at surprisingly affordable prices ensuring guests feel connected and energised. Expect free Wi Fi and a host of other benefits each time you stay. Engagement with surrounding communities and active support of the local music & art scene are fundamental to the Atura brand philosophy. Over the next few years, Atura Hotels will be launched across Australia in select CBD locations, business park precincts and regional hub. The first to open was Atura Blacktown in October 2013 and in July 2014 the property won Mid-Range Hotel Accommodation of the Year at the TAA (NSW) Awards for Excellence. Atura Albury is scheduled to open in late December 2014.

Priority Guest Rewards (PGR)
Atura Hotels participates in the free to join Priority Guest Rewards Program. This popular hotel club offers guests the ability to earn free room nights, 10% discount on our best flexible rates and leisure packages, food & drinks benefits, and reward points at over 45 hotels and resorts across 4 brands in key destinations across Australia, New Zealand and London, UK.
For more information visit - www.aturahotels.com.au
For more information on Rydges Albury visit - www.rydges.com/albury
For more information on PGR: www.priorityguestrewards.com.au

For all media and image enquiries please contact:
Bria Lamberton | Atura PR & Promotions Executive
32 Cricketers Arms Road, NSW, 2148
PH: +61 2 9421 0000 | M: +61 447 901 497
E: bria_lamberton@ahl.com.au

Stephen Howard | AHL Group PR & Promotions Manager
49 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000
PH: +61 2 8262 0000 | M: +61 409 840 238
E: stephen_howard@ahl.com.au