Accor has been selected to operate a 66-room hotel within the University of Western Australia, with the revenue to be invested in the Forrest Research Foundation (FRF).
Wonil Hotel includes 66 short-stay accommodation rooms open to visitors, with the net revenue given back to the foundation, which awards scholarships and fellowships to researchers around the world.
The FRF was established in 2014 following a donation from Andrew and Nicola Forrest through their Minderoo Foundation.
FRF contributed $27.5 million towards the hotel, in addition to $2.9 million from the university.
UWA’s School of Indigenous Studies lecturer and cultural adviser Richard Walley said Wonil, the Noongar name for peppermint tree, was agreed after consultation with elders.
“The name wonil links the hotel’s place and purpose together,” he said.
“This is a significant site by the river that was known to the Noongar as a place of rest and the wonil has many uses in Noongar culture.
“It’s used in medicine but also as an abode for birds and other animals and a place of wisdom.”
The hotel is the last component of the university’s Forrest Hall Precinct, which also includes 52 rooms for scholars and fellows, and an office for Minderoo Foundation.
Foundation director James Arvanitakis said Accor would support its mission to build WA as an international research destination.
“In addition to Wonil Hotel being an ideal accommodation location for visiting academics and others staying in Perth, guests will know the profits from their stay flow directly into FRF to fund more scholarships, something that will have long-lasting benefits to the research eco-system in WA,” he said.
The hotel is expected to open next month.
Wonil Hotel is also Accor’s first accommodation in its Handwritten Collection.
Accor Pacific chief executive Sarah Derry said the Handwritten Collection was a selected selection of hotels to showcase a one-of-a-kind concepts.
“Wonil Hotel is the first Handwritten Collection hotel to open in Australia and is tailored to guests who wish to be located near the campus and surrounding areas, and value high standards in style, amenities and design,” she said.
“We are delighted to partner with the University of Western Australia in this venture, which will provide financial support for the Forrest Research Foundation.
“We will give our guests an extraordinary experience, providing accommodation and dining options, while helping to sustain the important work of the FRF.”
