Today marks one year since Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection opened its doors to become the first Marriott International hotel in Canberra, and the first independently owned and operated Autograph Collection hotel in Australia.
Designed by acclaimed Australian architect firm, Fender Katsalidis, Midnight Hotel is part of a mixed-use residential and commercial precinct, and presents a premium hotel offering to visitors to the capital.
Despite the tumultuous year faced by the entire hotel industry, from devastating bushfires surrounding the capital, to a global pandemic that continues to challenge and restrict travel, the team at Midnight Hotel recognise success in the anniversary milestone.
The launch of Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection one year ago today marked a significant milestone for parent company, Iconic Hotels by Geocon. “Our inclusion in Marriott International’s portfolio of boutique hotels placed Canberra on the map for more than 120 million loyalty members worldwide,” said Rien Donkin, general manager of Iconic Hotels by Geocon.
“Midnight Hotel embodies a design-led philosophy. Through collaborative partnerships with local designers, artists and makers, we are able to tell Canberra’s dynamic creative story to a host of new and returning visitors to the capital”.
One such partnership saw unique, custom artworks designed and created by acclaimed artist, Thomas Bucich, placed in all guest rooms. Part of Bucich’s ‘Relic’ Series, each piece features reclaimed Australian wood and bark plated in copper or nickel, mounted on painted board. Created solely for Midnight Hotel, no two pieces are identical.
Local industrial designer, René Linssen was also commissioned to create a bespoke Midnight Hotel ‘M’ brass bottle opener, included in each guest room, and available to purchase via the online Midnight Store.
Neighbouring boutique micro-brewery BentSpoke Brewing Co. partnered with the hotel to design two unique tap beers, Braddon Ale and Midnight Lager, both available to purchase exclusively at the hotel’s bar and restaurant.
“In addition to our work with local creatives and businesses, our partnerships with like-minded cultural institutions, such as the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, and our support for annual festivals such as DESIGN Canberra, further elevate our commitment to the design community”, said Mr Donkin. “Likewise, we thank these partners for their consistent support throughout our first year.”
In thanking the hotel’s growing community of guests and partners, Midnight Hotel’s general manager Paull English said the past year has been both challenging and rewarding for the team.
“No-one could have predicted the year that we are experiencing. Navigating the numerous hurdles faced by the travel industry across the past six months has tested us as a team,” said Mr English. “From welcoming our first guests a year ago, to quickly adapting to a changed travel landscape, we are lucky to have such a strong, passionate and dedicated team. Owing this to the ongoing support received from our guests, community and partners; we thank them for this.”
Despite the tribulations faced in its first year, Midnight Hotel has also seen the brand celebrate numerous triumphs. Shortlisted in the 2020 Australian Institute of Architects ACT Architecture Awards – Commercial Architecture, the 2020 Eat Drink Design Awards – Best Hotel Design, 2020 The Urban Developer Awards – Hotel Development of the Year, and awarded gold at the 2020 Sydney Design Awards by DRIVENxDESIGN – Mixed Use Architecture.
Providing guests with exceptional service in an exceptional setting, as well as a host of experiences, exactly like nothing else, Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection looks forward to entering its second year, and a future of safe travel.
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