All change at landmark Sydney hotel

All change at one of Sydney's leading heritage hotels: Hotel Woolstore 1888. 

The hotel's new owners, Shakespeare Property Group, have inked a deal with Accor that will see the property join its portfolio of Handwritten Collection hotels this month. 

The landmark Darling Harbour property was originally built in 1888 and is the fourth-oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney. The former Ovolo property is known for its contemporary design and industrial-chic interiors with modern and pop art on the walls. 

First opened as a hotel in 2013, the four-level sandstone and brick building boasts 90 guest rooms, a  neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, a private dining room and meeting space, but has never really cut through a competitive space.

Shakespeare Property group vice president for hospitality assets and investments Richard Saab said: “Partnering with Accor to operate Hotel Woolstore 1888 under its Handwritten Collection brand was an ideal choice for us as we really want the original character of the hotel to shine.

“Handwritten Collection offers flexible brand standards, which is perfect for boutique hotel owners. It enhances the guest experience with a few light brand attributes, while still allowing us to benefit from Accor’s high standards of hospitality and globally renowned sales, distribution and loyalty platforms.

“The centralised operations and support team operated by Accor provides strong efficiencies for our hotels managed by the group.”

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is the fifth hotel that Shakespeare Property Group has partnered with Accor on in Australia, following Pullman Cairns International, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and Peppers Marysville.

The hotel is located in a prominent inner-city location on the corner of Pyrmont and Murray Streets in Darling Harbour, just behind the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour and the soon-to-be redeveloped Harbourside Shopping Centre, currently a building site.

Handwritten Collection is a global portfolio of unique hotels and there are just two Handwritten Collection hotels in Australia right now: Hotel Morris Sydney and Wonil Hotel Perth.

See ALL.com