Empower guests with contactless check-in

Garth Kay expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with Punthill, noting the insights which have been gained on delivering genuine guest experiences and sett ing new standards in the industry.

“The opportunity to work alongside Punthill has been a positive experience,” said Kay. “It has given RMS deep insights on delivering genuine guest experience and sett ing new standards in the industry – we are proud to be working alongside the leaders in apartment hotels in Australia. Congratulations on opening your new location this year.”

The apartment hotel leader Punthill is continuing to set new standards in the industry and providing guests with the best digital experience possible.

P22

He said: “Our network expansion is focused on bringing good quality new accommodation options to CBD, suburban and regional markets, in locations underpinned by the business travel segments.”

Mr Sanjana proudly believes Punthill Essendon North is now the premium accommodation choice for both corporate and leisure guests in this location. However, it was a four-anda-half-year journey from the handshake deal to the opening of Punthill Essendon North which Mr Sanjana describes as “challenging”.

He told us: “We began a relationship with the developer in 2018 and really liked their plan for the property.

“But due to COVID, some difficult times were endured by the stakeholders, the brand, and the whole project team but everyone remained both committed to the vision and flexible with both time and ideas. Now I am delighted that despite a couple of false starts we were able to pull this exceptional property together in such uncertain times.”

How would he describe the finished property?

“It’s very distinct and stylish, and very comfortable,” he said.

“I especially love the design of the apartments because they are certainly not ‘cookie cutter’. Due to council requirements for the building each apartment is bespoke and interesting with each window offering unique views,” he said.

“I must say I am also impressed by the surprisingly efficient design of the kitchen, which provides more workspace and storage than usual, and more cooking appliances than guests would normally expect to find in a short stay apartment. This means guests can make themselves at home, they can truly self-cater, and they are happy to stay longer.

“Many of our guests do want extended stays, with five nights being a typical booking and we designed the spacious light filled apartments to appeal to those guests. I describe our accommodation as having an “elevated residential feel”.

“We chose to work with our preferred supplier Furn-Niche, an experienced industry fit-out specialist who we have previously used on other projects. Part of the design brief was to ensure our guests feel at home, but we also wanted them to have the added conveniences they would normally expect in a hotel.”

The accommodation provides guests with an excellent sleep in stylish apartments with comfortable beds and hotel style amenities. The interior design of the apartments is simple and stylish with clean lines, neutral tones of grey and brown are complemented by warm pops of colour and classy wooden finishes. The living space is well thought out with plenty of areas to work, relax and cook, it really has everything needed for an easy extended stay.

And the response from both guests and staff since opening?

“It’s been outstanding,” Mr Sanjana said. “We have received very positive feedback from guests and from the major companies that use our accommodation for corporate travel. Our bookings have been significant and consistent. Generally, people seem to be very excited by the addition of this brand-new product with a high-class finish in a location with an under supplied accommodation market.

“We are also very lucky to have retained a very stable staff team since opening.”