L-R: General Manager for Novotel Newcastle Beach Simon Glover; Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Tate; General Manager Hotel Integration Accor, Dino Mezzatesta.

One of the world’s most recognised hotel brands has arrived in Newcastle with the re-branding of The Sebel Newcastle Beach to Novotel Newcastle Beach, following the acquisition by Accor of the Mirvac hotel portfolio.

Officially opened by General Manager Hotel Integration for Accor Asia Pacific, Dino Mezzatesta, on 26 July 2012, the unveiling of the first Novotel in Newcastle was met with support from tourism operators, local government ministers and the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor John Tate.

Heralding the arrival, Dino Mezzatesta said Accor are excited to be taking on an already thriving hotel and look forward to bringing further tourism to Newcastle and the Hunter region.

“The work Simon Glover and his team have done in building relations with the local community has been outstanding and we will continue to support and build upon these bonds under a Novotel banner,” Mezzatesta said.

Simon Glover said the hotel will flourish under its new name. “We have the same staff and standard of service our regulars expect and enjoy.

“We will also remain an important employer for local people. As part of the Accor network, we can now offer our staff access to increased national and international training and global employment opportunities.”

Literally putting the “new” into Newcastle, the Novotel name originates from Nouvelle Hotel, which in French means “new hotel”. In bringing the “new” to Newcastle, the re-brand will help bring international recognition to Newcastle and cement its status as being one of the top 10 must-see destinations in the world, as asserted by Lonely Planet in 2011.

Located just meters from one of Australia’s most magnificent beaches and only 2-hour’s drive north of Sydney, the Novotel Newcastle Beach features 88 well-appointed guestrooms, some with ocean views, a fully equipped gymnasium, spa, steam room, and three meeting rooms.

Guests can take advantage of large furnished balconies with glistening beach vistas from many of the rooms as well as a daily house-keeping service, concierge, in-room dining options and parking facilities.

Offering a relaxed atmosphere with the choice of either alfresco or indoor dining, Bistro Dalby has a modern Australian menu consisting of seasonal dishes featuring an abundance of local produce. The restaurant boasts a comprehensive wine list featuring the best the Hunter Valley has to offer.

With direct access from Bistro Dalby, Bar Petit has become one of Newcastle’s most favoured wine bars and is ever popular with locals. While not operated by the hotel, the small, European style bar features an impressive cocktail list, wine and tapas menu and cool interiors throughout.

Located in the Royal forecourt adjacent to the hotel, The Royal Day Spa is one of Newcastle’s finest day spas and the hotel offers packages which include overnight accommodation, a spa treatment, a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, buffet breakfast and late checkout.

Novotel is the leader in the 4-star hotel market, targeting the business and meetings sectors, as well as having a large focus on leisure and family travel with its ‘Family&Novotel’ initiative.