Opening in mid December 1999, the Novotel and Hotel Ibis will be the only hotels on the Olympic site until at least 2008. Whilst SOCOG have taken a 60 day blockout of all rooms around the Olympics period, members of the public have nine months before the games and many years beyond to enjoy the various sporting, entertainment and exhibition events happening at the precinct.

As well, the Observation Centre on Level 17 provides the highest vantage point over Homebush Bay and the Olympic Village, and will be a sought after spot for Olympic Park visitors and school groups with 600,000 visitors expected in 2000. 

Delivering a new standard in environmental hotels, Novotel and Hotel Ibis Homebush Bay have focussed on the ecologically sustainable development (ESD) requirements of the �Green Games� strategy by forging a unique partnership with leading conservation organisation, World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) - believed to be the first of its type.

The partnership will see the hotel incorporate a wide range of ESD principles including installation of Australia�s largest commercial solar hot water systems (250sq.m), grey water re-use, comprehensive recycling and waste reduction program, use of carefully selected building materials and a 40% equivalent reduction in energy use compared to similar hotels, with 100% of the hotel�s energy and electricity generated from clean, renewable and non-polluting sources.

The relationship will also generate ongoing financial support for WWF with one dollar for every room night sold donated by the hotels to support WWF initiatives, including its wetlands conservation program.

The Novotel and Hotel Ibis Homebush Bay enjoys the most central location on the Olympic site, with the railway station next door, the 110,000 seat Stadium Australia across the road, and all major venues and facilities, including the Showgrounds, Aquatic Centre and Millennium Parklands within easy walking distance.

Comprising 177 rooms and 19 floors, the ellipse shaped Novotel will be the highest building on the Olympic skyline. Located within the same complex is the Hotel Ibis with 150 rooms. With four room types including standard accommodation rooms in both hotels, luxury suites in the Novotel and team accommodation in the Hotel Ibis, there are room styles to satisfy every budget.

Of course, Homebush Bay is already established as a successful business and exhibition centre, and the hotel is already holding strong conference bookings with the attraction of superb function facilities including nine meeting rooms inclusive of a naturally lit ballroom for up to 600 delegates for meetings, dinners, weddings and other special occasions. 

The hotels� two restaurants and bars will also be very popular with guests and visitors, offering a wide choice of menu styles suitable for all tastes.  The Homebush Bay Brewery on the lower ground floor can accommodate up to 1000 people and will be a popular entertainment venue before, during and after the Games - it even has it�s own special brew!

The combined Novotel and Hotel Ibis hotel complex will establish Australia as a leader in environmentally-responsible tourism practices and will be a highly affordable and friendly venue for Australian and overseas visitors for many decades to come.

Novotel and Ibis Hotels are managed by Accor, Australia�s leading hotel group with over 60 hotels, and is part of a worldwide network of over 3100 hotels. Hotel owners TAHL are the largest hotel investor in Australia and New Zealand.