Peppers makes its debut in the Clare Valley

The Clare Valley, one of Australia's best wine regions to visit, has a new address with a new restaurant.

The former Clare Country Club is entering a new chapter as Peppers Clare Valley and is marking the occasion with the launch of its new restaurant, Clara.

The re-launch introduces the Peppers brand to the property - and the region.

“This re-launch marks a significant milestone for the property and an opportunity to further strengthen one of South Australia's great regional tourism destinations," says Tony Fehon, executive director of hotel owner Kyron Capital and chairman of Kyron's Hotel Fund.

"The introduction of the Peppers brand and the opening of Clara are part of a significant investment in the hotel, designed to showcase the best of the Clare Valley and attract more visitors to the region.

"Across Kyron's hotel portfolio we continue to invest in destinations that have strong local character, enhancing facilities, guest experiences and long-term value for the communities and investors we serve.”

Clara, led by head chef Matthew Sanderson, promises to celebrate South Australian produce through seasonal dishes that reflect the region and the people who grow, raise and make its ingredients.

“My vision for Clara is to showcase the very best of South Australian produce,” the chef said. 'I want to work closely with local farmers, growers and producers, letting exceptional ingredients lead the way and creating food that is seasonal, refined and connected to the region.”

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Accor in the Pacific region, said: "Peppers Clare Valley is a wonderful addition to our collection of Peppers properties and perfectly captures what makes the brand so special: memorable destinations, authentic local experiences and warm hospitality.

"Together with Clara, it creates a place where guests can slow down, savour the region's incredible food and wine, and experience the Clare Valley at its very best.”

Both Clara and Peppers Clare Valley are open for bookings, with rooms starting from $195 per night. Visit www.peppersclarevalley.com.au

Image: Alex Van de Loo/Say Cheese Social

Jacob's Creek wine brand seeks to boost its profile

Jacob's Creek has long been one of Australia's highest-profile wine brands. 

And now it is seeking to boost its marketing with the launch of a new campaign: ‘Welcome to the Creek’. 

Brand owners Vinarchy say "a bolder visual identity and fresh creative approach give people a reason to rediscover Jacob’s Creek as an Australian powerhouse wine brand".

The Australian campaign activity will build towards a major sponsorship at the Australian Open tennis championship in January, alongside a new look for the Classic range. 

I've always found the Classic range offers good value for money - and the new vintage La Petit Rosé is outstanding.

“We’re incredibly proud of Jacob’s Creek, and we’re excited to show Australians a different side of a brand they know so well," says Jacob’s Creek global brand director Camille McKay. 

" ‘Welcome to the Creek’ brings personality and energy to Jacob’s Creek, while keeping the quality and easy enjoyment people love."

For more info see jacobscreek.com.

Farewell BWH, hello WorldHotels

BWH, formerly known as Best Western, is re-branding itself as WorldHotels. 

That will be the master brand for a portfolio of more than 4,000 hotels across 100 countries, bringing 18 brands and a combined loyalty membership of 70 million into a more unified platform.

The transformation aims to raise brand awareness, simplify hotel discovery and strengthen direct bookings while helping independent properties compete more effectively in the global hospitality market, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The company said the move reflects consumer research showing that travellers often recognize only part of its portfolio, despite a presence across luxury, boutique, upscale, extended-stay and economy segments.

Larry Cuculic, president and CEO of WorldHotels, said the unified approach would make the company’s offering easier to understand while giving hotel owners greater opportunities to compete internationally.

WorldHotels Rewards will combine Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards into one program. 

The group’s upscale and luxury properties will be brought together under WorldHotels Collection, which encompasses six categories: WorldHotels Luxury, Elite, Distinctive, Crafted, Backdrop and Residences.

Which confuses the hell out of me. 

Do you know the difference between BW Premier Collection and Best Western Plus? Me neither. 

How about WorldHotels Luxury Collection, WorldHotels Elite Collection, WorldHotels Crafted Collection and WorldHotels Distinctive Collection?

Ron Pohl, president of WorldHotels Collection, says the new platform will give independent properties access to the distribution, technology and commercial resources of a global network without requiring them to abandon their individual identities.

Rightho. 

See https://www.worldhotels.com/

A luxe Hunter destination with room for 24 people

Looking for somewhere special to stay to keep a large group entertained in the Hunter Valley?

How about a property on 25 private acres with 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms that is capable of sleeping 24 people? 

Hunter Valley Stays has just unveiled new look Lovedale Manor in the heart of the Hunter wine tourism zone. 

The original cottage at the property has been joined by a new residence that is promoted as being "designed for bringing everyone together in extraordinary style".

Think soaring ceilings, well-appointed interiors, plenty of living spaces and room to celebrate or relax. 

There's a pool (top image) for chilling out after some wine tasting. And a billiards table.   

Lovedale Manor is being promoted as being perfect for milestone birthdays, wedding guest accommodation, family gatherings and grand occasions.

To celebrate the launch, guests who book for two nights are being offered a third night free - as well as being gifted a case of Hunter Valley wine on arrival. 

Contact the reservations team on 0477 010 010 or see https://www.huntervalleystays.com.au/hunter-valley-accommodation/lovedale-manor-12-bedrooms-lovedale/

Dunedin to get a new internationally branded hotel

Dunedin is get a a new internationally branded hotel - in a familiar location.

Marriott International has signed a Franchise Agreement with CP Group to bring Fable Dunedin into Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

Fable Dunedin, Autograph Collection is expected to be integrated into Marriott’s global distribution platforms from next month.

The hotel has previously been known as Wains and was once a Mercure.

The signing will mark Marriott’s debut in the Otago city and builds on the company’s continued expansion across New Zealand with CP Group.

It follows the recent announcement of three new property signings in September 2026: Marriott Rotorua and Autograph Collection hotels in Wellington and Auckland, as well as St. Regis Queenstown, currently in development.



"Within a few short years, we will have grown our presence in New Zealand from a single property in Auckland in 2022, to a network of 10 expected hotels spanning Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Rotorua and now Dunedin”, said Richard Crawford, regional vice president for hotel development.

Fable Dunedin is a five-star hotel offering 50 guest rooms and suites, alongside The Press Club, its on-site restaurant and bar.

Originally built as the Wains Hotel in 1862, the property was renovated in 2021.

A new place to stay in Auckland for those on a budget

 

Looking for a place to stay in central Auckland that won't bust your budget? 

Accor has announced the debut of the greet brand in New Zealand with the opening of greet Hotel Auckland Off Queen.

Located in the heart of Auckland's CBD, the 82-room greet hotel Auckland Off Queen marks the brand's first property in New Zealand.

Formerly known as Ascotia Off Queen, it is situated just a short walk from Myers Park and within easy reach of the city's dining, shopping, entertainment and business districts. The promo material says the hotel offers a "convenient and affordable base" for travellers exploring Auckland.

Launched in 2019 in Beaune, France, the greet brand is built on the belief that feeling good shouldn't cost a fortune. 

With affordability and convenience at its core, the brand champions "a fresh and forward-looking approach to hospitality, focusing on meaningful essentials, positive hospitality and eclectic personality", I am reliably informed.

From comfortable beds and great showers to tasty breakfasts, reliable wifi and friendly service, greet delivers straightforward and satisfying stays that are big on personality and low on budget, the promotional material says.

Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region, is fired up. 

“We're so excited to introduce greet to New Zealand, bringing a fresh approach to affordable hospitality to the Auckland market," he says. 

"At greet, the philosophy is simple: feeling good shouldn't cost a fortune. The brand focuses on the things travellers value most - comfortable rooms, a great night's sleep, friendly service and genuine value for money. 

"It's about doing the meaningful essentials well, while bringing a sense of personality and positivity to every stay. 

"As we continue to expand Accor's presence across New Zealand, we're pleased to introduce another distinctive brand that responds to evolving traveller expectations.”

Partnering with Accor for his second hotel alongside the neighbouring Mercure Auckland Queen Street, with both properties operated by independent management company 1834 Hotels, owner Dr Bryan Ngoi said: 

“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Accor and introduce greet to New Zealand for the first time. greet offers a compelling proposition for today's travellers, combining affordability, comfort and personality with the strength of Accor's global distribution capabilities. 

"The brand's flexible conversion model provides an exciting opportunity to give our established property a new lease of life, while continuing to enhance the guest experience. We look forward to welcoming guests to greet Hotel Auckland Off Queen and bringing the brand's feel-good approach to hospitality to the heart of Auckland.”

Since opening its first hotel in 2019, greet's footprint has grown to more than 45 hotels and 3,300 rooms, with an established presence in European markets including France, Germany, Austria and Belgium.

Further development is planned across Europe and Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Thailand, Greece, Spain and Poland. 

To celebrate its opening, greet Hotel Auckland Off Queen is offering room rates from $115 per night. Bookings are available via ALL.com.