NSW New England region gets its first five-star hotel

By Travel Weekly

Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges has announced the completion of the property’s multi-million-dollar redevelopment.

The renovations saw the public areas, restaurant, bar, guest rooms and conference and event spaces completely reimagined to offer a new level of sophisticated luxury and deliver the New England region of NSW its first five-star hotel.

The completion of renovations also marks the launch of Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth’s 20 brand-new luxe serviced apartments, a mix of one- and two-bedroom options and a three-bedroom villa.

The apartments complement the property’s 61 newly refurbished rooms and suites which feature bespoke leather bedheads, marble bedside tables and bathrooms, high-speed (and free) WiFi, 60-inch 4K smart TVs on an acoustic wave wall, wireless mobile chargers, multiple USB ports and sink-in pillow top king beds.

Furniture was sourced locally wherever possible for the redevelopment, which took place over three years.

Greg Maguire, owner of Powerhouse Hotels Group, said: “This project is an investment in the future of Tamworth. It has been a substantial project, but could not have been finalised at a more opportune time.

“I am proud to have been able to up the ante of our own hotel accommodation experience, providing a luxury stop in country NSW for guests, particularly at a time when the appetite for regional travel is strong as Australians are wanting to explore more of their broader backyard.

“We are looking to lure more visitors to Tamworth, to show them how incredible the region is and what country hospitality is all about.

Maguire said Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth has taken the beauty and history of the New England region, the nostalgia of the roadside motel and elevated it to a new level.

“When guests visit us, they will find a level of sophistication throughout that offers a true escape, and a sense of comfort and luxury more commonly associated with urban hotels around the world,” he said.

Norman Arundel, director of hotels and resorts at Event Hospitality & Entertainment, said: “The completion of the renovations reflects the passion Greg Maguire and his team have for Tamworth and New England and comes on the back of more than 40 years of business.

“The introduction of a premium accommodation option like the Powerhouse Tamworth will play a pivotal role in helping to position Tamworth as a year-round destination, with a thriving regional city and so much to offer travellers, and we look forward to working with the local team to keep Tamworth top of mind with travellers.”

Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth is located along the New England Highway in the heart of Tamworth, only 10 minutes’ drive from Tamworth Airport, and just over 4.5 hours’ drive north-west of Sydney.

Its location is easily identified by the obelisk at the front of the property, erected to recognise Tamworth as the first town in Australia and the southern hemisphere to provide its residents with electric street lighting in 1888. The hotel was built on the original power station or ‘powerhouse’ site.

Along with its accommodation, Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth incorporates the iconic regional dining establishment, The Workshop Kitchen, which features 800 bottles of wine encased in a beautifully detailed wall, an elaborate open kitchen and subtle classic design detailing with leather banquette joinery, marble and bespoke cabinetry.

The restaurant is renowned for its wood-fired grill, stand-out local steaks and two-glass rated wine list, and sits alongside the classy-cool Coal Bunker Bar with brass and timber elements and deep aqua hued velvet soft furnishings.

The hotel boasts 24-hour reception and room service, six contemporary venue spaces for corporate and social events as well as a gym, outdoor pool, spa, BBQ area, sauna and guest laundry.

The hotel also offers two Tesla Destination Charging stations and limousine transfer services.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Event Hospitality & Entertainment Greg Maguire New England New England region Norman Arundel nsw Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth Powerhouse Hotel Tamworth by Rydges