Nova Kiama’s General Manager Yasmin Roberts

The finishing touches are being put on to the latest visitor accommodation offering in Kiama – a boutique hotel next to The Grand on Bong Bong Street – ahead of its opening on 1 November.

“Bookings are already being taken,” says Nova Kiama’s General Manager Yasmin Roberts.

“People love the location and the quality of the accommodation on offer.

“We’ve already got bookings for the 2020 Jazz Festival.”

The facility has been built by the owners of the property (and The Grand), the Salim Group. It is hoped that it will be the beginning of a string of boutique hotels for them, each being individually designed to suit their location.

The hotel, built around a central courtyard, has 32 rooms (ranging from an executive apartment to family and single rooms).

Some have kitchenettes and water views, and all have smart TVs, high quality fitouts and French balconies.

There is also a pool, gym and conference space, set around the courtyard.

The proximity of the hotel to the Pavilion is felt to be ideal for conference and wedding attendees.

“Kiama has been lacking in quality accommodation for some time,” says Ms Roberts, who moved here three years ago.

She has decades of experience in hospitality, including managing events for major hotel chains.

“I’ve been involved with the setting up and launch of venues before, and love the process.”

Unlike traditional hotels, there is no food service or public bars at Nova Kiama.

“We see this as a great opportunity for the local eateries, and will do all we can to promote local experiences.”

This commitment to local flows on to the art on the walls, which is all by local artists.

“We want staying at the hotel to be a real Kiama experience,” says Ms Roberts.

Ten people are being employed by the business, chosen from 200 applicants.

The venue will be run using the latest technology, including entry to the rooms via a smartphone app key.

The Wildflower Studio florist is moving into a retail space on the ground floor, and it is expected that pop-up shops will feature in reception area.