Accor to launch ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s The Handwritten Collection in Perth

Hotel giant Accor will manage Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s new Perth hotel.

The Wonil Hotel will operate under the Handwritten Collection brand, with profits to be reinvested into the Forrest Research Foundation – one of Australia’s largest philanthropies, supporting scholars and fellows.

The Perth hotel will open on Friday, with a Sydney property the Hotel Morris in Sydney’s Pitt Street, to follow next month.

Dr Forrest has shown a growing interest in hospitality, with the mining magnate’s private investment arm Tattarang acquiring North Queensland’s Lizard Island for $42 million in 2022.

It is also rumoured that Tattarang is negotiating to acquire the 220-room Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Sydney Harbour for $572 million.

This is yet to be confirmed and calls by The Australian went unanswered.

The Handwritten Collection looks to be growing in popularity, with another 12 hotels committing to the new brand.

According to Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry the new brand has a development footprint of 110 global hotels encompassing more than 11,500 rooms. It is aimed at boutique hotel owners.

The Wonil Hotel in Perth is a 66-room hotel located in the Forrest Hall Precinct on the banks of the Swan River.

“Wonil Hotel, Perth is the first Handwritten Collection Hotel to open in Australia and is tailored to guests who wish to be located near the campus and surrounding areas and value high standards in style, amenities and design,” Derry said in a statement.

Wonil is touted Forrest Research Foundation director James Arvanitakis as the perfect destination for visiting academics and others staying in Perth. It is owned by the University of Western Australia.

The Hotel Morris will reopen next month after a three-year renovation and rebranding. It features 82-rooms and an art deco style. It was built in 1929 within an Italian renaissance building and was Australia’s tallest building for 34 years.

23rd January 2023