Brisbane’s new art hotel has a celebrity in every room
It’s only just opened its doors but already Brisbane’s newest and coolest hotel is full of celebrities.
Confidential
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IT has only just opened its doors but already Brisbane’s newest and coolest hotel is full of celebrities. The Fantauzzo, the $100 million jewel in the crown of the Art Series Hotels group, which is under the AccorHotels banner, opened its doors today.
The hotel, which is located at Howard Smith Wharves, features the work of Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, husband of much-loved actor Asher Keddie.
Fantauzzo is our leading celebrity portrait artist and his wife is one of his favourite subjects and you’ll find portraits of her throughout the hotel according to general manager Shaun Fields.
“There are portraits of Asher throughout the hotel,” Fields says. “I’ve met Vincent and Asher and they are humble, welcoming and they have been extremely involved in this project. They were here in Brisbane last week helping put the finishing touches on the hotel.”
There are 207 of Fantauzzo’s photo realist works featured and they are repeated with two or three copies of each throughout the hotel’s 166 suites with room rates from $269 per night. So when you book in you could be staying with Bob Hawke, Li Cunxin, Heath Ledger, Asher Keddie, Matt Moran, Julia Gillard or any number of other famous faces — if you’re okay with that.
Fantauzzo’s portraits are engaging and hugely popular which is why he has won the Packing Room prize and been awarded the Archibald People’s Choice award more than any other artist. Fantauzzo says he’s thrilled to the artist behind the eighth art hotel (Charles Blackman and John Olsen are among artists featured at other art hotels) and he has been eagerly waiting to the Brisbane hotel to open.
“I’m passionate about accessibility to the arts and what excites me most about the collaboration is that this hotel will give all guests the opportunity to connect with art and immerse themselves in a really creative experience.”
A stunning portrait of Asher Keddie flanks the reception desk and you’ll find portraits of celebrities everywhere.
Shaun Fields is comfortable with that. At 37 he has more than 20 years experience and has looked after Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Buble, Pink and the Queen with a dinner for Commonwealth heads of state.
“I received a personal gift from the Queen at the end of it which I still wear to this day … a pair of cufflinks,” Fields says.
He says his new hotel will be one of the best in Australia. It’s now taking guests and will be fully opened within the week.
As well as having amazing river and city views it has a gobsmacking perspective of the Story Bridge which towers above it as it hugs the cliffs with windows of some rooms looking out at the rock face.
There’s a relaxed Italian eatery Polpetta on the ground floor, a rooftop pool and bar, gym and state of the art function rooms.
Fantauzzo’s photorealistic portrait art inspired acclaimed design practice SJB to create a counterpoint, a contrasting backdrop to his work through dark tones and muted finishes that challenge the traditional idea of a white gallery space. Fantauzzo’s artworks and the hotels stunning design.
Guests will have art tours and there’s an in-house video about the work of Fauntauzzo and art books in all rooms. Passers-by can check out the art in the foyer as they pass and enjoy the restaurant and bar but for the full effect … get a room.
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