A multi-million dollar investment to transform an existing property into a new Novotel hotel has today been unveiled.

Developed by GCP Hospitality and operated under Accor’s midscale Novotel brand, the new Novotel Melbourne Preston emerges following an extensive refurbishment and rebrand.

Rising seven levels and offering captivating views of the Dandenong, the hotel comprises 383 guestrooms, suites and fully self-contained studio apartments and is ideally positioned on Bell Street at Preston – home to eclectic pockets of vintage shops, cafés, bars and a diverse range of restaurants.

GCP Hospitality CEO and Co-Founder, Christophe Vielle, said: “The opening of Novotel Melbourne Preston is a crucial milestone for GCP Hospitality as it demonstrates our dedication to expanding our hotel portfolio in Australia. Combining comfort, convenience and boasting a great location within easy reach of Melbourne’s CBD and top attractions, Novotel Melbourne Preston is poised to be an exciting destination for business travellers and tourists alike.”

Novotel has one of the largest international brand footprints across the Pacific with more than 40 hotels in key metropolitan and leisure destinations.

Accor Pacific CEO, Sarah Derry, said: “We are delighted to introduce our Novotel brand to Melbourne’s inner-north. Novotel Melbourne Preston is a celebration of innovative interior design, thoughtful detail and, importantly for this location, will provide great food and beverage options for our loyal guests and the local community. The hotel has been tailored to suit smart, successful business and leisure travellers who value great guest service and leading design.”

Melbourne-based architecture and design studio, Architectus, were engaged to create contemporary and sophisticated spaces throughout the hotel, including re-designed guestrooms, a designer reception and lobby area, a brand-new café Stampton & Co and restaurant The Stampton.

Taking inspiration from the intertwining lively, urban commercial area to the west of the hotel and spacious, relaxed residential area to the east, the hotel’s design context boasts a rich mixture of contrasting textures and materiality, along with a relaxed yet lively combination of colours.

The ground floor of the hotel has been activated with the addition of two new reception spaces, new grab and go Stampton & Co café, as well as an assortment of seating arrangements and furniture, offering guests a range of options from a quick set down, lounge area, co-working and informal meeting spaces, plus large meeting tables with integrated power. Finishes include custom-designed carpets, ceramic floor tiles laid in various directions, formats and tones, as well as custom timber screens, dropped timber ceilings, and curtains to define different spaces.

Guestrooms have been designed to maximise a sense of light and space, with custom design carpets and bespoke wall graphics of commissioned photography from the local area. Loose furniture adds warmth and pops of colour throughout the rooms and is reflected in the custom-designed vanities and mirrors in the bathrooms. All rooms also feature modern technology and facilities including a Smart TV, multiple USB hubs, workspace, in-room safe and minibar on demand.

The hotel will also be home to a new onsite restaurant, The Stampton, when it opens in April 2022. Serving a simple yet delicious all-day dining menu of fresh and local homestyle food with a bistro edge, the restaurant has been carefully designed to marry the rustic charm of a farmhouse with Melbourne’s urban hospitality scene. The restaurant’s comfortable and stylish indoor / outdoor spaces will transition seamlessly from day to night, and evoke a sensory experience though quality touches, handmade elements and a focus on ambience and a convivial marketplace atmosphere.

The hotel’s 16 meeting and events spaces have also been refreshed and renovated with new carpets, curtains, reupholstered chairs and an AV upgrade.