Novotel Devonport set for Tasmanian arrival

by James Wilkinson

Accor is set to open in stunning new hotel, Novotel Devonport, in Tasmania’s northwest, later this year.

Construction is nearing completion on the highly anticipated 187-room hotel, which will feature a restaurant and bar, 24-hour room service and fitness centre, and a meeting room for up to 20 delegates.

Overlooking the Mersey River, Novotel Devonport, set to open in the final quarter of 2022. boasts an unrivalled waterfront location close to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal and with direct access to the paranaple convention centre. The property represents one of the most significant tourism investments in the region in years.

Accor Pacific CEO, Sarah Derry, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Fragrance Group to open Novotel Devonport.

“The presence of this popular international brand will expose Devonport and the greater northern Tasmania region to a broader market and contribute to the region’s ability to attract major conferences, events and groups.

“Novotel recently celebrated its 30th anniversary in Australia and, during this time, has established a commanding position in the four-star hotel segment. Novotel Devonport’s offering will be tailored to suit smart, successful business and leisure travellers who value great guest service and leading design.”

Novotel has one of the largest brand footprints across Australia and New Zealand, with more than 40 hotels in key metropolitan and leisure destinations. The brand’s global reputation for intuitive, modern design and rewarding guest experiences is expected to make Novotel Devonport a popular attraction in the city, which has historically been undersupplied with quality accommodation offerings despite being a major gateway for tourism and trade.

Novotel Devonport’s owner, Fragrance Group CEO, James Koh, said: “We are excited to further develop our partnership with Accor and deliver Novotel Devonport, which will be an elevated addition to north Tasmania’s tourism offering.

“The city of Devonport is on the precipice of a significant tourism boom, with additional major infrastructure works underway to further enhance the destination. Novotel Devonport is a celebration of innovative interior design, thoughtful detail and, importantly for this location, will provide a great culinary experience for guests and the local community.”

Novotel Devonport is the fifth hotel that Mr. Koh has partnered with Accor on in Australia, following the success of Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, Novotel Perth Murray Street, and ibis Styles Hobart.

The Lyons Architecture-designed hotel was conceptualised to act as an iconic horizontal land bridge, visually connecting the Mersey River to the city of Devonport. The hotel seemingly floats above its parkland setting as a striking elevated structure propped on sculptural columns.

Complementing its exterior form, the hotel’s interior design, by Singapore-based Kreat Studio, is timeless and classic, with a neutral colour palette inspired by the natural beauty of Tasmania. Warm accents of red and yellow, seen in the leather and fabric upholstery of decorative furniture pieces, add depth and visual interest.

Novotel Devonport will offer a variety of spacious, well-appointed accommodation options, including standard, superior and deluxe guestrooms, along with a selection of executive suites.

The hotel is collaborating with local photographer Nuala Byrne to create a striking mural of north-west Tasmanian scenery that will be featured behind the bedhead in each guestroom.

The coastal city of Devonport is uniquely accessible by both land and sea. It is a gateway to Tasmania’s picturesque northwest region and beyond, with a bounty of fresh produce on its doorstep and plenty to explore right in town.

For visitors arriving into Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania, Novotel Devonport will act as a marker of the city as the head of the river is approached, sitting in concert with the paranaple convention centre and waterfront parkland as a new gateway to Devonport.

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