A $15.5 million upgrade to the Alexandra Hills Hotel has been launched, with canapes, champagne and a swish party.
The refurbishment will see a total of 52 hotel rooms opened, with a conference centre, making it one of the largest make-overs undertaken by the Maguire family hotel group.
Spokesman Tom Maguire told guests that the hotel industry and markets were always changing and his family had responded to that, with similar projects at the Colmslie at Morningside and Calamvale hotels.
“We started seven years ago with the Colmslie, putting in 49 rooms and then the Calalmvale with 60 rooms,’’ he said.
“...We started this project two years ago and to be here tonight shows what a dream run it has been. We had great cooperation from Redland City Council.”
Mr Maguire said his family had been in hotels for 110 years.
He said he was sure the major investment would work.
A total of 40 new rooms have been built, with the existing 12 to be refurbished.
It is a major investment for the Redlands that will provide business rooms, cater for conferences and give people heading to North Stradbroke Island quality accommodation in which to stay.
Architects Jean Wu and Craig Chandler said they were happy with the way the design work had gone, especially the architectural statement the addition of the accommodation wing made to the building’s southern face.
Room prices on the hotel’s site range from $165 per night to $375 for suites.
Earlier this year group spokesman Matt McGuire said similar accommodation at Colmslie and Calamvale hotels had an occupancy rate of 80 per cent.
“There’s plenty of industry in the Redlands which means people need somewhere to stay,’’ he said. “We’re building to a 4.5 star standard which is a lot better than staying in a two-star motel.
“There’s nothing like it in the area.’’
Mr McGuire said accommodation out of the CBD as a rule did not get much corporate business on weekends but he hoped that this could be made up in part by visiting sporting teams needing accommodation.
Existing bars and restaurant also were being refurbished.
Marketing would be aimed at corporate clients and families.
