The former Hotel on Olive has taken on a name-change and refresh but the new Mercure Albury has retained many of the main features, including its popular restaurant, which have led to its enduring appeal.
Approximately $800-thousand has been spent on refurbishments, including rendering of the building’s exterior, new lighting and signage and cosmetic interior updates to the décor.
Ryan Shaw and John Zeckendorf of Mandala Asset Solutions took over the hotel 18 months ago. General Manager Tracy Kerr says it’s a vote of confidence in the bustling Albury CBD
“The owners are very passionate about hotels and had been looking in the Albury market for quite a while, Ryan leapt at the chance to purchase the hotel even while John was away, busy climbing Mt Everest at the time” Tracy said.
“At the moment it’s also the only Accor Hotel in the network, so we’re noticing a lot of new visitors travelling the Sydney or Melbourne, Canberra Melbourne routes choosing to stay with us, rather than driving to other destinations such as Wagga.”
While corporates and tourists make up the bulk of visitors to Mercure Albury, locals continue to show great loyalty to the regionally renowned Restaurant 579 On Olive, run by chef Melissa Pollard.
The menu now features a range of dishes designed to offer nourishing, wholesome, comfort food & reimagined favourites, rather than fine dining of three to five years ago.
“We’ve also shifted the orientation of our restaurant to have a greater focus on local produce, with a seasonal changing menu every three months,” Tracy said.
A name change and refurbishment is only the beginning for Mercure Albury, with Tracy also hoping to develop a calendar of events for next year.
“There are plans to further grow partnerships with local producers and introduce events, such as wine and food tasting evenings.”
“This may take the form of a degustation menu featuring one of the local distilleries and regional chocolatiers, a visiting renowned chef, local winery showcase or possibly one of several other ideas afoot – we’ve only just begun to work on the concepts.
“Some events will be invitation only to Accor’s member program ‘Accor Plus’ participants of the region.
“Planning will take place over the next six months to develop a calendar for next year.”
For more on Mercure Albury: http://www.mercurealbury.com.au/
Produced by Border Cafe in partnership with AlburyCBD & Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce.
