Bunbury Lighthouse has been a beacon for more than 100 years, and now the adjacent Mantra Bunbury Hotel’s story has a flashy new twist.
It has been taken over by Australia’s biggest hotel operator, Accor.
A spokesperson praises its “enchanting location and exceptional facilities” and says it will have both leisure and business guests in its sights.
Mantra Bunbury has 71 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa, and Bunbury’s biggest conference space, for up to 425 guests.
The hotel on Marlston Drive has a special offer from $149 a night for a poolside room for bookings at ALL.com.
The actual building is owned by Mandala Hospitality Group, with which Accor has a long partnership. Accor will staff and run the hotel and its facilities.
Accor Pacific chief executive Sarah Derry says: “Mantra Bunbury Lighthouse represents an exciting opportunity for Accor to expand its network in Western Australia. We look forward to leveraging our global expertise in hospitality to deliver unforgettable moments to guests.”
Mandala Hospitality Group manager Murray Emerton, adds: “Over the next 12 months, we eagerly anticipate breathing new life into this already remarkable property through a planned soft refurbishment.”
Mantra, which started in 2007, now has 75 properties in Australia. Accor has 19 international brands, such as the Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissotel, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis brands.
THE LIGHTHOUSE STORY
The current lighthouse overlooking the ocean at Bunbury is relatively new, but history goes way back.
The first “lighthouse” was just a fire on a keg near the spot where the current lighthouse stands. It was there to guide the ships into Koombana Bay.
It was replaced by a wooden lighthouse in 1870, and that was replaced in 1901 by what turned out to be a temporary tower.
A cast-iron beacon was built there in 1903, and its height was increased in 1959. Its new lantern was built into the current lighthouse when it was constructed in 1970.
The lighthouse stands 25m tall and can be seen 27km from the coast.