Not all apartment amenities are immediately visible.

Swimming pools, gyms, rooftop terraces and residents' lounges have long featured on buyers' wishlists, but as the way Australians live has changed, so too have the features that make apartment living more convenient.

Increasingly, buyers are placing value on the practical aspects of day-to-day life. Fast internet, EV charging, secure bike storage, flexible workspaces and parcel management are becoming just as relevant as lifestyle amenities, reflecting changing habits and expectations.

Online shopping has been one of the biggest drivers of that shift.

Australians spent a record $82.6 billion shopping online in 2025, with almost one in every four retail dollars now spent digitally, making parcel deliveries a routine part of everyday life rather than an occasional convenience.

For apartment residents, however, receiving those deliveries isn't always straightforward.

Without someone home to accept a parcel, deliveries can be redirected to a nearby Post Office, left in building foyers or common areas, or require building management to temporarily store packages. As apartment living continues to grow across Australia's cities, parcel management has become an increasingly important consideration for both residents and developers.

Australia Post's Parcel Locker network is one response to that shift.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KPZ9j5FRdsQ?si=Qztc1dNP3ZvEIUhb" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Rather than relying on home delivery, eligible parcels can be directed to a nominated Parcel Locker, where they're securely stored until collected. Once a parcel arrives, residents receive a notification through the AusPost app or SMS and can retrieve it using a one-time code or QR code at a time that suits them.

The network has expanded to more than 1,500 locations nationwide, with Parcel Lockers positioned at Post Offices, shopping centres, supermarkets, transport hubs and, increasingly, within or alongside residential developments.

That growing presence reflects a broader change in how apartment buildings are being planned.

Developers are increasingly considering the operational side of apartment living alongside traditional lifestyle amenities. Just as secure mailrooms, bicycle storage and EV charging have become more common inclusions, parcel management is emerging as another feature that supports everyday convenience.

It also helps preserve the arrival experience within a building. Carefully designed lobbies and communal spaces can quickly become cluttered when deliveries accumulate, while secure parcel solutions reduce the likelihood of missed deliveries or parcels being left unattended.

For buyers comparing apartments, these everyday details are becoming part of the decision-making process.

Location, floorplans and finishes remain fundamental, but the features that simplify daily life are carrying greater weight than they once did. As online shopping continues to shape consumer behaviour, secure parcel delivery is increasingly becoming another amenity worth looking for.

Joel Robinson

Parcel delivery is joining the apartment amenity checklist

Inca Property Group has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for Dawn, a 53-apartment oceanfront development overlooking Mona Vale Beach.

The proposal, at 35-39 Darley Street East, would replace an existing 18-apartment strata building with a new owner-occupier-focused development comprising 53 two and three-bedroom apartments, including nine affordable built-to-rent residences delivered under the State's infill affordable housing scheme.

Positioned on a 2,679 sqm elevated site around 280 metres from Mona Vale Beach, the development has been designed to maximise panoramic ocean views while responding to the site's sloping topography.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/inca-property-group">Inca Property Group</a> Managing Director Josh Thompson said the State Significant pathway provided greater certainty for projects of this scale.

"This State Significant pathway gives the team real certainty to progress <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/dawn-35-39-darley-street-east-mona-vale-nsw-2103">Dawn</a> through to completion," Thompson said.

"It allows us to acquire a one-off site, design it carefully and deliver the right offering for the suburb, assessed by the NSW Government's planning department."

The project is one of the first developments in the area to be assessed under the NSW Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy, with the site sitting on the edge of the policy's designated inner area.

The proposal includes three basement levels providing 124 car spaces, alongside a range of resident amenities including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, wellness facilities and private plunge pools for selected ground-floor and penthouse apartments.

<img alt="Dawn" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc1a1daf-0ce4-4f12-9076-b1fa553c7a91" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-21%20at%208.42.11%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4GZ9h.gpNkTljbxyAET8Jfhv51XUamDm" />

Thompson said Dawn had been designed specifically for owner-occupiers and downsizers, a buyer profile that has driven demand across Inca's recent Upper North Shore developments.

"The majority of buyers in our recent North Shore projects have been downsizers, and we are learning exactly what this market is looking for. Beyond the location itself, we have included resort-style amenities to deliver a genuine lifestyle offering," Thompson said.

Located within walking distance of Mona Vale Beach, the town centre, Mona Vale Golf Club and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Dawn represents Inca's first Northern Beaches project following the sell-out of Tara on Park in Waitara and Ellis Residences, currently under construction in St Ives.

Construction will be undertaken by Inca's in-house construction arm, GOP Constructions.

Dawn is the latest major apartment proposal for Mona Vale, with the suburb emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of the NSW Government's new Low and Mid-Rise Housing policy.

New developer One Living, led by industry veteran Joseph Scuderi, recently secured a site on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, where it is planning around 140 apartments.

IPM is also planning its third project in Mona Vale, significantly increasing the scale of its previous developments with an 82-apartment proposal at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/159-167-darley-street-west-mona-vale-nsw-2103">159-167 Darley Street West</a>, opposite Bayview Golf Course and less than 800 metres from Mona Vale town centre.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/one-living-enters-sydneys-new-apartment-market-with-northern-beaches-site-acquisition">One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition</a>

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-ipm-plans-third-mona-vale-project">First look: IPM plans third Mona Vale project</a>

First look: Inca eyes Mona Vale with State Significant DA for Dawn apartments

Seasoned Victorian apartment developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/central-equity">Central Equity</a> has logged more than $400 million in sales in its luxury apartment project Palmera Residences at Northcliffe on the Gold Coast.&nbsp;

Central Equity Director Karl Kutner said the sales result reflected a combination of location, product quality and delivery certainty with the project already under construction by building powerhouse Multiplex.&nbsp;

"Surpassing $400 million in sales since launch is a significant milestone and an outstanding endorsement of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/palmera-residences-gold-coast-18-garfield-terrace-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Palmera Residences</a>,” he said.&nbsp;

"We believe one of the key reasons for this strong result is the confidence purchasers have in knowing the project is under construction with Multiplex. Buyers are increasingly looking for certainty. They want to know that the project they commit to today will be delivered by an experienced team with a proven track record."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365782]

Kutner said it was clear there was still high demand for luxury projects that offered certainty of delivery.&nbsp;

“We are in a market where many residential developments have faced delays due to rising construction costs, labour shortages and financing challenges,” said Kutner.&nbsp;

"But having construction underway has provided our buyers with resounding confidence backed by more than 40 years of development delivery by Central Equity combined with construction by one of Australia's most respected construction companies."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365785]

Central Equity is one of Australia's most experienced privately-owned property developers. Over more than four decades, the company has delivered in excess of 85 residential developments including 10,000 apartments and many thousands of stand alone homes.&nbsp;

Located on Garfield Terrace at Northcliffe, between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Palmera Residences occupies one of the Gold Coast's most sought after beachside locations. The development has been designed to appeal to owner occupiers seeking premium residences that combine generous living spaces and resort style amenities.&nbsp;

Palmera Residences will feature an exceptional collection of resort style amenities, including two swimming pools: a generously sized family pool with safe shallow zones for relaxed recreation, and a 20 metre lap pool positioned to maximise all day sunlight.&nbsp;

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to wellness and recreational facilities including a magnesium pool, sauna, yoga studio, expansive fitted gymnasium, resident lounge, outdoor BBQ’s&nbsp;and indoor and outdoor dining areas, together with a dedicated concierge and luxurious hotel inspired entrance foyer.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365767]

A unique feature at Palmera Residences has been designed to enhance the Gold Coast lifestyle which includes both indoor and outdoor gymnasium facilities, together with thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor dining and entertaining areas. A corner café has also been incorporated to provide residents with a destination for their everyday needs.&nbsp;

Kutner said buyer demand had been broad based with purchasers attracted from interstate as well as throughout South East Queensland.&nbsp;

"We're seeing strong interest from owner occupiers, lifestyle buyers and people relocating to the Gold Coast. Many purchasers have been searching for a premium beachside residence where quality, design and delivery are equally important."&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108274 project_image_fid=365771]

Kutner said the sales milestone was an important achievement, but the focus remained firmly on delivering an exceptional development.&nbsp;

"While reaching $400 million in sales is an important milestone, our priority remains delivering a project that exceeds purchaser expectations,” he said.&nbsp;

"Palmera Residences has been designed to become one of the Gold Coast's landmark residential addresses, and we look forward to welcoming our purchasers to their new homes."&nbsp;

There are a limited number of residences remaining in selected configurations with pricing from $2,950,000 to $8,950,000. Palmera Residences is also crowned by expansive penthouses with wrap around views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108274]

Construction certainty and strong buyer demand drive major sales result for luxury Gold Coast development

Palmera Residences fly out the door as sales pass $400 million

National property developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/goldfields-group">Goldfields</a> has appointed BINAH as its construction partner for Quartet, its new Brisbane apartment development in the undersupplied suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/milton-qld-4064">Milton</a>.

Located just two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and moments from key 2032 Olympic precincts, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/quartet-milton-33-manning-street-milton-qld-4064">Quartet</a> will deliver 131 one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments priced from $1 million to $4.2 million, combining elevated design with a wellness-focused lifestyle offering.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=368000]

Goldfields’ Chief Executive Officer, Lachlan Thompson, said the appointment of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/binah-constructions">BINAH</a> marked an important milestone for the project.&nbsp;

“Bringing BINAH on board as our construction partner will allow us to bring our vision for Quartet forward with a team that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality residential projects,” Thompson said.&nbsp;

“We’ve taken a considered approach to progressing the site because we wanted to deliver the whole package. Buyers ultimately back great developers, great projects and great builders, and with Quartet, we’ve made sure all three line up.

“People want certainty, they want to know the project will be built, that the homes will be delivered as promised, and that the developer stands behind the quality of what they create. That’s something Goldfields has built its reputation on over many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367993]

BINAH’s Managing Director, Khalil Hafza, said the company was proud to be partnering with Goldfields to deliver Quartet.&nbsp;

“Quartet is an exciting project to bring to life, particularly given the level of detail in the residences and the extensive rooftop amenity planned for the building,” Mr Hafza said.&nbsp;

“Our focus is on delivering a high-quality build that brings that design vision to life and creates homes residents will enjoy for many years.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108736 project_image_fid=367999]

The facilities at Quartet have been feared towards the roof, with a&nbsp;25 metre lap pool, spa, sauna and cold plunge, and a communal barbecue area and alfresco.

Town planning was designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and brought to life by Melbourne-based architecture firm Cera Stribley.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/cera-stribley">Cera Stribley</a> Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Dom Cerantonio, said the project responds to both its riverside setting and Brisbane’s evolving urban character.&nbsp;

“Quartet has been designed to sit comfortably within its riverside context, offering a refined take on urban living through well-planned, generously proportioned residences that will stand the test of time,” Mr Cerantonio said.&nbsp;

“An emphasis on natural light, natural textures and carefully selected finishes from timber and marble to premium appliances, creates calm, considered interiors designed for comfort and long-term liveability.”&nbsp;

Construction of Quartet will commence in July 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108736]

Construction to commence on 131-residence tower designed around wellness-focused living

Goldfields appoints BINAH for Quartet apartments in Milton

The first partnership between national developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/fortis">Fortis</a> and Adelaide-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/otello">Otello</a> has made a strong start, with the pair securing $21 million in unconditional sales at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/one-four-four-hutt-adelaide-144-hutt-street-adelaide-sa-5000">One Four Four Hutt</a>&nbsp;on the edge of the Adelaide CBD.

Over a third of apartments have been snapped up in the boutique 44-apartment project on the corner of Hutt Stret and Wakefield Road. Local downsizers and owner-occupiers wanting to remain in Adelaide's tightly-held southeast quarter have been the most prominent purchasers.

The DKO-designed, mixed-use development is one of the few new apartment projects in the precinct, an area where new housing supply has remained limited despite continued demand from buyers wanting to stay close to the CBD, Victoria Park and Adelaide's established east-end amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375378]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

"The level of early commitment reflects the confidence local buyers have in the Hutt Street precinct," Dendrinos said.

"Many purchasers are long-term east-end residents who love the area and want to stay connected to the neighbourhood. They recognise the value of a well-designed, well-located development.

"Our partnership with Otello has been central to this success, and the number of unconditional sales at this stage only strengthens our confidence in the South Australian market."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151233 project_image_fid=375379]

Otello Director Daniel Harris said the sales result also highlighted the lack of new apartment opportunities within the Hutt Street precinct.

"One Four Four Hutt has clearly resonated with buyers, with strong early sales reflecting both the appeal of the Hutt Street corridor and the lifestyle on offer," Harris said.

"The activated ground-floor retail has also been a key drawcard, with purchasers responding to the vision of a more vibrant and connected streetscape, not just the residences themselves."

One Four Four Hutt will deliver 44 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, alongside a collection of penthouses, above a ground-floor retail offering designed to further activate the Hutt Street precinct.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of this year, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151233]

Fortis Head of Development SA Arthur Dendrinos said the early sales reflected both the strength of the local owner-occupier market and confidence in the Hutt Street location.

Fortis makes Adelaide debut with Otello as One Four Four Hutt records strong early sales

Leisure

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The Singapore-based Chinese-backed investment vehicle, Bright Ruby has bought the Sydney Hilton Hotel on George Street for $442 million.
Bright Ruby already owns two Sydney office towers, 10 Barrack Street and 231 Elizabeth Street.
Hilton will continue to manage this property, subject to a 50-year management agreement, the company said of the 579-room hotel on George Street. 
Hilton Worldwide chief executive Christopher Nassetta said the company had taken advantage of "attractive pricing".
It was sold at a multiple of 15 times adjusted earnings, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, on a yield of about 6% through JLL Hotels &amp; Hospitality Group Australasia chief, Craig Collins.
Bright Ruby’s founding Du family are from the Chinese coastal province Shandong.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Sydney Hilton Hotel sells to Singaporean Bright Ruby

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Quest Nowra is scheduled to open this week, in one of NSW’s busiest regional business centres.
It will be followed by Quest’s second Albury property – Quest Albury on Townsend in early May.
Earlier this month there was the new Quest Liverpool.
Quest Liverpool (pictured above) at 39 Scott Street was its first new property for 2015, kicking off a pipeline of new property openings in New South Wales.
Quest CEO Zed Sanjana said Liverpool, Nowra and Albury were three strong economies with major projects underway including the multi-million dollar Kurrajong Road (Liverpool) and Princes Highway (Nowra) upgrades, and the redevelopment of the Albury Art Gallery.
“The City of Liverpool is thriving, home to 13,600 local and national businesses, with 35,000 new jobs projected by 2036," said Sanjana.
"Economic activity in Nowra and the City of Shoalhaven is doing well and we believe significant investment in the region will continue.
"Albury is quickly establishing itself as not only a key business centre, but also a cultural destination.”
Quest, the fastest growing serviced apartment operator in Australasia, now has 150 properties located across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.
Established in Melbourne, Victoria in 1988, the aim is the accommodation needs of the extended stay business traveller.
"2015 is set to be an exciting year of growth for Quest across Australasia, with 12 new properties opening in Australia and three in New Zealand," he said.
"In addition to Liverpool, Nowra and Albury, this includes Newcastle West, Chatswood and Bella Vista (NSW); Kelvin Grove, Toowoomba and Chermside (QLD); Rockingham and West Perth (WA); Maribyrnong (VIC); and Nelson, Taupo and Whangarei (NZ)."
The franchisee Tom Wang at Quest Liverpool will have 88 studio, one and two bedroom serviced apartments.
Wang noted the proposed Badgerys Creek Airport was just 19 kilometres away.
James Blanchett at Quest Nowra will have 81 studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments at 130 Kinghorne Street.
Noel and Madeleine Wood and Natasha and Jason Callewaert at Quest Albury on Townsend with have 79 studio, one, two and three bedroom serviced apartments at 450 Townsend Street.
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Quest Liverpool hopes to benefit from Badgery Creek airport project

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The historic Sorrento guesthouse Whitehall, near the back beach on the Mornington Peninsula, has been listed for sale.
The 1904 wide-verandaed mansion with iron-lacework has been offered by agent Lloyd Robinson from RT Edgar.
<a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/237-ocean-beach-road-sorrento/Property-Details-buy-residential-8630238" target="_blank">The limestone Whitehall</a> was built as one of the grand guesthouses of its day in Edwardian grandeur.
The Herald Sun report buyers are being told it will most likely fetch under $5 million.
The Carlton Football Club held three pre-season camps at the guesthouse, until 2011 when the club headed to a high-altitude academy in Doha.
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Whitehall, the 31 bedroom Sorrento guesthouse, listed

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Hotelier Justin Hemmes has added an inner west suburban waterhole, The Queen Victoria Hotel at Enmore to Merivale Group's burgeoning hotel property portfolio.
It cost $11 million for the 167-169 Enmore Road purchase - Merivale's fourth acquisition in the past 18 months.
The Queens sold off market through JLL Hotels and Hospitality director John Musca. The Browne family had bought for $1.15 million in 1989. Its last sale followed a boost in revenue where to June 1986, four pokie machines earned $26,800, rising with five machines to $105,054 the following year.
It currently has 20 machines.
Last month the group around $50 million for the Newport Arms Hotel on Sydney's northern beaches. 
"It is undoubtedly our most exciting year yet," Justin Hemmes suggested as he advised the 1,000 square metre hotel will be renovated and repositioned as a food-oriented venue with a Hong Kong street food inspired restaurant opening in June.
 
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Justin Hemmes buys Queen Victoria Hotel at Enmore

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The emergence of China as a source of hotel property capital has major implications for Australia, according to industry veteran Stephen Burt, the Colliers International Asia Pacific Hotels managing director.
"This phenomenon of a concentrated source of capital is nothing new," said Burt.
"In the mid to late 1980s it was Japanese capital dominating Australian hotel property, and the 1990s post-1992 was dominated by Singaporean investors.
"However, on this occasion the capital flow is larger and more pervasive in terms of property profile.
"During 2015 China based capital (mainland and Hong Kong) may account for over 60% of major hotel transactions throughout Australia.
"This will range from $4 million motels to $400 million plus hotels."
Burt identified four major implications:
<ul>
<li>
"Many Chinese companies buying now are new to hotel investment. They are institutions with minimal or no existing hotel investment exposure or often companies that created wealth through non-hotel industries. Therefore, hotel operators will need to ensure their new owners understand the key terms of the hotel operating agreement; namely the budget approval process, cash flow management, approval process for senior executive appointments, the capital expenditure approval process including owner’s contractual obligations;
</li>
<li>
"The majority of the CEO and chairpersons for the new Chinese investors cannot speak English. This is not a criticism, just a fact, just as most Australian senior executives doing business in China cannot speak a Chinese dialect. However the point is, an important ingredient for successful hotel investment is good communication between the owner and operator. Clearly, there will be bilingual intermediaries but we know what happens when a story is told to one person, who then passes the story to another person. Therefore, make sure key messages (hotel may fail to make budget!) are correctly conveyed to the appropriate operative in China whom will be the person ultimately approving the annual trading and cap ex budget;
</li>
<li>
"The degree of foreign ownership of Australian hotels over the next few years will be extensive. This may lead to calls from certain non-aligned sectors to restrict foreign ownership. I would warn (and conflict acknowledged) this would be a negative outcome for the hotel industry. Hotel investment is like mining investment; it offers the opportunity for good returns but requires significant capital. Our mining industry would not have its current scale if it had to rely too much on domestic capital. It is the same for hotel property; and
</li>
<li>
"Chinese investment in the hard assets will further stimulate Chinese visitation to Australia. The challenge will be not to fall over ourselves to overtly pamper Chinese visitors so that their Australian experience is diluted and becomes an extended China experience. This was a mistake with the Japanese visitor boom of the 1980s which failed to be sustainable. Chinese visitors come to a foreign country to experience local cuisine, and to meet the locals and other international visitors; not to be herded on tours exclusively for Chinese. They like to shop independently and not be forced into specific shops."
</li>
</ul>
The influx of Chinese investors was headlined by the $463 million sale of Sydney's Sheraton on the Park hotel to Chinese insurer Sunrise.
JLL recently noted Chinese outbound capital surged to over US$16.5 billion in 2014 as institutions, as developers and private investors sought to take advantage of the buoyant real estate market across the globe. 
For the first time ever, in 2014 Chinese buyers spent more on commercial real estate outside of China than domestically, a significant milestone and a sign that the domestic market is entering a new phase.
It noted following a slower year for transactional activity in China in 2014, outbound investments made up 52% of all real estate transactions of Chinese investors within the commercial sector.
Office and residential land acquisitions accounted for 85% of all Chinese purchasing activity, although JLL noted strong demand for hotel and hospitality assets. 
While Europe topped the list of favourite investment destinations, attracting over US$5.5 billion, Australia emerged as a new favourite among Chinese investors in 2014 with over US$3 billion flowing into the country. 
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Chinese hotel buying is larger than the Japanese 1980s push: Colliers International

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Unique Estate’s Nicolette van Wijngaarden has listed Karbeethong Lodge on the shores of Mallacoota inlet in Victoria’s East Gippsland.
The coastal guesthouse dates from 1903 but began with guests in the 1920s.
The holding boasts fruit trees, a cottage garden and access to a jetty.
<a href="https://uniqueestates.com.au/listings/residential_sale-278785-mallacoota/" target="_blank">Offers over $1.8 million</a> are being sought. 
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Mallacoota's Karbeethong Lodge listed for sale

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The Melbourne-based Art Series Hotel Group is turning the table on its guests, trialling a program where the hotels scrutinise guests on their behaviour, rather than the other way around.
The novel idea comes as an increasing amount of businesses face negative reviews from online review sites and a dilemma in <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/social-media/43145-would-you-charge-guests-500-for-a-bad-online-review-us-hotel-owner-apologises-for-poor-taste-policy" target="_blank">how to respond to them</a>.
Art Series Hotels, which include Melbourne’s iconic hotels The Cullen and The Olsen, will assess and rank the behaviour and demeanour of its guests using a point system it has called ‘Reverse Reviews’. The reviews will then be published online for everyone to see.
But guests shouldn’t be too concerned: the review system is opt-in only.
Art Series Hotel Group marketing director Ryan Tuckerman said the idea of reverse reviews is to show guests the hotels are aware review sites are out there and are not going away.
“These days everything is reviewed. It’s all online, all in an instant,” says Tuckerman.
“Specifically for hotels, the power of reviews can make or break certain boutique brands. We realise it’s a major part of the hotel industry and it’s not going anywhere.”
“But it’s very important to allow the supplier to have a right of reply,” he says.
Tuckerman admits Art Series Hotels have had their fair share of negative reviews from guests who have found one of the hotels “wasn’t for them”.
“We have had reviews where guests have said we have not met their expectations, but we have handled it in a professional way. We accept that we’re not for everyone and we’re fine with that, ” he says.
Tuckerman believes the campaign is one way Art Series Hotels can engage with its customers while “having a bit of fun”. He says guests have already responded positively to the idea and he anticipates the reviews will be shared on social media channels.
“Knowing the power of digital and social media, having a personalised review really lends itself to sharing,” he says.
Guests with a rating of four or five stars are also offered complimentary stays, upgrades and food and drink as a part of the campaign.
The hotel group recently commissioned a study through Galaxy Research that showed guest behaviour is actually better than what most people expect, which Tuckerman says was another creative way to engage customers.
“The results of the Galaxy poll were amazing. Most of us would think people steal from the mini bar or take a towel, but it showed it’s actually such a small percentage that do that,” he says.
Tuckerman recommends other SMEs consider reviewing their customers.
“The first step is to accept people will review product,” he says.
“<a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/marketing/44762-when-customers-attack-10-tips-to-dealing-with-social-media-outrage">The way you handle reviews</a> and the way you reply, that’s what says a lot about your organisation.”
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Art Series Hotel Group turns the tables on customer reviews

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US-based Vail Resorts has bought James Packer's Perisher ski resort for $176.6 million.
The deal includes Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega resorts on a lease until 2048 with a 20-year option.
Perisher's ski ticket will now include entry to a range of Vail-owned skifields in the US, including Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Vail in Colorado, Park City and Canyons in Utah and Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the California and Nevada. It has a $US3.6 billion capitalisation. 
The deal was announced to the New York Stock Exchange earlier this morning. The Company indicated that it expects Perisher to generate incremental Resort Reported EBITDA of approximately AU$20 million (approximately US$16 million) during its first twelve months of operation following the acquisition. 
The Company expects Perisher to generate positive Resort Reported EBITDA of approximately AU$38 million (approximately US$30 million) during its ski season, June through September, and negative Resort Reported EBITDA of approximately AU$18 million (approximately US$14 million) during its off-season, October through May. 
The Company expects Perisher to generate approximately US$6 million of free cash flow in its first year of operations, after deducting capital expenditures at the resort, income taxes (both U.S. and Australian) and all interest expense relating to the acquisition. 
These estimates do not include any incremental benefit of increased visitation to the Company's U.S. resorts from Australian guests.
"Perisher season pass holders have an unprecedented opportunity by combining unlimited skiing, from June through October, at the best and largest resort in Australia with season-long skiing, from November through April, at nine of the best mountain resorts in the United States," said chairman Rob Katz.
 "Our Company looks forward to welcoming an even greater number of Australian guests to our domestic resorts to showcase the incredible experience we provide."
Until Kerry Packer bought the Perisher ski fields in 1972 - they came unwanted with the takeover of Murray Magazines -  skiing in Australia was a leisure activity attracting a relatively small number of enthusiasts.
Murray Magazines published Ski Australia, House &amp; Garden, plus other magazines including Man, Man Junior, Flair, Wheels and Superman comics.
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Ski Perisher-Breckenridge ticket after mogul James Packer sells ski resort to US company

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The bathing box 6 on Brighton's Dendy Street Beach sold at weekend auction at a record $276,000.
The beach box is located near the Brighton Lifesaving Club, which reasonated with buyers.
The selling agent John Clarkson of hockingstuart marketed <a href="https://www.realestateview.com.au/Real-Estate/bathing-box-6-dendy-street-beach-brighton/Property-Details-buy-residential-8489600" target="_blank">the very blue and yellow bathing box</a>, with $150,000 plus expectations.
"It was a stunning result," he told Property Observer. 
Last year, he had sold a new Brighton bathing box, 57a, <a href="/news/vic/200-000-plus-hopes-for-bright-new-bathing-box-on-brighton-beach">for $215,000</a> having had a lengthy history being the first to auction one in 1999, for $58,000.
It was his 16th sale of one of the bathing boxes that existed in Brighton as far back as 1862. There were five bidders at yesterday's auction.
The previous highest known price for a Brighton bathing box was set in 2011 at $260,000, brand new, infill box which was bigger than normal. The rising prices come despite new infill bathing boxes being built on an ongoing timetable by the local council, mostly at the other end of the beach.
Although the bathing boxes of Brighton are iconic postcard imagery for Melbourne tourism, there are dearer bathing boxes elsewhere in Victoria.
In Portsea, the record for what they call boat shed dates back to 2011 when $585,000 was paid.
At an <a href="/expert-insights/buying/no-record-as-portsea-boatshed-fetches-553-000-at-australia-day-2015-weekend-auction">Australia Day auction this year</a>, one sold for $553,000.
Some bathing box sales are done privately with the price kept under wraps.
<a href="/news">The weekend result </a>was amid the Brighton sales list which the REIV had as ranging from a $715,000 apartment to a $1,905,000 house.
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Record $276,000 paid for Brighton Beach bathing box

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The striking 1887 Queen Anne-style Queenscliff Hotel building has been sold to a local family.
Abercromby’s sold the property on a walk-in, walk-out basis with expectations at $3.5 million plus. The local News Ltd paper, The Geelong Advertiser, reported it sold for close to $3.5 million.
The hotel is still taking guests, but the restaurant served its last meals on Christmas Day, following the death of owner Johann Schuetz.
John Schuetz and his wife, Theresa bought the property at 16 Gellibrand Street in 2002. It had been made famous again by the late Mietta O’Donnell after she re-opened the dining room in the late 1970s.
The 1887 built Queenscliff Hotel on the western tip of Port Phillip bay was designed by Melbourne architects Reed, Henderson &amp; Smart, the same architects responsible for the State Library of Victoria, Collins Street Baptist Church, Melbourne Trades Hall and a number of Melbourne university buildings.
It was built by NW Frogley in the English Queen Anne style for Martha Nugent and Joseph Goslin, wealthy local citizens at the time.
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