Chifley Doveton hotel general manager Matthew Ryan and Constellation Hotel Group managing director Jonathan Wooller are getting ready for the hotel’s opening in late April.
By Kelly Yates
WOOD-fired pizzas and Chifley’s own ale will be on the menu as guests check into the Chifley Doveton.
Construction of the four and a half star hotel at the junction of the Princes Highway and South Gippsland Freeway is on track to open its doors in late April, with a grand opening festival set to take place in September.
The News toured the site last week with Chifley Doveton hotel general manager Matthew Ryan and Constellation Hotel Group managing director Jonathan Wooller.
Mr Wooller said the 128-room hotel had been designed with modern and efficient rooms and sustainable features.
One of the assets of the hotel is the on site 350-space car parking area, according to Mr Wooller.
“One of the keys was making sure the hotel had enough car spaces to cater for the conferences, events and weddings,” he said.
Residents, along with hotel guests, will also be treated to the restaurant, which includes the alfresco dining at the Coldwater Creek tavern.
The Coldwater Creek tavern will feature a micro brewery where guests will be able to sample Chifley’s own ale.“We’ll have three types of beer made in the hotel and guests will get to see firsthand how it is made,” Mr Wooller said.
The hotel has also imported an oven from Italy for the wood-fired pizzas.
Mr Wooller said he hoped the hotel would attract both business and leisure travellers.
“The location is the gateway to Phillip Island and the Peninsula as it’s an easy stopping point,” he said.
The hotel will start hiring staff next month. Mr Ryan said the hotel was looking for around 30 staff, from casual to full-time.
The Freeway Sports Centre, adjacent to the new hotel, will also be getting an upgraded to look like the exterior of the hotel, according to Mr Wooller.
