4 minute read
Mount Gambier Hotel
from Hotel SA May 2022
by Boylen
GEE-UP FOR THE HISTORIC “G”
WORDS: LUCY BREWER
The Mount Gambier Hotel, fondly known as The G, was established in 1862. The hotel has long been owned and operated by iconic South Australian family business, the Matthews Hospitality Group.
In 2021, the hotel was awarded a $336,740 grant from the Tourism Industry Development Fund (TDIF) to assist with its redevelopment. The project, which cost a total of over $1,122,500, has now been completed.
“The design intent for the Mount Gambier hotel accommodation was to create timeless and elegant spaces, balancing the character and charm of the heritage elements of the hotel with contemporary luxury,” said Lee Cook, who is the General Manager of Hospitality for the Matthews Hospitality Group.
ART INSPIRATION
The group engaged Fleur Linke from Surround Interiors to explore design concepts. For inspiration, Lee and Fleur turned to some original artwork by Limestone Coast artist, Pieter Zaadstra, that was already owned by the Matthews family.
“They’re quite bold, striking pictures… they all highlight the local Limestone Coast area,” said Lee.
“Each room has been individually designed around an art piece, using richly layered interior finishes, colour, pattern and texture to add warmth, interest and personality to complement the artwork.”
The rooms each provide a different experience, but were all designed with relaxation and elegance in mind, and it’s a similar story with the bathrooms.
“The bathrooms have been designed to evoke a sense of calm with a feeling of opulent serenity, using a timeless and elegant combination of finishes,” said Lee.
The finishes in the bathrooms are a combination of marble and brushed brass, and guests will find Aesop products available for use.
CRAZY ABOUT CRAY
As the hotel is arguably the centrepiece of the township, it was important to the group that its heritage was kept intact. The goal was also to champion locality, to look at what Mount Gambier is known and loved for, and present this in the redevelopment.
“That’s where the crayfish element came in,” said Lee, referring to the cray tank that was installed in the hotel. Guests can choose a local crayfish and select how they would like this prepared. This has proved popular, as the crayfish sell out every week.
The bistro is helmed by Head Chef, Brad Wishart, and as well as the crayfish, features a seasonal menu that showcases produce from the Limestone Coast.
“All our dishes incorporate one or more local ingredients,” said Lee.
The G also has gaming and function rooms, as well as an atrium, which Lee said is a great space for corporate travellers to work and enjoy a bite to eat.
DOG FRIENDLY ROOMS
Part of the redevelopment has seen The G offer dogfriendly rooms, which Lee (the owner of a chocolate lab called Leia) said have been a “smashing hit.”
“Every detail has been thought of with the pooch in mind,” he said, noting floorboards in rooms, and lidded bins specifically.
“We have also added a dog yard to add to the experience.”
The G has always been a popular stop for tourists and corporate travellers, and the redevelopment has only made it more appealing. Lee described the hotel as a “homely, old-worldly pub” with modern elements incorporated—not pretentious and not casual, but very comfortable.
