The world’s largest hotel chain – Marriott International – has opened its doors in Adelaide, adding a further 285 rooms to the city’s accommodation sector.
It comes as Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) accommodation figures show the number of rooms booked from April to June was up five per cent on the same time last year, with 458,000 reservations made.
The $200m Adelaide Marriot Hotel, at the historic GPO building on the corner of Franklin and King William Streets, adds to a strong line of hotel investment in the state.
AEDA Economic Research Advisor Jordon Tomopoulos says the accommodation sector is going from strength to strength.
“We’ve had a 25 per cent increase in room supply in the city, with all these hotels popping up… over the past four years,” he says.
“There has been more rooms booked in the first quarter of the year than there was (in the same quarter) last year, so that’s a really good sign for the economy.”
The five-star hotel features a presidential suite, club lounge, the Penny Blue contemporary dining experience and Exchange Lane—a coffee shop in the morning but bar by night.
Adelaide Marriott Hotel general manager Paul Gallop says Adelaide is “booming” and looks forward to the hotel contributing to the city’s economy.
“Our prime city location makes Adelaide Marriott Hotel the perfect launching pad for interstate and overseas visitors to tap into all that the destination has to offer,” Mr Gallop says.
“From premier cultural, sporting, culinary, and business events, to exploring world-renowned wine regions, Adelaide is booming. We are excited to open this milestone hotel, the first Marriott Hotel in South Australia, and look forward to welcoming our guests to experience our heartfelt service and wonderful hospitality.”
Marriott International, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific president Jason Nuell says the hotel combines contemporary design and elevated guest experiences.
“With spaces to connect, work, or unwind, coupled with heartfelt service true to the brand’s promise, we aim to make Adelaide a must-see destination for domestic and international travelers alike,” Mr Nuell says.
AEDA data shows hotel accommodation occupancy in greater Adelaide outperformed the rest of Australia in all months but June of this year.
March was the strongest on record for any month in history, with an average 8,687 rooms occupied each night of the month.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettiison says investment in major events contributed to strong booking numbers and was “paying dividends for jobs and the state’s economy.
“Well done to all those who contribute to our state’s accommodation sector, with record-breaking results demonstrating why leading global hotel chains like the Marriott are investing nearly $2.2 billion right here, in Adelaide,” she says.
“The new Adelaide Marriott Hotel will be yet another reason for those considering a visit to South Australia to commit to a trip and discover why our state is a must-visit destination all year round.”
Hotel construction has injected almost $2.2billion into the metropolitan economy since 2020.
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