Crystalbrook Collection Bailey hotel opening party draws a crowd

Acrobats, Japanese drummers and local singers added to a carnival atmosphere at Bailey as the latest Crystalbrook Collection hotel celebrated its official opening. PHOTO GALLERY

• Crystalbrook Collection marina project on ice

ACROBATS, Japanese drummers and local singers added to a carnival atmosphere at Bailey as the latest Crystalbrook Collection hotel celebrated its opening last night.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and other dignitaries mingled with hotelier Ghassan Aboud and some of his special guests from Australia and across the world as well as local business owners.

Crystalbrook Collection marketing group director Katie Malone said about 250 attended the glitzy affair on Aplin St.

Crystalbrook’s Bailey Hotel opening party Gallery.

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The crowd was treated to gourmet canapes and wine and beer served by dozens of wait staff.

“It was a really fabulous day for Crystalbrook Collection, we’re all absolutely thrilled with the hotel and Bailey is exceeding everyone’s expectations,” Ms Malone said.

“What is great is we’re getting reviews of 98/100 on booking.com and Tripadvisor – it’s OK to say we like it but to have our customers say so is better.

“We’re thrilled to see the art come to life, the art’s messaging and how that’s come about. We had about 20 different artists performing, and the hotel is really embracing the local art scene and local culture.”

Crystalbrook Collection owner Ghassan Aboud PICTURE: ANNA ROGERS

Held across the foyer and level three poolside bar Pachamama, the event was a welcome part of artist Jacqueline Scotcher’s partnership with the hotel.

“It is good to see artists so celebrated and recognised here – usually we just supply the art and then the main focus of businesses are tourism,” she said. “We’re going to take part in an artist’s talk with the hotel owner which is really special.”

But confidence was one of the best attributes the hotel has brought to the region, according to Sailaway owner and operator Steve Edmondson.

“It’s a great investment and it’s giving us plenty of credibility,” he said.

“The region has so much to offer and Bailey is part of a journey that’s going places.”

For stylist Pip Addison, the thought put into the decoration, art and design of the hotel was the standout feature.

“It’s bringing some class and some five-star atmosphere to the city,” she said.

“There’s a lot of elegance and a great vibe when you spend any time here.”

Originally published as Crystalbrook Collection Bailey hotel opening party draws a crowd