The recent refurbishment and extension to Westfield Carindale saw the need for the existing Carindale Hotel to be demolished as part of the new works, paving the way for the venue to be reimagined. The Hotel re-emerged as an integrated part of the Centre’s new extension, fronting both the street and internally to the food court atrium. The design responded to the Hotel’s connection to the Centre, complimenting the refurbishment by embracing a bar and restaurant feel.

Although it is unusual for a Hotel to be physically part of a shopping centre, especially a Hotel with gaming, careful planning of the internal spaces ensured social considerations were addressed. As a result, the gaming room was tucked away to the rear, behind the open plan restaurant/bar area - out of sight but not forgotten. Clever use of the timber bulkhead and pendant lights subtly invites patrons to explore the depths of the Hotel.

Brand + Slater Architects developed a concept for Carindale Hotel stemming from a modern reinterpretation of a French brasserie. Warm, neutral tones and materials dominate the palette and along with elegant café-style furniture extend a friendly invitation to the venue. American oak floors, stone clad walls, timber ceiling panels and simple white pendant lights reinforce this theme.

The main bar is anchored to the prominent corner of the Hotel, visible from the street and food court. Its low counter height interacts with the customer at a more human scale. Exquisite stone and feature tiling add a sophisticated detail to the bar, whilst the unobtrusive metal framed back bar display allows vision through to all sides.

Integrated as one space with the bar, the restaurant is open plan to achieve flexibility of function. Scattered with a mix of furniture and finishes, the dining experience is informal and comfortable yet stylish.

Beyond the restaurant is a quiet lounge area and gaming room, complete with its own bar. The timber flooring is substituted with custom carpet, the pattern of which was derived from the feature tile motif.

In the interest of maintenance and longevity, special care was taken to select finishes that are hardwearing, such as stone, tiles and high wool content carpet. Materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were also considered as part of environmental sensibility along with the use of energy efficient lights.

Nightlife has been working with the Spirit Hotel Group for a number of years. With an extensive music catalogue, Nightlife has been able to provide music programming to suit the many different styles of venues in the Spirit portfolio.

Carindale Hotel is a neat fit to the leisure experience and modern style that is on offer at the newly completed Glasshouse Food Precinct of Westfield Carindale. With such a new approach to the retail and leisure mix they needed an audio visual solution to match the high standards set in other areas of the design.

Nightlife’s Relationship Manager Sean Martin worked closely with Hotel Manager Spiro Chalkais and BJs Sound and Lighting to deliver a two channel music solution to compliment the sophisticated, contemporary feel of the Main Bar and Restaurant. To further enhance the eclectic interior design, Nightlife’s ambient visual channel is in use and provides a blend of designer graphics, action sports and visual landscapes through the various screens around the property. Their digital advertising is also managed from the one central location blending seamlessly with the stylish visuals throughout the day and night.