Hotel check in: The Inchcolm Hotel, oozing 'Spring Hill' charm
The bar and reception at The Inchcolm Spring Hill, Australia
LOCATION
Brisbane, Australia
RATING
4 Stars
TREND
Heritage and Tradition
MAPPING
Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Housekeeping
The Inchcolm begins a new chapter as the newest member of Ode Hotels
This year The Inchcolm Brisbane changed management, ending their relationship with Ovolo to join Ode Hotels. Ode Hotels recently launched their new brand with an offering of 3 unique heritage hotels including; The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale, Harbour Rocks Hotel in The Rocks, Sydney, and The Inchcolm in Spring Hill, Brisbane. Each boutique hotel is full of history and charm and has a story to tell. I stayed at the Ovolo Inchcolm prior to the handover to Ode Hotels, so let's check in and let me show you around.
Heritage charm beckons
Sitting alongside a row of modern 1970s structures; The Inchcolm was instantly recognisable for its beautiful old world facade. It really was a cute little building with a large heart. For those familiar with Dr Who; it also had an uncanny resemblance to the Tardis, where the exterior is tiny, but once inside it appears to go on and on. Stepping across the threshold was like stepping back in time; built in the 1930's the building still maintains its original elevator that carries guests to one of 50 rooms across 5 stories.
Beautiful tasteful rooms
The hotel offers a number of accommodation types ranging from heritage suites, city suites and two story loft suites. The rooms are tastefully designed with a heritage theme with a modern twist. Considering the age of the building where rooms would tend to be small these rooms are quite generous in size.
The large heritage suite boasted an impressive book case adorned with interesting nick sacks, books and ornaments. This was totally unexpected as this type of thing would normally be reserved for the lobby. Browsing through the eclectic range of odd bits gave the impression I was in someones home rather than a hotel room.
My room also boasted what appeared to be a second wardrobe. On closer inspection it was a stand alone mini bar. The cupboard .... if I could call it that, had a coffee pod machine and a range of pods, along with a kettle and a selection of tea bags. There was also a fridge, however no real mini bar with the exception of a 375ml bottle of Dandelion shiraz. One unique feature not common in hotels was a stand alone sink which was quite helpful when needing to fill the kettle. It was real bonus not to have to navigate a bathroom sink.
Classy glassy bathroom
It was all happening in the spacious bathroom that had a real razzamatazz feel, with bright lights and a back lit framed mirror along with a double vanity, screaming, look at me! There was a large walk in shower with refillable body wash, shampoo and conditioner. The products promoted their environmental credentials that included being free from sulphate detergents oils and synthetical colours and fragrances.
Opposite the bar and reception was a small lounge and dining area. The space was quirky with the walls covered with a dark mellow floral wall paper. Dark green velvet lounges skirt the outer walls and were dressed with a variety of comfy cushions. At 4pm the blinds were drawn and the room became a moody intimate lounge with small table lamps creating a warm glow from every table. Guests could enjoy an afternoon drink, or lounge away the evening on wine. Meals were also served here and in some cases it acted as an overflow from the main restaurant.
The restaurant was small and intimate. It had a parquetry floor that felt in keeping with the hotel design. There were around 12 small tables; mostly tables of two. The table setting was simple and the menu offered a range of dishes to cover all tastes; however it's wasn't extensive.
When the sun goes down the mood comes out. As expected, the lounge bar offered a range of cocktails, beers and wines. These small battery operated lamps were beautiful and created a warm ambient glow throughout the room.
Interchangeable and flexible
I have to be reminded that the Inchcolm is tiny and it's not like other larger purpose built hotels. This hotel was elongated and space was at a premium. To this end, the hotel cleverly used its space to adapt to all needs. One room near the lounge bar and the restaurant was set as a private dining room, perfect for a meal and private event. But like any event space it's also ideal for a meeting and could be adapted for any purpose. It could also act as an over flow for the bar, or hold extra tables to cater for higher numbers for the restaurant.
Stephen's Take
Unit of Competency Mapping
Please note; the purpose of this article is to introduce current hospitality trends. The content broadly applies to the units of competency listed. It is not intended that all content in this article maps directly to all performance evidence and knowledge evidence in the unit of competency.
Teacher Resources
For further information please take advantage of the following documents and website links!
Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan