Hobart’s iconic Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel is set to unveil a new chapter in its illustrious history when it opens a new wing of 128 rooms and suites, as well as major conference and restaurant facilities, in September 2010.
The $30 million project has been Tasmania’s largest tourism development this century, though the heritage-listed existing hotel will remain intact. The original Hadleys hotel dates back to the 1830s, and Roald Amundsen and Errol Flynn are part of the hotel’s colourful past.
Hobart’s historic Grand Mercure Hadleys Hotel will offer more rooms and conference facilities in September
The new building will comprise one bedroom suites and standard hotel rooms that together can operate as two bedroom apartments, ideal for families and couples traveling together.
The complex will also significantly increase Hobart’s conference and hospitality facilities. The addition of a Grand Ballroom will see the hotel’s meeting capacity increase to 600 delegates. A new four-level car park will cater to the increased number of delegates utilising the new conference facilities.
There will also be a range of new restaurants and bars that will further emphasise the hotel’s position as the entertaining and dining hub of the city.
Grand Mercure Hadleys general manager, Kat Little, said that the extensions to Grand Mercure Hadleys was very timely as Hobart was experiencing major growth in demand from the business, conference and leisure travel sectors.
“Improved air access into Hobart and the general perception of the city as an attractive venue for leisure and business travel has seen our market perform strongly even during the global financial crisis,” she said.
“The conference market is particularly strong, but there has been limited supply of new facilities in recent years, so the opening of the new Ballroom will play an important role in attracting new MICE business to Hobart and Tasmania.
Inside the historic hotel which dates back to the 1830’s
“We have been very careful to blend the heritage with the new, so people who have loved Hadleys for its historic feel will still be able to enjoy that style of accommodation and hospitality, but we will now also be able to offer a 21st century accommodation option as well. It is a very exciting time for the hotel and for Hobart tourism.”
Accor is the largest international hotel operator in Tasmania with a major presence in Hobart and Tasmania, as well as offering the internationally acclaimed Cradle Mountain Lodge, a member of Accor’s MGallery collection.
