Oaks Acquires First Hotel in Darwin, Australia

Oaks Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Minor International and a division of Minor Hotel Group (MHG), is set to make its Australian Northern Territory debut, following the acquisition of Elan Soho Suites, its first property in the territory’s capital city of Darwin, in a deal worth $57.1 million.

Rebranding as Oaks Elan Darwin, the 301-room hotel, which was completed in 2014, will officially launch on 1 September 2015, marking the 52nd property in operation for Oaks Hotels & Resorts.

The opening will also see the company make its first foray into a sixth Australian state and territory as it expands its Australian presence, joining properties in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South and Western Australia, in addition to its overseas properties in the UAE, Thailand and New Zealand.

Chief Executive Officer of Minor Hotel Group, Mr Dillip Rajakarier, said, “As part of our business expansion strategy both in Australia and abroad, we have been focused on accumulating quality assets in a number of regional locations alongside extending our portfolio of management properties in both city and resort destinations. Darwin has always been on our wish list and we are thrilled that Minor Hotel Group will now be represented in the Northern Territory.”

Since acquiring the Oaks brand in 2011, MHG has continued to grow the brand with major openings including Oaks Oasis on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in 2011, Cypress Lakes Resort by Oaks and its onsite Golf & Country Club in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, in 2013, and the new-build Oaks Grand Gladstone and neighboring Grand Hotel, which opened in early 2014.

“The decision to purchase Elan Soho Suites in Darwin is a natural progression for the Oaks Hotels & Resorts brand as we continue to expand our foothold in key Australian markets. Darwin is a unique destination with strong demand from the corporate and government sectors, lending to its reputation as one of Australia’s most robust economies,” Dillip added. “We also saw a major long-term growth opportunity with Darwin’s domestic leisure market, which grew more than 10 per cent over the past year. As a gateway to South East Asia, Darwin is also an increasingly popular destination with international visitors, so we welcome the opportunity to target these inbound overseas markets, underpinned by Minor Hotel Group’s strong international brand presence.”

Located in the CBD, the 4.5-star Oaks Elan Darwin will rise over 27 floors and offer the choice of 301 hotel rooms, studios and one and two bedroom self-contained apartments.

Contemporary and spacious in design, apartments will feature kitchen and laundry facilities, cable television and Wi-Fi and expansive balconies overlooking the city and harbor. The hotel rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, while studios feature kitchenettes and private balconies.

The acquisition also includes onsite restaurant, Seoul Food, a unique dining experience with fusion Korean cuisine, which will be open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Other facilities include an outdoor pool and gymnasium, while a dedicated onsite conference and event precinct located on mezzanine level will appeal to business delegates, offering the choice of six separate event spaces catering for up to 250 guests banquet style, 380 guests theatre style, or 410 guests cocktail style.

Oaks Elan Darwin is located just 17 minutes from the Darwin International Airport and is within close proximity to a number of local attractions, including the Darwin Entertainment Centre, Esplanade and Waterfront Precinct, Bicentennial Park and the city’s dining, entertainment and shopping hub.

Oaks Elan Darwin is also well placed for guests wanting to explore the Northern Territory’s unique tourist attractions including Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park, both of which are just under two hours’ drive from the hotel.