TFE Hotels offers a pre-opening special - save 30% off* the hotel's best available rates

23 September, 2014: Set to reopen its doors this December, historic Hotel Kurrajong Canberra is taking guests back to a better era this summer.

Currently undergoing a significant renovation, the iconic boutique heritage-listed hotel is conveniently located in Canberra's parliamentary precinct and surrounded by the city's attractions and business district. For 11 years, including his time in office in the 1940s, post-war Prime Minister Ben Chifley called the hotel his home. He preferred its comfortable, down-to-earth confines to that other well-known local accommodation, The Lodge.

Rachel Argaman, CEO of TFE Hotels, said: “The light on the hill has been relit! We look forward to reopening the doors of the famed Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, a classic and classy hotel, located right on parliament's doorstep.

Our guests want more than just a bed, and at Hotel Kurrajong they will experience a piece of the capital's history, with the hotel having enjoyed a long association with key Australian political and architectural figures.”

The restored Hotel Kurrajong Canberra will retain many of its finest historic architectural features including pavilions, deep verandas and radiating courtyards. The hotel's sophisticated design and chic furnishings 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.

Hotel Kurrajong is co-owned by TFE Hotels and the National Roads & Motorist's Association (NRMA). Group 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.

“The opening of the renovated Hotel Kurrajong represents an exciting chapter in the NRMA's growing travel and accommodation portfolio,” Mr Stuart said.

“This hotel – so steeped in history and tradition – will give the NRMA and its partners TFE Hotels a fantastic avenue to deliver a unique hotel experience. We can't wait to open its doors to our members and the broader community.” 

The 147 room hotel will comprise 26 heritage listed rooms, four executive suites, four balconies and eight terrace rooms. The hotel's lovely garden setting was established by Thomas Charles Weston, then the Superintendent of Parks and Gardens in Canberra. Most of his original plantings remain.

Chifley's Bar and Grill, a nod to Ben Chifley, will be a quality-driven restaurant with an unmatched premium beef selection, by way of hand selected meats. Diners will be wowed by contemporary creations with a focus on premium local ingredients and a selection of over 80 local and international wines.

TFE Hotels is known for its successful and respectful transformation of heritage buildings into hotels and apartment hotels. Other heritage buildings within the TFE Hotels portfolio include Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury, Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, Adina Apartment Hotel Sydneyand Vibe Savoy Hotel Melbourne.

TFE Hotels also manages Medina Serviced Apartments Canberra, James Court and Medina Serviced Apartments Canberra in the ACT. Following the company's recent joint venture with Far East Hospitality last April, TFE Hotels is pursuing an ambitious growth strategy with other upcoming new hotels which include Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport, Vibe Hotel Marysville, Adina Apartment Hotel Mascot and Travelodge Mascot.

To celebrate, Hotel Kurrajong Canberra is offering a pre-opening special from $169:

Save Up To 30%

Including breakfast for two and a bottle of wine

Sale period: Now until 8 December

Stay period: 8 December 2014 to 27 January 2015

For more information visit: www.tfehotels.com  

*Opening special rate (up to 30% off best available rate) is subject to availability. Conditions apply and blackout dates apply. Available to book from now until 8/12/2014 for stays from 8/12/2014 until 27/1/2015.

Notes to editors

• NRMA and TFE Hotels jointly own Hotel Kurrajong Canberra with TFE Hotels overseeing the management of the property
• Prototype room shots are available on request
• TFE Hotels is the Ambassador of Great Weekends and in partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, is giving 52 weekends away! Prizes include Virgin Australia flights and TFE Hotels' accommodation, as well as an Ultimate Weekend Away for one person and 11 friends, valued at $15,000. To enter visit: greatweekends.tfehotels.com

Noteworthy hotel room features include:

• 147 rooms with 26 heritage listed rooms, four executive suites, four balcony rooms and eight terrace rooms
• Zambeli amenities are sourced from the very finest of raw materials, fabrics and packaging options known across the globe
• I-pod 5 docking stations
• Vittoria coffee pods

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).
• Medina Serviced Apartments in five locations (Australia).
• Vibe Hotels in seven locations (Australia). Other locations coming soon include Vibe Hotel & Conference Centre Marysville (2014) and Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport (2015).
• Travelodge Hotels in 17 locations (Australia & New Zealand). Soon to be 18 with the opening of Travelodge Mascot (2016).
• Rendezvous Hotels in 11 locations (Australia & New Zealand).
• Hotel Kurrajong Canberra (Australia) Refurbishment to be completed in 2014.