Ardo and The Ville celebrating success while launching Mates Rates campaign

As the staff at Ardo prepare to celebrate the luxury hotel’s first anniversary, the general manager has shared how Instagram has played a part in making the Ardo and The Ville must-stay destinations

Mates Rates Is Back at the Ville and Ardo. General Manager Hotel and Property Services Brent Clark and Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe. Picture: Evan Morgan

As the staff at Ardo prepare to celebrate the luxury hotel’s first anniversary, the general manager has revealed how Instagram and word of mouth has played a part in making the Ardo and The Ville must-stay destinations.

The Ville and Ardo general manager of property services Brent Clark says the waterfront hotels are helping put Townsville “on the map, with the average Ardo guest staying three nights.

“41 per cent of our visitors are from outside the region and when they get here they are actually falling in love not just with Ardo, but Townsville as a whole,” he said.

Ardo, which started trading in the shadow of Cyclone Kirrily last year, has welcomed close to 49,000 guests and injected an estimated $120m into the local economy.

CEO Tim Richardson and GM of Hotel Brent Clark celebrating Ardo's 1st Birthday. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Since its opening many famous faces have checked in while staying in Townsville, including artist G Flip, who visited Townsville in December 2024 and stayed at Ardo.

G Flip posted to social media pictures and videos of what they labelled an “insanely fun” weekend in Townsville staying at the five star hotel and enjoying time on the North Queensland waters.

“Thank you Ardo Hotel for the memories, that was so insanely fun,” they wrote.

“Everyone, Townsville is totally underrated.”

Australian rugby league star Harry Grant also visited Ardo in December, attending a friends’ event.

The hotel was also visited last year by comedian Aussie Tommy Little, influencer and former Love Island Australia contestant Tayla Broad and her husband AFL player Nathan Broad, and AFL player Scott Pendlebury and wife Alex.

NRL Storm superstar Harry Grant visits Ardo Rooftop Townsville, Dec 2024. Picture: contributed

Mr Clark said celebrities sharing their stays on social media was a great boost for the business.

“It’s great for our profile and it really helps put Townsville on the map,” he said.

Launched on Wednesday, the hotels are participating in the Mates Rates campaign, which last year brought 250 guests book into Ardo.

G Flip visited Ardo, Townsville and Magnetic Island in December with school mates. Pictures: Instagram

“I think when you are getting up to 50 per cent off through these programs it’s a really good encouragement to come and stay,” he said.

Townsville Enterprise Director of Visitor Economy and Marketing, Lisa Woolfe said the Mates Rates campaign

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Mates Rates back, offering locals and visitors alike 50 per cent off tours, accommodation right across Townsville and North Queensland,” she said.

“We are open today so get your registration in for a discount code, then we will be on sale.”

Ms Woolfe said last year’s Mates Rates campaign was a huge success for businesses like Ardo.

Mates Rates is returning to the North.

“It was the feedback from our industry and our operators that really drove us to do this campaign again,” she said.

Mates Rates give locals a chance to get 50 per cent off tours, accommodation and experiences up to the value of $250 by registering through the Townsville North Queensland website.

Those interested can register at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au by February 9 for the unique discount code.

The sale will then go live on February 10 and will be available until sold out.

Holidays are bookable until April 3 2025 and are valid for 50 per cent of all tours, accommodation and experiences up to the value of $250.

Originally published as Ardo and The Ville celebrating success while launching Mates Rates campaign