The Lodge - Mudgee has become the latest accommodation property to enter a partnership with international chain Choice Hotels Australasia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The partnership was announced recently and from early 2015 the local 3.5 star hotel will become Comfort Inn The Lodge - Mudgee.
The Lodge - Mudgee director, Joe Adendorff, said the partnership had been seriously considered by the team for about 18 months.
“We wanted to make sure this was the right decision,” he said.
“We’ve been building The Lodge brand for the past two-and-a-half years and we saw this opportunity as one to align with an internationally recognised brand.”
Mr Adendorff said there were several influential reasons behind the decision.
“Choice Hotels have a membership rewards program that will help cater for corporate clients who might be staying here every one or two weeks and then want to earn a special holiday for the family,” he said.
“What we’re also finding is travellers are big on loyalty based partnerships. By earning more points they might be able to have the occasional night free.”
Another market The Lodge – Mudgee aims for is bus groups visiting the region. A third market includes international travellers. The business has already developed a Chinese website and has signed on to Chinese tourism ready programs.
Choice Hotels has added 20 properties to its portfolio this year.
Choice’s chief executive, Trent Fraser, said he was delighted by the level of growth across the market over the last few months.
“Our strong brand reputation is creating a lot of interest from existing hotel owners as well as investors in the industry. We are excited to bring all of these new properties into our portfolio and look forward to this increased interest continuing as we look to expand even further,” he said.
He said travellers can seek value and reliability through Comfort Inn The Lodge Mudgee.
“The property is currently undergoing a major refurbishment which will see the addition of conference facilities to support the growing business market in the region. Other property features include a salt water pool, access to a fitness centre, Route 66 Bar and the Henry Lawson Restaurant,” Mr Fraser said.