W Brisbane set to shake Australia’s hospitality scene

BRISBANE, Australia – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced an agreement with Shayher Leisure Holdings Pty. Ltd. (“Shayher”) to debut the iconic W Hotels brand in Brisbane, in the state of Queensland, Australia. Scheduled to open in early 2018 as part of a mixed-use development, W Brisbane will bring a new interpretation of modern luxury to George Street at the western end of the central business district, overlooking the Brisbane River.

Starwood’s latest signing marks the re-entry of the W brand to Australia, bringing its passion for cutting-edge design, fashion and music to a new generation of travelers. More than just a hotel brand, W Hotels established itself as an innovative luxury lifestyle brand that provides the ultimate in insider access, allowing global jetsetters and local tastemakers to be connected to the pulse of the next big thing. Since its first introduction in 1998, W Hotels has transformed into a global powerhouse with more than 44 hotels and retreats in the most vibrant cities and exotic destinations around the world.

“W Brisbane marks a significant milestone for Starwood, bringing the dynamic and innovative W brand back to the Pacific Region,” said Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President, Starwood Pacific Hotels & Resorts. “W Hotels is currently experiencing a wave of growth worldwide and having its presence here in Australia will provide a strong foundation for its continued expansion both locally and across the region.We are delighted to embark on this project in partnership with Shayher.”

W Brisbane will join Starwood’s 14 properties in Australia, as part of a pipeline of 15 W Hotels set to open in the Asia Pacific region before 2019. Over the next four years, W Hotels will debut in Beijing, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Jakarta, among other Asian destinations.

“We are excited to be working with Starwood on this prestigious development project and the re-entry of W Hotels, which will bring a new level of luxury and service to Brisbane’s hospitality scene,” said John Lin, Group Director, Shayher Group of Companies. “Our vision was to create a hotel which will set a fresh lifestyle standard in this rapidly growing city. W Brisbane will be a stylish addition to the up and coming riverside area, and we are confident that the W brand, with its outstanding reputation, will appeal to the new generation of domestic and international visitors to the city.”

Located on 300 George Street by the Brisbane River, the mixed-use development is a joint venture between Shayher Group and Pau Jar Group of Taiwan. The development will be comprised of three separate towers — W Brisbane will occupy one tower, while the other two towers will be used for premium office and commercial space and high-end residences. The development will also feature podium level retail outlets.

Redefining luxury with innovative design, signature amenities and unique style, W Brisbane will offer 305 stylish guestrooms, including 25 suites and an Extreme Wow Suite®, the W brand’s reinterpretation of the traditional Presidential Suite. It will also feature more than 960 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, as well as a 24-hour WIREDSM business centre, spa, FITSM state-of-the-art workout facility, WETSM indoor heated swimming pool, and W Hotels The Store. In addition, the hotel will house three unique restaurants and bars, including an all-day dining restaurant, Pool Bar and the W Lounge. Guests can expect the W brand’s iconic Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy, providing them with whatever they want, whenever they want it.

“We have been looking for the right location and partner to bring W Hotels back to Australia for some time, and as an emerging and vibrant international city, Brisbane presents the perfect opportunity for the W brand’s re-entry in the market,” adds Andrew Taylor, Director of Acquisitions & Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Pacific Region. “Brisbane has evolved into a sophisticated city off the back of growth in both the commercial and residential sectors, and continues to emerge as a mature, stylish and progressive destination for the new generation of global travellers who seek out contemporary luxury.”

W Brisbane joins Starwood’s robust collection of 23 hotels and resorts across the Pacific region, which includes the recent openings and announcements of Sheraton Deva New Caledonia Resort & Spa; Sheraton Melbourne Hotel; Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane; Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji; The Westin Perth; and Aloft Perth Rivervale.