Australia’s largest hotel operator has launched The Sebel Melbourne Kew, taking over the former Hotel 115 as part of a franchise agreement with Regional Accommodation Group (RA Group).

The Sebel Melbourne Kew is the ninth property for the brand in Victoria and its 35th in Australia and New Zealand.

The property is RA Group’s first city-based hotel, with the company’s existing portfolio comprising eight regional properties across NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

RA Group is undertaking a refurbishment of the hotel’s lobby and reception, with future upgrades to its 89 hotel rooms and 23 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments planned.

The Sebel Melbourne Kew is 6km from the city’s CBD and features a function space with capacity for 130 guests for cocktail receptions, or 80 guests for banquets.

“We are thrilled to welcome The Sebel Melbourne Kew to our extensive network of hotels in Melbourne’s city centre and suburbs,” says Adrian Williams, Accor’s Pacific chief operating officer, PM&E.

“This addition perfectly complements our portfolio in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, providing an exceptional base for corporate and leisure travellers.

“With Melbourne’s calendar of iconic events, including the Australian Open, Boxing Day Test and Australian Grand Prix, Kew offers the perfect base with its convenient city connections, leafy charm, vibrant village atmosphere and outstanding cafes, bars and boutique shops.”

RA Group’s managing director, Dominic Quilligan, is equally pleased with the Accor partnership in Kew.

“Branding the property as The Sebel was central to the deal,” he says.

“My team is excited to work with Accor to utilise its knowledge and experience of the inner-city Melbourne market, as well as to witness the expected significant uplift in the property’s performance through Accor’s established distribution channels and marketing.”