Hotels’ silver service turning platinum

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Hotels have been adding all kinds of ingredients to their recipe for success – now Guillaume Brahimi is one of them, says Tori Clapham

There’s no denying we’re a nation of foodies – a fact any savvy hotelier knows only too well. No surprises then that Melbourne’s Crown Towers, one of the savviest of all, has upped the culinary ante with a very welcome food initiative: a new in-room menu designed by not one, but two celebrity chefs – Guillaume Brahimi and Neil Perry.

“I don’t think that other hotels in Australia are up to scratch, they just stick to the classics: one pizza, one club sandwich, you know," Brahimi explains to AT. “We are trying to bring some love into the hotel room. Room service should be at the same quality as the rest of the experience."

Crown isn’t the only hotel polishing their silver service – Sydney’s Shangri-La has also cooked up a new initiative in the hopes of getting our attention, with a concept they’ve coined the ‘Chefs’ Surprise’. Book in for the 10-course degustation – if you can, it reputedly sells out fast – and you’ll receive 10 dishes, each created by a different  chef. Risky? Perhaps.

But decadence sells. Just like Adriano Zumbo’s ‘dessert train’, now found in Sydney’s luxury casino and hotel complex, The Star – designed in case you can’t stop at one world-class dessert… hey, we’d like to try a little of them all, too.

Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace is now also offering cooking master classes, where you can learn inside trade secrets to sufficiently leave dinner guests in awe of your cooking skills.

What will they think of next? Complimentary spa treatments, perhaps – hand delivered by Brahimi himself? Hey, it’s just a suggestion…

 

MORE: Tasty new morsels for the foodies.

Once just for holiday rentals, Airbnb now plans your whole trip

    By Emily Murphy
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    From art tours in Melbourne to Bowral beehives, Airbnb has just launched its biggest evolution yet.

    Forget scrolling endless booking sites or relying on travel agents to curate your perfect escape. Airbnb’s latest global release redefines what the platform can offer, moving beyond accommodation to become a full-service travel companion that plans your entire trip.

    Luxury services are now bookable

    Airbnb Experiences flow on phone

    Book experiences and services through Airbnb now. (Image: Airbnb)

    At the centre of the shake-up is Airbnb Services, a brand-new offering that lets users book top-tier professionals across 10 categories, with five of those launching in Sydney and Melbourne.

    Need a private chef for an anniversary dinner? Want a photo shoot with an award-winning photographer? Prefer to skip the supermarket and have your Airbnb fridge pre-stocked before you arrive? It’s all now possible, straight from the app.

    And these aren’t just any service providers – we’re talking Michelin-starred chefs, renowned wellness practitioners with serious credibility and more.

    Experiences that go way beyond the standard city tour

    AirBeenBee honey Airbnb Experience in Bowral

    Travellers can book a honey experience in Bowral. (Image: Airbnb)

    Also making a big comeback: Airbnb Experiences, now completely reimagined and relaunched with a sharper focus on expertise, authenticity and local flavour.

    The new line-up includes thousands of activities hosted by locals who know their cities best – and Aussies are already embracing the idea. You can now book everything from tasting rare honey straight from the hive in Bowral to a deep dive into Melbourne’s street art with an artist.

    Duckboard Place street art

    Airbnb Experiences can be booked in your own city. (Artwork: Middle: Steen Jones/Right: Lukas Kaspar)

    It’s not just for travellers, either. Airbnb reports that over 40 per cent of Australians say they’re keen to use Experiences to explore their own backyard.

    The categories span everything from history and culture to food and drink, art and design, entertainment, fitness, wellness and nature, with new options rolling out globally and across Sydney and Melbourne this season.

    Next-level exclusives hosted by global icons

    Megan Thee Stallion eating ramen for Otaku Hottie Quest

    Airbnb Originals are one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures. (Image: Adrienne Raquel)

    And for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Originals: one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures, exclusively for the platform.

    Think making croissants with a French pastry legend, playing volleyball with an Olympian in Rio, or even cosplaying with Megan Thee Stallion at her Otaku Hottie Quest.

    You can also toss a football with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City or join K-pop royalty SEVENTEEN in Seoul for an exclusive fan celebration.

    For Aussie travellers, it’s all part of a broader shift: from simply booking a place to sleep, to curating unforgettable moments – all in one tap.

    Hotels' silver service turning platinum - Australian Traveller