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Morris Group reveals hotel name of ‘great enthusiasm and passion’

The Morris Group has revealed the name for a new $88m luxury hotel being built in Townsville.

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THE name of a new luxury hotel for Townsville has been revealed.

And that name is: Ardo — which owner the Morris Group says reflects the premium brand and experience they are creating.

The $88m hotel is under construction next door to The Ville Resort-Casino, a name the Morris Group also created after buying and redeveloping the former Jupiters hotel from 2014.

Like the new name then, Ardo might take a little while for locals to get used to but people certainly have taken to The Ville.

The popularity of the resort — it is booked out most weekends — is one reason the new hotel boasting premium accommodation, world-class dining, a luxurious day spa and a stunning rooftop pool deck and bar is being developed.

An image of the new Morris Group hotel under construction in Townsville.
An image of the new Morris Group hotel under construction in Townsville.

The Morris Group says the name Ardo is derived from the word “ardour” meaning “great enthusiasm or passion” and will reflect how the property will showcase and celebrate the very best that tropical North Queensland has to offer with a unique Ardo flair.

An image showing the Morris Group's new hotel named Ardo.
An image showing the Morris Group's new hotel named Ardo.

Executive Chairman Chris Morris said Ardo would provide a boost for North Queensland’s tourism industry.

An outdoor deck in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.
An outdoor deck in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.

“We know that North Queensland has so much to offer as a destination, so there is huge demand for domestic and international visitors to travel here,” Mr Morris said.

A bar with sea views in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.
A bar with sea views in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.

“But what we’ve discovered is that there is still a gap in the market for luxury accommodation, so what we’re doing with Ardo is building on what we already do well and providing another opportunity for high-end experiences in this special part of the world.”

An image of a bar in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.
An image of a bar in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.

The Ville CEO Michael Jones says Ardo will be the final piece in the puzzle for Townsville’s complete leisure and entertainment precinct.

A view of the terrace in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.
A view of the terrace in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.

“With Ardo joining The Ville’s accommodation, dining, function spaces and casino, and the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre on the Breakwater, what we’re creating will enhance the precinct as a destination for the region’s best leisure and entertainment,” Mr Jones said.

A view of the terrace in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.
A view of the terrace in the Morris Group's new hotel in Townsville.

“Not only will it be a huge drawcard for travellers to the region but it will also be the setting for lifelong memories for locals and visitors alike.”

A view inside the new Morris Group hotel being built in Townsville.
A view inside the new Morris Group hotel being built in Townsville.

Ardo is the latest addition to Morris Group’s tourism offering which as well as The Ville also includes the Northern Escape Collection suite of luxury properties: Orpheus Island Lodge, Daintree Ecolodge and Mt Mulligan Lodge.

It is estimated the development will provide up to 200 trades jobs during construction and over 180 jobs once the hotel is operational.

Construction is expected to be completed in the second half of next year.

Further announcements with details about Ardo’s new restaurants and bars will be made in the coming months.

tony.raggatt@news.com.au

Originally published as Morris Group reveals hotel name of ‘great enthusiasm and passion’

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/townsville/morris-group-reveals-hotel-name-of-great-enthusiasm-and-passion/news-story/e0ff36140deb600e84be4bf86d9f0147