It makes sense to up the ante in Parramatta, the economic and administrative hub of Western Sydney, and that’s exactly what Crown Group (no relation to the Packer brand) have done with the successful residential development group’s first foray into hospitality.
The Skye Hotel Suites rose from a long vacant CBD block bounded by Hunter, Macquarie and Marsden Streets, just an underarm stone’s toss from Westfield and the train station. Now 72 luxury serviced suites in seven categories from studio to executive 2br bring a whole new level of accommodation to sometimes stodgy Parramatta.
The complex is like a vertical resort, with a residential complex part of the development. Facilities include a stunning 25-metre outdoor lap pool, a pool deck, spa and sauna, gymnasium, events space and a rooftop bar on level 28 (which, at time of writing, was still being fitted out).
Naturally meetings and events forms a large part of business plan and 224 sqm are dedicated to this with three conference spaces easily combined into one.
Dining in the contemporary Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar is an experience in itself and brings sophisticated inner city dining to the west with a menu that includes the “broad influence of flavours that define contemporary Australian cuisine”, a style that encompasses everything from Middle Eastern and Indian to Mediterranean and European. And the wine list is excellent.
Interestingly, Crown Group have eschewed alignment with any of the popular brands or marketing groups and are going it alone with solo branding as well as recruiting and employing their own staff throughout.
