Trilogy Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Pratt as Director of Finance and Development, reinforcing Trilogy’s commitment to optimising financial and operational outcomes across our portfolio.

Pratt joins Trilogy Hotels with more than two decades of senior leadership experience across finance and operations, including key Regional and Vice President finance roles with Accor in both Australia and Asia, as well as prior senior positions with TFE Hotels. Over this time, he has led large multi-country portfolios, partnered closely with owners, and delivered strong financial and operational performance.

In his new role, Pratt will be responsible for driving Trilogy Hotels’ portfolio performance, enhancing financial analysis and feasibility, and contributing to new management opportunities.

Trilogy Hotels’ Chief Executive Officer Scott Boyes shared, “Great people are at the heart of Trilogy’s success and at the centre of everything we do. Paul not only brings outstanding capability and experience but also a deep alignment with our values – collaboration, integrity and performance. His leadership will further enhance our ability to deliver value for owners, exceptional experiences for guests, and meaningful careers for our teams.”

(Sydney, Australia: December 2025): Effective 2 February 2026, Leura Gardens Resort, will be rebranded as Comfort Resort Leura Gardens under a franchise agreement between hotel owner Schwartz Family Company and Choice Hotels Asia-Pac. Trilogy Hotels will continue to operate the resort. The strategic collaboration marks the first time Trilogy Hotels has partnered with Choice Hotels.

Comfort Resort Leura Gardens will operate under the globally recognised Comfort Resorts brand, leveraging Choice Hotels’ world-leading distribution network and loyalty program Choice Privileges. The multi-year franchise agreement extends through 2034, signalling strong confidence in the long-term potential. Located just minutes from the picturesque town of Leura and the gateway to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, less than two hours from Sydney, Comfort Resort Leura Gardens offers guests an ideal destination for relaxation, corporate retreats, conferences, weddings, and functions.

The property’s historic gardens, created in the 1920s by Lady Mabel Fairfax and renowned gardener Hector Hood, remain a distinctive feature of the resort experience today. Currently operating 92 rooms, Comfort Resort Leura Gardens will undergo significant expansion with the addition of approximately 100 new rooms throughout 2026. In addition to room expansions, the property is undergoing comprehensive renovations including upgrades to its solar-heated swimming pool, enhanced guest facilities, and a major redesign of The Olive Tree restaurant.

This room expansion follows the Schwartz Family Company’s recent site acquisition of the adjacent Blue Mountains International Hospitality School, which will be reconfigured along with the addition of Hotel Etico – Australia’s first social enterprise hotel, providing hospitality training for people with disabilities.

“The combination of Trilogy’s operational expertise with Choice Hotels’ global reach and loyalty network, supported by Jerry Schwartz’s strategic vision and investment, creates a compelling proposition for guests and stakeholders alike. We’ve been impressed by the calibre and flexibility of the Choice Hotels team and look forward to building on this relationship,” said Scott Boyes, Chief Executive Officer, Trilogy Hotels.

Jerry Schwartz, Principal of the Schwartz Family Company, shares a longstanding partnership with Choice Hotels, having previously collaborated on Hotel Harry, an Ascend Collection Hotel.

“Our decision to partner with Choice Hotels for Comfort Resort Leura Gardens reflects the brand’s strong position in the mid-scale resort segment and its proven performance in regional markets,” said Schwartz.

“We are confident the globally recognised Comfort brand – combined with Choice’s distribution reach and Trilogy’s operational expertise – will unlock significant value for the property while enhancing the experience for guests and the local community,” added Schwartz.

Trent Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific, added: “We are thrilled to further our relationship with Jerry Schwartz and the Schwartz Family Company through Comfort Resort Leura Gardens. This opportunity also represents our first collaboration with Trilogy Hotels, whose independent management model and focus on operational excellence align perfectly with our mission to connect the world through the power of hospitality.

“Choice Hotels is renowned for delivering a strong value proposition for hotels in the mid and upscale segments, with particular strength in Australia’s regional markets, and we look forward to expanding our offering and portfolio in New South Wales by working hand in hand with these top hotel and hospitality innovators.”

The resort features an on-site restaurant, fitness room, guest lounge, and solar-heated swimming pool. Its strategic location provides easy access from Sydney while offering proximity to world-class attractions including the Blue Mountains National Park, local wineries, and adventure experiences.

The resort also benefits from an established partnership with the adjacent golf course, also owned by the Schwartz Family Company, providing guests with integrated leisure offerings. For the resort’s existing team members, this collaboration represents enhanced professional development opportunities and access to Choice Hotels’ extensive global training and career progression programs.

The continued management by Trilogy Hotels ensures operational consistency while bringing fresh momentum and resources to the property. This collaboration underscores the growing trend of hotel brands and management companies collaborating to deliver superior results for owners and guests. It positions Comfort Resort Leura Gardens as a gateway destination for those seeking premium value, distinctive experiences, and authentic Blue Mountains hospitality.

Trilogy Hotels commenced operations of the contemporary Melbourne property on 1 December 2025

(Sydney, Australia: December 2025): Trilogy Hotels announced it assumed management of the Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank on 1 December 2025, rebranding the 162-room property as ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank under a franchise agreement with Accor. This marks Trilogy Hotels’ first venture into the Melbourne market, amidst its rapid expansion across Australia. The hotel is owned by Nadathur Group (a Singapore privately owned company).

Located at 167 City Road in Southbank, the hotel is situated in one of Melbourne’s most vibrant entertainment and cultural precincts. The rebranding to ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank underscores Trilogy’s commitment to providing flexible and agile management solutions for hotel owners. Accor will serve as the franchise partner, offering brand distribution and access to its loyalty program.

“We are honoured to be working with Nadathur Group and excited to be entering Melbourne with this exceptional property,” said Scott Boyes, CEO of Trilogy Hotels. “The conversion to ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank under Trilogy management will deliver strong operational performance, great guest experiences and launch careers in the industry we love.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with Trilogy Hotels and Accor on the transition of the hotel to ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank,” shared a spokesperson of the Nadathur Group. “Our decision to partner with Trilogy Hotels stems from their demonstrated ability to unlock value in premium hotel assets while maintaining service excellence. Combined with Accor’s international distribution network and brand strength, this partnership creates a compelling value proposition for guests, staff, and stakeholders. We look forward to supporting the hotel’s next chapter in one of Australia’s most dynamic urban precincts.”

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome ibis Styles Melbourne Southbank into the city’s Accor network in partnership with Trilogy Hotels. As Melbourne’s hotel landscape continues to evolve, Southbank is the perfect setting for a bold and playful ibis Styles experience, and a strong contribution to the city’s growing visitor economy.”

The property features an on-site restaurant, coffee shop, bar, and 24-hour front desk services. Its prime location places guests at the heart of Melbourne’s cultural and entertainment district, with Crown Melbourne directly opposite, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre just steps away for business guests. Cultural landmarks such as the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the Royal Botanic Gardens are within walking distance.

“Melbourne is a great city with wonderful hotels, it is critical that Trilogy has a presence in Melbourne and ibis Styles represents the perfect opportunity for us. Southbank is a very exciting precinct where art, entertainment, and business all contribute to the market mix,” Boyes added.

The hotel embraces ibis Styles’ distinctive design-led philosophy, featuring vibrant social spaces, playful interiors, and unique artistic elements that inspire creativity and connection.

For the hotel’s existing team members, the move to Trilogy Hotels’ management represents new opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Trilogy Hotels expands its Western Sydney footprint with management of Mercure Penrith

Trilogy Hotels has commenced operations of Mercure Penrith under a management deal with Serene Capital

(Sydney, Australia: September 2025): Independent hotel management company Trilogy Hotels has commenced operations of the Mercure Penrith, a contemporary hotel adjacent to the Panthers Penrith Leagues Club. Together with the Club, Pullman Penrith and Western Sydney Convention Centre, this move builds a fully integrated sports, entertainment and accommodation precinct.

This is the first hotel management deal between Trilogy Hotels and Serene Capital, an innovative and highly experienced real estate management company with over $850 million in assets under management, including 15 hotels in Australia. This deal continues Trilogy’s focus and expertise on the Greater Western Sydney market, where it now manages seven hotels. Accor will continue to provide world-class brand distribution and guest loyalty program support under the Mercure franchise agreement.

The Mercure Penrith features 222 accommodation rooms, a fitness centre, a guest lounge, an outdoor swimming pool, a BBQ area, and ample parking.

Its prime location is adjacent to the Panthers Precinct and the Western Sydney Conference Centre, which can accommodate up to 1,000 seated guests, enhancing its appeal. The precinct is home to major live music and stage show venues, as well as numerous adrenaline activities, including Aqua Golf, iFly Indoor Skydiving, and Cables Wake Park. Additionally, the hotel’s proximity to the Blue Mountains makes it an attractive destination for both business and leisure guests.

“We are very proud to partner with Serene Capital and Accor to manage the Mercure Penrith,” said Scott Boyes, CEO of Trilogy Hotels. “Glen and his team have done a wonderful job in building a strong business that will be a wonderful addition to the precinct and lay the groundwork for a very exciting future ahead.”

Glen Boultwood, CEO and Co-Founder of Serene Capital, added, “We are delighted to collaborate with Trilogy Hotels on our first franchise arrangement in Australia as we position the hotel in anticipation of the opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI). We look forward to working together to ensure the Panthers Precinct remains Western Sydney’s go-to place for conferencing, sports, and entertainment for the local community, domestic, and international guests.”

Western Sydney is Australia’s third-largest economy, boasting iconic venues like Sydney Olympic Park and the Western Sydney Parklands. The WSI is scheduled to open in late 2026 and is predicted to welcome 10 million passengers annually by 2031. Significant new infrastructure projects, including improved road and rail access between Penrith and the airport, are already underway.

With seven hotel assets now under its management in Greater Western Sydney, Trilogy Hotels aims to position itself as a conduit between public and private partners looking to unlock the full potential of the region’s tourism offerings.

This partnership further demonstrates the destination strength of Western Sydney. “With a new airport around the corner, these positive partnerships highlight the very bright future we have ahead of us. It is indeed very exciting to be a hotelier in Greater Sydney right now,” Boyes shared.

Trilogy Hotels was pleased to attend TTFs annual Friends of Tourism Event in Parliament House, Canberra on July 23 2025.

Senator the Hon. Don Farrell and the Hon. Kevin Hogan MP shared their respective visions for tourism growth, along with Penny Fowler (Chair of Tourism Australia).

Numerous speakers thanked Phillipa Harrison for her extraordinary contribution as she steps down from her role as Managing Director of Tourism Australia.

Also, a warm welcome to Nicolette Boele as the new independent MP for Bradfield, with a strong interest in tourism and climate action.

This is how to enjoy the perfect staycation in Sydney’s West

 

by Aleese Gabir, Vogue Australia, 16 July 2025

The staycation should never lose its allure. The lavish feel of a holiday with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of staying in your city—there’s a quiet luxury emerging in Western Sydney’s Pullman hotel. Far away enough to detach, but close enough to keep spontaneity and exploration alive, the hotel is the ideal location for a brief city break. Nestled within the Panthers Leisure & Entertainment Precinct, the Pullman Sydney Penrith is tucked between a flurry of natural sites and Penrith’s rapidly evolving urban landscape.

I arrived at the Pullman Penrith with no expectations other than to relax and feel as though, even if for just a moment, I had traveled abroad and escaped Sydney. Successfully, my short weekend stay hit all those marks.

 

Checking in was a seamless experience topped with a refreshing peach iced tea offered in the lobby. The room was marked by understated luxury and comfort, and a number of small, yet intentional touches: a handwritten note, satin eye mask, and a porcelain teapot with jasmine tea ready for my arrival. It did not take long before I settled into the serenity of the space.

A 10-person Scandinavian-style sauna tucked into the hotel’s gym space is ideal for a wind-down after a workout, bushwalk, or escaping the cooler weather. Moving from the suite to the sauna to the lobby bar and back to the room became a loop of relaxation in and of itself.

Marcel Bar & Bistro offered a highly intimate and romantic dining experience, one where not only the food but the space brings you closer to the person or people you share it with. A modern European-inspired menu paired with an extensive wine list and local ingredients sourced from “Western Sydney’s fertile food bowl” offered a lot to choose from. We landed on the set menu, which gave us an opportunity to try some of the best cuisine Marcel had to offer.

Highlights on the menu included the tuna crudo and saucy spanner crab pasta. The waitstaff were accommodating to our requests, even curating a mixed non-alcoholic drink for us, a passionfruit and coconut mocktail that paired refreshingly with our meal. It might be cheesy to say, but small touches like these elevate the hotel dining experience and make it feel like you’re on holiday.

Just around the corner from the main entrance is Tori Cafe & Bar, the sister lobby bar to Marcel; a more casual but equally considered cafe-by-day-cocktail-bar-by-night. The interior seating offers a cosy third space to sip and chat, complete with live music, curated cheese platters, and a gorgeous Blue Mountains view. A personal highlight? Locally sourced beans with brews available into the night, perfect for a ‘coffee at sunset’ fan such as myself.

Though the hotel is framed by natural sights, it doesn’t miss the chance to bring that peacefulness indoors. Fitted with large floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the suites with natural light, they offer constant opportunity to peek out at the stunning views that surround the hotel, and if you’re lucky, a breathtaking look at the mountains.

The rooms are perfectly equipped with features designed for quiet calm and convenience—the hallmark of a good staycation. Here you’ll find crisp white linen sheets, a Nespresso coffee machine, a full-sized fridge, kettle, and microwave, all compactly stored with intuitive design. Luxurious touches such as bathrobes, full-sized hair tools, and natural bodycare amenities from Australian brand Hunter Lab made it so you can travel light and free your mind of any of those nagging “did I forget something?” thoughts.

Once you’re relaxed and tucked into your robe, at your fingertips you have access to an endless amount of services and amenities through the in-room tablet. Guests can order elevated classics, a steak frites or a club sandwich, and enjoy a specialised in-room dining menu. However, the standout in-room feature is the hotel’s Sleep Therapy Menu. This bespoke offering includes soothing teas, aromatherapy pillow sprays, and a full pillow menu, plus pre-set room lighting and soundscapes tailored to your sleep rhythm.

All the elements curated by the Pullman feel effortless yet deeply considered and targeted towards your comfort. Whether you’re craving solitude from the city or only have time to get away for the weekend, then this Western Sydney gem delivers the perfect staycation itinerary.

Source: Vogue Australia 

Marriott International has introduced its Courtyard by Marriott brand to Darwin for the first time, representing several significant milestones for the global hospitality giant in the region.

Source: HM Magazine by Ruth Hogan

Courtyard by Marriott Darwin, at 81 Smith Street, is Marriott International’s inaugural property in the Northern Territory and expands its presence to every state and territory in Australia.

“We’re super excited to be in the Northern Territory,” Marriott International Regional Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific (ANZP), Jason Nuell, speaking exclusively to HM.

“We now have a Marriott [hotel] in every state and territory in Australia. For us, as a company, it’s a big step forward.”

The 186-key property is managed by Trilogy Hotels and owned by Darwin-based DCOH.

“At Trilogy we have the amazing privilege to work with the very best, like DCOH and Marriott, and we congratulate them both,” said Trilogy Hotels CEO Scott Boyes.

“With this great partnership comes great responsibility which is already adding to the tourism and hotel landscape of the Northern Territory.”

It marks the first time Marriott International has partnered with a white-label operator in ANZP, a strategic move that presents an opportunity to drive further growth in the region.

“We’re always looking for great partners, and Scott Boyes and his team at Trilogy is a great example of that,” Nuell told HM.

“It has been a seamless partner experience with Trilogy and the owner, [DCOH].

“We’ll always look for partners to continue to ensure that we have the right product in the right destinations.”

In this case, the Northern Territory presents a compelling opportunity for Marriott, not only for its lure as a tourist destination, but due to a growing corporate travel market.

Read the story at HM Magazine

Respected hotel owners and community champions have engaged Trilogy Hotels to operate their existing franchised properties. These latest signings bring Trilogy Hotels’ growing portfolio to nearly 2,700 rooms under management.   

(Sydney, Australia: May 2025): On 1st May, independent hotel management company Trilogy Hotels commenced operations of two well-established and highly regarded hotels, Peppers The Hills Lodge in Sydney’s Hills District, and Mercure Newcastle Airport. Accor will continue to provide brand distribution and loyalty programs to the hotels under the Peppers and Mercure brands.  

Mercure Newcastle Airport  

Built in 2015, the Mercure Newcastle Airport offers 95 contemporary rooms, a fully equipped gym, conference facilities, a restaurant, and a bar. It is strategically located in Williamtown, just 300 meters from Newcastle Airport terminal, making it a preferred choice for business travellers and those seeking cultural and natural experiences in Newcastle City and Port Stephens.  

Newcastle Airport is the gateway to Australia’s largest regional economy, with more than $43 billion in annual output and 48,500 businesses. The Airport is undergoing a major transformation with a $250 million upgrade, with the new international terminal opening in mid-2025. Upgrading new international routes and freight facilities will increase the annual visitor number by 850,000 and inject $6.2 billion into the visitor economy over the next 20 years.  

The upgrade will further enhance the airport and accelerate the development of Astra Aerolab, a defence and aerospace precinct co-located with the RAAF Base Williamtown. The existing precinct already includes global players such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon.    

“We are honoured to partner with GWH to manage the Mercure Newcastle Airport,” said Scott Boyes, CEO of Trilogy Hotels. “We are delighted to be working with a well-respected local business like GWH. We have great confidence in the Newcastle market and are delighted to add the Mercure Newcastle Airport to our growing portfolio of wonderful hotels.” 

“We are excited to collaborate with Trilogy Hotels, we are looking forward to seeing what is possible with Trilogy’s management expertise and Accor’s brand” noted Grahame Chevalley, Executive Director of GWH. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this partnership on our business and the community overall.” 

Peppers The Hills Lodge  

Nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of Sydney’s Hills district, the 97-room boutique hotel is a beloved cornerstone of the community. Its picturesque grounds serve as an iconic wedding and conference destination, attracting a mix of corporate and leisure guests. The Lodge offers guests fine dining at Nobles Restaurant & Bar, four versatile function rooms, a heated swimming pool and a full-service day spa.  

The low-rise Tudor-style hotel is conveniently located between popular commercial, retail, medical, and leisure precincts, including Norwest Business Park, which is within easy walking distance. The Business Park employs approximately 30,000 people across 800 multinational companies, including Woolworths, ResMed, and IBM. The area will continue to see major residential and commercial expansion over the next two decades.  

“The owners of Hills Lodge are deeply invested in this rapidly growing and thriving part of Sydney.” said Boyes, “Trilogy is dedicated to continuing the Lodge’s story and enhancing its reputation as the finest hotel in the area.” 

Owners Garry Lingard and Lyndsay Edmonds shared, “We chose Trilogy Hotels for their innovative and collaborative approach to hotel management.  This approach aligns with our company values and vision for The Hills Lodge. Their ability to blend local insights with global best practices will undoubtedly improve the hotel’s operational efficiency and guest experiences. We look forward to this new chapter in our Lodge’s history.” 

“We are grateful to Garry and Lyndsay for their partnership and trust, we are also delighted to be working with Accor, which will continue to provide brand distribution and loyalty under the premium Peppers brand,” shared Boyes. 

“The Hills and Newcastle regions deserve wonderful hotels. Peppers The Hills Lodge and Mercure Newcastle Airport provide not only an amenity for these communities to enjoy but also serve as launchpads for locals to kick off an international hospitality career. This is a responsibility we embrace and a commitment we look forward to delivering on,” Scott Boyes, Trilogy Hotels, CEO shares. “We would like to thank all of our partners for providing the platform for us to do what we love doing most – operating their hotels.”

The Trilogy Hotels team will be at AHICE Asia Pacific and Design Inn from 6-8 May 2025 in Adelaide. We look forward to seeing you there!

Trilogy Hotels is an independent hotel management company that provides hotel owners with an operating platform for investment-grade assets.

If you would like to arrange a time to meet, please reach out at: development@trilogyhotels.com.au

www.trilogyhotels.com.au
HM Magazine

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our hotel the Mercure Sydney on being named Hotel of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Accor Pacific Franchise Awards in Auckland.

The conference saw Accor welcome over 140 franchise partners, hotel general managers, industry leaders, and executives to the conference, with an agenda covering industry performance insights, commercial strategies, investment opportunities, and operational excellence. The accolade is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the exceptional standards of hospitality, innovation, and guest service that the Mercure Sydney team, led by General Manager Ben Murphy, consistently delivers. We look forward to continued success as Mercure Sydney continues to elevate guest experiences in 2025 and beyond.

More on the conference at HM and Accor.