$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open

The dual-branded Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport is getting ready to officially start checking-in guests from 1 July 2024, the first new-build internationally branded hotel to open at the airport in more than two decades.

The $230 million hotel development within easy walking distance of Terminal 4 features a design by FK Architect with interiors by Woods Bagot. The 464 guest rooms are split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms) located within The Hive precinct.

As part of The Hive precinct at Melbourne Airport, Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport also provide business travellers with access to three conference and events spaces including a ballroom for up to 330 guests as well as The Aerofoil, an ultra-modern hotel-serviced co-working space spread across two floors.

Travellers will be offered three F&B venues including Small Holdings Cafe for coffee and pastries, Italian influenced Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar and modern gastro-pub Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen.

Guests at both properties, as well as commuting passengers and airport workers, can also take advantage of access to Higher State, Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club. The one-of-a-kind club features indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre.

“Not only will the new-build hotels provide more choice for travellers seeking a place to stay, they will also offer a welcoming hub for the workers in the airport precinct,” Accor Pacific CEO PM&E, Adrian Williams, said. “Having just been voted the best airport in Australia and the Pacific, it’s only fitting that Melbourne Airport will now be able to meet the increasing demand for more hotel rooms and have greater choice.

“These landmark hotel openings complement and expand upon Accor’s extensive experience with operating airport hotels in key gateway cities across the Pacific region, including Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Auckland and Christchurch.”

Melbourne Airport head of property development and asset development, Stuart Verrier, said the new hotels will offer more choice for both travellers and airport workers.

“Melbourne is now Australia’s largest city, and these hotels are essential for the growing number of people visiting our city, many of whom need a night before or after a long flight. But more than that, they also offer dining, wellness, conference and co-working facilities that provide a reason to come out to Melbourne Airport – even if you’re not flying,” he said.

Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport general manager David Alexander said he was thrilled to be opening the first new-build internationally branded hotels at the airport in 20 years.

“Given that passenger numbers will only continue to increase over the coming years, these properties are a much-needed addition to Melbourne’s tourism industry and are set to bring huge economic and social benefits not only to Melbourne, but also to the state of Victoria,” he said.

Located in the City of Hume, Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport also offers easy access to local attractions including URBNSurf, Essendon Football Club, Melbourne Airport Golf Club and the Sunbury wine region.