SKYE Suites serviced apartment hotels has seen a spike in bookings from those needing a quiet space to work from a “home away from home” or to wait for flights and borders to reopen.
The hotel group announced early this week its launch into the long-stay market in response to the changing needs of travelers – the response saw a 7% percent lift in forwarding bookings for April.
Both of its SKYE Suites hotels, in Sydney and Parramatta, were already perfectly set up to offer long stays, with self-contained apartments with their own kitchens and laundries, but the new rates make it affordable to stay for months on end.
There is keyless entry and ‘virtual concierge’ tablets in each suite for guests to access hotel services, as well as an option for mobile check-in – ensuring a contact-less check-in and stay.
They offer spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments sized from 43sqm to 80sqm, each with its own open-air balconies or courtyards to take in fresh air and stretch out.
A third SKYE Suites hotel will open soon as part of the iconic $575 million Infinity by Crown Group development, which is shaping up to be Sydney’s most sought-after place to live, play and stay.
Crown Group Chief Operating Officer Pierre Abrahamse said: “This rapidly changing travel landscape has had a dramatic effect on hotel bookings at our two hotels, in Sydney and Parramatta.
“But since we went out with our messaging and new pricing earlier this week for a long-stay offering, we’ve seen a noticeable spike in bookings from people looking for a quiet space to work from a home away from home or while they work remotely.
“We’ve had one company CEO book in for three months so he can work somewhere quiet during the day, away from the distractions of his family, and a doctor book for a month while he is stationed in Sydney temporarily.”
Mr Abrahamse says the hotels are perfectly set up for this type of stay – a comfortable urban retreat that is completely self-contained. “Guests can do all their own cooking and washing, order takeaway from the restaurants downstairs, and enjoy their own entertainment on huge flat-screen TVs, just as they would at home,” he said. “They literally don’t need to step out the door to enjoy a nice lifestyle.”
SKYE Suites offer kitchens with SMEG cooktops, microwave ovens, fridges, a washing machine and dryer and ample bathroom and living space. Each has an enclosed balcony or courtyard and second wall-mounted flat-screen TV in two-bedroom apartments.
Little kids and big kids alike can catch a movie or watch Netflix by streaming their own content to huge in-room TV screens via Google Chromecast and Honeybadger Technologies.
Sleeping Duck bedding allows guests to choose mattress firmness on each side of the bed. Fine glassware and Vittoria or Nespresso coffee machines make it feel like a sophisticated home – while the well-stocked complimentary mini-bar adds that luxe hotel touch. There are Kevin Murphy bathroom amenities and an excellent gym with Life Fitness equipment.
When it opens mid-year above Green Square train station, SKYE Suites Green Square will have 90 luxurious apartments in a precinct designed by globally renowned Koichi Takada Architects. It has 326 residential apartments and 18 retail and dining offerings including Butcher & The Farmer, Nam2, McDonalds and Gong Cha bubble tea.
The SKYE SUITES brand first launched in August 2017 with the opening of the stunning SKYE Suites Parramatta, part of a mixed-use residential, retail and hotel development, V by Crown Group.
The building was designed by Allen Jack + Cottier and Koichi Takada Architects and Crown Group’s signature resort facilities including a beautiful outdoor pool area, well-equipped gym and expansive foyer.
It also has conference rooms with remote video conferencing set-up. The second SKYE Suites opened in October 2018 as part of the stunning Arc by Crown Group residential tower at 300 Kent St.
This luxe and inviting enclave in the heart of the city was also designed by Koichi Takada Architects whose “ice cave” themed lobby and lap pool have become one of Sydney’s most Instagrammed spaces.
The building has become known for its eye-catching brickwork and glass and steel towers that soar dramatically into the city skyline. It has 73 plush and inviting hotel apartments.
Both hotels have earned accolades at the HM Awards two years running, for Best Serviced Apartment Property and Best Tech Hotel.
