While the pandemic forced us to work from home, it also liberated many to work from anywhere. WFH could just as easily be shorthand for “working from the hotel” as “working from home”.
Around the world, a new breed of hotels is tapping into the digital nomad movement by offering co-working spaces along with their suite of facilities, and Australian properties are getting in on the action, too.
Take your laptop on tour and head to one of these new hotels to work, rest and play.
Selina, Brisbane, Qld
Part trend-setting hotel, part backpacker hostel, millennial accommodation brand Selina promises “beautiful places to stay, travel and work” around the world – and Brisbane is the latest of its 150-odd global locations. Rates start from $24 a night in a “community room” (aka dorm), or you can opt for a private room decked out with boutique hotel-style furnishings. There’s a shared kitchen, on-site cafe/bar, and a co-work space with high-speed internet, private phone booth and equipment for hire, plus free tea, coffee, and biscuits.
Lyf Collingwood, Vic
Opened in May in Melbourne’s hip Collingwood, Australia’s first Lyf hotel stands out, literally, thanks to an enormous exterior mural by artist Mysterious Al, who contributed more than 1.5sq km of artworks throughout the building. Inside, the pet-friendly hotel’s 105 rooms are complemented with a shared kitchen and laundry featuring an arcade-style games machine. Work facilities include high-speed Wi-Fi, charging outlets and meeting rooms. For your caffeine needs, the 24-hour reception offers free barista coffee for loyalty program members.
Quay Perth, WA
Billed as Perth’s “ultimate destination to co-work, co-live and co-play”, Quay Perth opened in 2019. The 80-room boutique hotel’s 24/7 co-working space, Level Nine, offers views of Elizabeth Quay and the Swan River. Guests get free access to work desks and can hire office or board room space by the hour or day. When you need a meal break, simply head to the hotel’s all-day eatery, Community at Quay. And when the work is done, head up to the 10th-floor rooftop HQ Bar & Kitchen for a brew with a view.
Vali Byron, NSW
When “work” is 300m from the beach at Byron Bay, you can’t really complain about a hard day at the office. Opened last year, the retro-inspired Vali Byron is pitched at digital nomads and remote workers as well as holiday-makers. You can choose to stay in one of the 21 unique hotel rooms, or just take a day-pass to handle meetings between beach time (with access to facilities including showers and meeting rooms). Either way, it’s pet-friendly, so your pooch can join you.
This article originally appeared on Escape and do not necessarily represent the views of australiaexploring.com
