Pacific International Cairns Unveils $20 Million Makeover

July 4, 2013 - PRLog -- This month the prominent hotel, which was the first international standard property in Cairns, will unveil its new look porte cochere, foyer, lobby, Sugar Cane lounge, and public areas, as well as the extensive work undertaken to the front facade of the hotel.

Gone are the opulent gilded windows and heavy timber balustrades that brought the hotel to the world’s attention in1982, to be replaced by classic stainless steel, modern lighting, floor to ceiling frameless glass, trendy wallpapers and stunning furniture.

Paul Kamsler, executive director of the Pacific International Cairns, said the changes were more in tune with today’s modern traveller, and marked an exciting time for the hotel, allowing it to fully maximise its potential in both domestic and international markets.

“We are now approaching the end of our refurbishment and enhancement program, which has seen an investment in the hotel of around $20 million dollars over the last five years, with three quarters of that spent in the last 18 months.”

The refurbishment project, which commenced in 2008 and has been undertaken in six stages, has been integral to the hotel’s plan of enhancing guest experience and offering state-of-the-art conference and events facilities.

The work has also been carried out with great care taken to preserve the hotel’s unique history, including one its most iconic statement pieces – the two over-sized chandeliers that hang four and a half metres into the centre of the lobby.

The hotel’s 176 guest rooms have also been completely enhanced, with new mini bar centres, bathrooms, as well as new carpet, curtains and lighting.

All work has been carried out under the experienced eye of interior designer Suzanne Dawson of Stone Edge who has also helped to source some of the most on trend furniture from Melbourne-based suppliers as well as bring together the greys, reds and blues that feature prominently throughout the hotel.

“It is wonderful to know we can now offer all our guests a superior standard of accommodation while still ensuring our rooms are priced at an affordable point,” Mr Kamsler added.

“We are also confident our Conference and Events Centre, which occupies the entire third floor of the hotel and offers eight versatile spaces, will prove a real drawcard, along with the hotel’s location on Cairns’ Esplanade.”

Behind the scenes, away from the view of guests, the hotel’s basement has also been completely rebuilt from the concrete slab to the ceiling to provide a completely new back of house area for employees.

Facilities include new custom designed offices for the hotel’s HR and food and beverage staff on top of the house keeping department facilities as well a dedicated training room kitted with the latest technology and staff canteen.

“In addition to this, we now have new lifts and new energy efficient air-conditioning throughout the hotel. Early next year a new property management computer system will also installed.”

Mr Kamsler said they had already received very positive feedback from guests on the changes made.

“With the renovation work now complete, we can concentrate on what we do best, offering our guests superior accommodation and facilities matched by outstanding customer service.

Mr Kamsler said the continued investment in the hotel reinforced their faith in the tourism industry that was hit hard by the global financial crisis in 2007.

“History shows that tourism will bounce back and we are now already starting to see confidence return to the market.”

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For more information contact:

Paul Kamsler Jnr

Executive Director

Pacific International Hotel Cairns

07 4044 1878

Publicity: Tanya Snelling, Strategic PR 0417 202 663

About The Pacific International Hotel

Celebrating 31 years in Cairns, the Kamsler family owned Pacific International Hotel, has become a recognised fixture along the Cairns Esplanade. The prominent location of the hotel, in the heart of the Cairns CBD, makes it the preferred hotel of choice for business, convention and leisure visitors. Set directly opposite the Reef Fleet Terminal and casino and only 500 metres from the Cairns Convention Centre and Cruise Liner Terminal, it provides easy access to key landmarks around the city. All recently refurbished 176 rooms of the 11-storey hotel have an official AAA 4.5 star rating and boast private balconies with superb views of the harbour and parklands. Each room is equipped with broadband internet access and comprehensive amenities.