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citybites 5-star stay brisbane's PULL The Sebel and Citigate hotels at King George Square in Brisbane will experience a renaissance when they are relaunched as Pullman and Mercure hotels, respectively. The opening of the Sebel in 1971 as the Crest International was groundbreaking for Brisbane, as it introduced international accommodation to the city. This pioneering spirit will prevail when the Accor hotel group assimilates the Sebel into the five-star Pullman brand, which was renowned for transforming overnight train travel in America in the 19th century with opulent sleeping cars and fine-dining carriages known as 'palaces on wheels'. "The Pullman brand holds such a rich history and is highly regarded throughout Asia and Europe, and it makes sense for us to grow this brand in Australia where there is clear demand for quality internationally branded hotels aimed at the corporate and upscale leisure markets," said Simon McGrath of Accor Asia Pacific. The $7-million upgrade of the former Sebel will involve a complete and sophisticated makeover of the guestrooms and conference, meeting and event spaces. The spectacular lobby redesign will feature open-plan checkin pods, contemporary furnishings and a colour scheme inspired by the waters off the Brisbane coast. A connectivity lounge and e-concierge facility will be among the exciting enhancements. Guests will also enjoy the fully equipped gymnasium, the rooftop heated pool and sauna, and on-site restaurant Bistro Allure, which specialises in traditional woodfired pizzas. accorhotels.com.au exotic local sHANGHAI flavour Dine at New Shanghai in Chatswood and be imaginatively transported from a Sydney shopping mall to a Shanghai city street. The restaurant's 1930s Chinese decor, which incorporates an oriental doorway, stone paving underfoot and red lanterns, perfectly sets the scene for diners, who perch on small black stools in the mock Chinese alleyway while watching the action in the venue's dumpling-making theatre. These tasty handmade morsels are dumplings at their finest. New Shanghai also hosts special nights throughout the year. The full-on pork and cider feast is six courses of delicious Asian specialties matched with selected ciders from Tasmania, the NSW Southern Highlands and France. Menu highlights include the authentic Chinese sweet and sour pork ribs in dark vinegar sauce and the steamed dumplings basket. In addition to Chatswood, New Shanghai restaurants are located in Ashfield, Bondi Junction, Charlestown and Brisbane. www.newshanghai.com.au 8 business modernist retreat bound Tucked away in a Melbourne city laneway, a stone's throw from notable bars, cafes, restaurants and theatres, is Fraser Place Melbourne. This boutique residential complex houses 112 serviced studio apartments, all spaciously laid out with integrated living, dining and kitchen areas. Featuring contemporary design and a crisp palette, each furnished apartment includes a spacious work desk, balcony, fully equipped kitchen, state-of-the-art home entertainment system and high-speed internet access. Ideal for business travellers, the complex has a 24-hour reception area, Mac workstations, reading areas and a 24/7 gymnasium. The attention to detail is obvious. In addition to offering all the mod cons, the apartment complex is a hub of modernist style. Designer standouts in the common areas and restaurant include Hans J Wegner 'Wishbone' chairs, Herman Miller 'Setu' ergonomic chairs, white Eames moulded chairs and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 'Knoll' chairs. The complex also boasts a collection of Australian Indigenous artworks by Debra Nangala McDonald, Annie Napangardi Nelson and Anna Pitjara. melbourne.frasershospitality.com