Hotel Woolstore 1888 to become part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection
Accor has announced that the prominent heritage hotel Hotel Woolstore 1888, will become part of its Handwritten Collection in May 2024.
This addition comes under a hotel management agreement with the new owners, Shakespeare Property Group.
Originally constructed in 1888, Hotel Woolstore 1888 is renowned as the fourth oldest wool store in Sydney. Despite its historic roots, the hotel boasts contemporary design elements, including industrial-chic interiors featuring modern and pop art.
Since its transformation into a hotel in 2013, Hotel Woolstore 1888 has garnered acclaim for its 90 guestrooms, an award-winning neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, as well as private dining and meeting facilities.
Shakespeare Property Group Vice President Hospitality Assets and Investments, Richard Saab, said: "Partnering with Accor to operate Hotel Woolstore 1888 under its Handwritten Collection brand was an ideal choice for us as we really want the original character of the hotel to shine.
"Handwritten Collection offers flexible brand standards, which is perfect for boutique hotel owners. It enhances the guest experience with a few light brand attributes, while still allowing us to benefit from Accor's high standards of hospitality and globally renowned sales, distribution and loyalty platforms.
"The centralised operations and support team operated by Accor provides strong efficiencies for our hotels managed by the Group."
This collaboration marks the fifth venture between Shakespeare Property Group and Accor in Australia. Previous partnerships include Pullman Cairns International, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, and Peppers Marysville.
Adrian Williams, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, emphasized the growing popularity of boutique accommodations and the strategic placement of Hotel Woolstore 1888 in capturing this market demand.
"We are thrilled to partner with Shakespeare Property Group again to open this incredible new addition to our growing portfolio of Handwritten Collection hotels.
"We're seeing rapidly increasing popularity and demand in the boutique accommodation market, and Hotel Woolstore 1888 is well placed to capture this growth as a Handwritten Collection hotel.
"Through our Handwritten Collection brand, we're broadening our portfolio of boutique hotels and bringing together small to mid-size hotels that authentically reflect the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them."
Hotel Woolstore 1888's location in Darling Harbour positions it strategically, complementing Accor's diverse portfolio spanning luxury to economy segments across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia.
Jonathan Jackson, 2nd May 2024
