Canberra hotels win national Property Council awards

Two Canberra hotels, Little National Hotel and Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport, have picked up national property awards.

Winners of the Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards were announced at a gala event in Sydney on Friday.

Doma Group’s Little National Hotel received the KONE Award for Development Innovation.

It was crowned Canberra’s best development at the Property Council’s ACT awards in April.

Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison said the hotel was chosen from a group of 14 finalists.

“Owned by a second-generation Canberra development company, Little National Hotel is highly tailored to meet the needs of budget-conscious travellers who don’t want to compromise on luxury,” Mr Morrison said.

“Doma Group’s innovative design and business model offers a smart solution to the luxury and affordability equation.”

Each of the hotel’s 120 rooms is just 17 square metres, but its clever use of space provides all the amenities of a five-star hotel.

Capital Property Group’s Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport won the Brian & Poulter Award for Best Tourism and Leisure Development.

The Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport’s design was inspired by Walter Burley Griffin’s geometric plans. Photo: Jay Cronan

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Rider Levett Bucknall ACT managing director Mark Chappe said the hotel strengthened the international airport’s offerings.

“The judges selected Vibe Hotel Canberra Airport Hotel for the combination of modern, innovative design, architectural quality and place-making potential,” Mr Chappe said.

The hotel comprises 191 rooms, including 12 suites and nine apartments, as well as hospitality and conference facilities. Its design was inspired by the geometry of Walter Burley Griffin’s plans for the city.

“The Vibe Hotel Canberra attracts both visitors and residents with a design that is authentic to Canberra,” Mr Chappe said.

The hotel was also named project of the year at the 2016 Master Builders and Cbus Excellence in Building Awards.

Other Property Council award winners included the restoration of one of Sydney’s most recognisable sandstone buildings, 5 Martin Place, which was named development of the year.

Mr Morrison said the quality of entries was “astounding” and reflected the industry’s commitment to “pushing the innovation envelope”.