Mantra plans to build an exclusive Peppers resort as Brisbane goes five-star
BRISBANE is fast becoming Australia’s capital of new hotels with another five-star venue on the way.
Queensland’s largest hotel owner Mantra has revealed plans to build an exclusive Peppers resort in the river city when it finds a suitable location.
Mantra Group CEO Bob East said the time was right to “introduce the Peppers brand to Brisbane” following the success of seven other establishments throughout the state.
“The market loves that style of product and we think the Brisbane market is ready for that,” Mr East said.
Coming to Brisbane ... Bob East CEO of Mantra Group Ltd with General Manager of Mantra on Edward Jeremy Nordkamp at their venue in Spring Hill. Picture: Annette Dew
The last few years have seen a rush of development in the hotel industry to address a chronic supply shortage with five new or refurbished venues opening their doors this year.
They include Four Points by Sheraton, Alpha Mosaic, TRAP, Gambaro’s Hotel and NEXT at the site of the former Chifley at Lennons Hotel.
In addition, Accor has announced plans for an ibis hotel in Elizabeth Street and W Hotels will build a 300-room establishment overlooking the Brisbane River.
Location location ... the success of a hotel is all about location, says Mantra Group CEO Bob East. Peppers on Blue Resort on Magnetic Island in Queensland.
Mr East said succeeding in the hotel industry was based on three factors, the most important of which was location.
“It’s not rocket science, it’s absolutely about location and it’s about product and having something the customer is looking for,” he said.
“It’s about space, food and beverage options and service is the third component.”
Every one of Mantra’s 116 establishments throughout Australia was making a profit, and Mr East said that was largely because of their location.
Higher standards .. the luxury Peppers Resort in Broadbeach.
“If a site is one street left to where we want to be, we don’t build it,” he said.
“We’re very disciplined to what we put on.”
Fortunately the company has had no trouble finding ideal locations particularly in Queensland, where it now owns 50 hotels and is continuing to expand.
“We’re primarily focused on leisure destinations of Cairns, Noosa, Mooloolaba and the Gold Coast, as well as Brisbane,” Mr East said.
“Over the next five years, we’re looking at least three more (hotels) in Brisbane, at least a couple on the Gold Coast, Noosa and Cairns and we may do another one in a regional centre like Rockhampton.”
Source: PerthNow - 9th October 2014
