Hoteliers in Melbourne are breathing a sigh of relief ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend with central Melbourne occupancy rates holding at about 90 per cent, despite fears of group booking cancellations as a result of the Middle East crisis.
“There was concern for the cancellation of group bookings but that doesn’t appear to have eventuated,” Accommodation Australian Accommodation Australian CEO James Goodwin said.
Last year, occupancy rates for the Saturday, albeit on a different weekend, were around 94 per cent.
“The occupancy rates of 90 per cent a really good indication of a strong weekend ahead for Formula 1,” Goodwin said.
While occupancy rates were a little down, those numbers could be offset by visitors extending their stay, given the evolving Middle East situation, he added.
“Largely, a lot of those rooms are being filled be people extending their stay, or people who are already in the country staying a few nights longer,” he said.
“It certainly disrupted the sector at the moment, but we haven’t seen a dramatic rise in cancellations.
“The thing about Formula 1 is it highlights the fragility that we can have in the sector,” he said. “Although we were confident the race was going ahead the success of the event is not just one the track, but it’s in the thriving hotel bars and pubs and full restaurants and the atmosphere the city that also indicates what success looks like.
Centre stage at Sofitel
A McLaren Artura Supercar will command centre stage at Sofitel On Collins for the duration of the Melbourne Formula One 1 Grand Prix week, transforming the five-star hotels lobby.
“This is one of Melbourne’s most exhilarating moments on the global stage,” said Sofitel Melbourne On Collins General Manager, Stephan Leroy.
“Each year, the city transforms during Formula 1 into a celebration of speed, innovation and international style. We are proud to bring that energy into the heart of Collins Street, offering our guests a front-row experience that captures the prestige and excitement of race week, from the striking McLaren Artura in our lobby to a bespoke Grand Prix cocktail crafted exclusively for the occasion.”
The hotel’s Atrium Bar Grand Prix offers the ‘The Atura’ cocktail, priced at $26, which features a limited-edition creation blends premium Patrón tequila with fresh lime and agave, elevated by a touch of crème de violette for a striking light blue hue.
Finished with a blue salt rim, it delivers crisp citrus, subtle floral notes and a smooth, refined finish. Precision-crafted for race week, the cocktail mirrors the striking blue tones of the McLaren Artura on display in the lobby.
