Melbourne Remove Control Tourist

VISIT MELBOURNE DIGITALLY WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL TOURIST

Google Maps, live cams and various other technologies transform the concept of
travelling nowadays and make it so much easier to see different
countries directly through your internet browser window.

Tourism Victoria agency in Australia decided to take this experience to a whole
new level and with the help of Clemenger BBDO agency created a Melbourne
remote control tourist.

How it works

The idea of the campaign is to allow anyone around the world experience
Melbourne first hand through the physical body of a remote tourist.

In other words, you go online, send a request of what you want to do in
Melbourne and one of the four remote tourists does it for you.
Additionally, every request gets videotaped and streamed on the website.

 As a result, huge interest from people around the world has been
reached with the campaign becoming popular through Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Not to mention lots of bloggers talking about it online.


And that is a result of a campaign, that has only been live for 5 days. Have a look at the website here.

Points to Note

-Clever idea of the campaign helped to cut the cost of running it live for a longer period of time
-Results website is now a huge database of short videos of interesting things people can do in Melbourne
-The campaign also served as a research to find out what are the most popular things tourists would like to do in Melbourne

Our Thoughts

This is a unique experience offered to online users and also a very clever method of research at the same time.

Being live for only 5 days, the results undoubtedly prove that the idea of the campaign has paid off very well.

Besides spreading the word of mouth, company now also has a well designed website, which also serves as a perfect database for anyone willing to travel to Melbourne and wanting to check how the city looks through the eyes of people who are there.



So both, short-term and long-term goals have been achieved easily and formed a great basis for any further actions. Well done guys!

Enjoy a Short Break This Summer at Metro Apartments on Bank Place

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to book a short break in Melbourne to enjoy the myriad sporting events, music and cultural festivals and outdoor theatre and cinema.

Highlights of the city’s Summer calendar include the Ashes at Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30), Melbourne’s annual Midsumma Festival (January 12-February 2), the Australian Open Tennis (January 16-27), and Chinese New Year’s celebrations (February 10-12).

Visitors to Melbourne will also enjoy free summer concerts performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (February 13-23), free fitness classes at Federation Square up throughout December and the annual free music festival on the beach at St Kilda (February 2-10).

To enjoy all there is on offer in Melbourne this Summer, Metro Apartments Bank Place has released a Summer Package offering accommodation for two people in a one bedroom apartment with full buffet breakfast from $175.00* per night valid from December 1st, 2013 to March 31, 2014.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers inner city apartment style accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down an atmospheric cobbled laneway, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping.

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino.

Hop on one of Melbourne’s famous trams to spend the day at the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, and take in a show at the Victorian Arts Centre – only a short ride away by taxi or tram.

The property offers 46 apartments, a choice of either studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a split level, two bedroom penthouse. All suites include a kitchenette and laundry facilities.

*Terms and conditions apply; subject to availability,

To enquire about the Summer Package, contact Metro Apartments Bank Place on +61 3 9604 4321 or call the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively, bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au.

Destination Melbourne – Popular With Visitors from West Australia

Each year, more than a million West Australians* fly across Australia to visit the eastern states, the largest proportion of whom choose Victoria as their destination of choice. 

This number is growing – 10 per cent more West Australians visited Melbourne in 2012 when compared with the previous year.

Whether it is for work, holiday, shopping, to eat out at some of the country’s best restaurants or to attend one of the many sporting and cultural events, there is no doubt that Melbourne has it all.

And with three airlines now vying for passengers and up to 15 flights direct from Perth to Melbourne daily, flying to Melbourne has never been easier or more affordable. 

From $150 each way, West Australians now have the perfect excuse to fly across Australia and enjoy all Melbourne has to offer – even just for the weekend. 

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers inner city apartment style accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down a cobbled laneway,  the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping. 

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino. 

Hop on one of Melbourne’s famous trams to spend the day at the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, and take in a show at the Victorian Arts Centre – only a short ride away by taxi or tram. 

The property offers 46 apartments, a choice of either studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a split level, two bedroom penthouse. All suites include a kitchenette and laundry facilities. 

*Tourism Victoria Origin Market Profile,Year ending Dec 2012

To book, contact Metro Apartments Bank Place on +61 3 9604 4321 or call the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately, bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au

View this Press Release and all Metro Hotels News

Renovations to Metro Apartments Bank Place Now Complete

Metro Hospitality Group has completed major renovations to its boutique Melbourne property, Metro Apartments Bank Place, including the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms in all apartments as well as new lighting, carpeting and furnishings. 

   

Metro Apartments on Bank Place attracts leisure and corporate interstate visitors, as well as the regional Victorian leisure market.

  

According to George Bedwani, chief operating officer of Metro Hospitality Group, the renovations were undertaken to ensure the property maintained its reputation for offering stylish yet affordable inner-city accommodation.

 "The apartments are very popular and enjoy significant repeat business, largely due to their central location and competitive rates," he said.

"We are delighted we can offer all our guests a superior standard of accommodation while still ensuring our apartments are priced at an affordable point."

Metro Apartments on Bank Place attracts leisure and corporate interstate visitors, as well as the regional Victorian leisure market. The apartments also appeal to Melbournians looking for unique weekend accommodation for the opportunity to experience the vibrant soul of their own city.

The apartments are located in a unique 100-year old Victorian building complete with rough hewn bluestone façade, in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. 

The chic exterior and surrounds are complemented by the interior's contemporary style, quality furnishings and fittings. 

Bernard Tomic's Return Buoys Sydney Officials

HIS life might still hold some uncertainties but organisers believe Benard Tomic will be in the right frame of mind to try to defend his Sydney International title in January.

Tournament director Craig Watson is a relieved man being able to confirm that Tomic has signed on again for the combined ATP-WTA event (January 5-11) at Sydney Olympic Park courts.

“To win his first (ATP) title was an important breakthrough for him but equally important for us to get him back as he's a crowd-pleaser,” Watson said. “His tennis is great to watch.

“I've found that with tennis players when they come back to defend titles they grow an extra leg.”

Tomic's personal life as well as his professional hiccups with his coaching arrangements so often brings the Queenslander into the headlines.

In the lead-up to Sydney last January police were called to the roof of a Gold Coast hotel where Tomic and mates were involved in a scuffle in a hot-tub to celebrate his 20th birthday.

His 21st birthday passed in October without incident.

But the fall-out from the eight-month suspended sentence handed to his father John Tomic for assaulting former warm-up partner Thomas Drouet in May is ongoing.

The ATP and ITF have banned Tomic from being an accredited person at tournaments, including the past three grand slams and next year's Australian Open. Tomic Snr can however buy a ticket to the Sydney International.

Tomic was due to name a new coach this month, but there has been no announcement as yet.

Watson said Tomic showed last time on Ken Rosewall Arena he could handle the pressure of both opponents and public opinion.

“It was a great win by him because he was coming off the back of some issues with his father and Tennis Australia back then too,” Watson said yesterday.

“But he played an absolute fantastic tournament last time.”

Tomic has held a consistent ranking - still No51 in the world - for the past season, although he ended it poorly losing in the first round of his last five events.

Watson also named world No5 Juan Martin Del Potro and Poland's Wimbldeon semi-finalist, and world No21, Jerzy Janowicz as Sydney contenders.

Del Potro enjoyed a boom end of the season making three finals back-to-back and winning two - Tokyo and Basel. The 25-year-old Argentine also made the semis at Wimbledon, falling to Novak Djokovic.

Great Value Australian Open Package at Metro Apartments Bank Place

With Roger Federer considered to be back in top form and a real threat to win the tournament, and Victoria Azarenka hoping to score a hat trick after claiming the winner’s trophy in 2012 and 2013, courtside is the place to be when the Australian Open Tennis is played at Melbourne Park from January 13-26, 2014. 

Now is the time to book your Melbourne accommodation for the Australian Open, and Metro Apartments Bank Place, located just a 10 minute tram ride away from Melbourne Park, is offering a great value package for the duration of this world-class event.

The Australian Open Package offers accommodation for two people in a one bedroom apartment from $225* per night from January 13 – 26 (inclusive), with a minimum three night stay. An additional guest bed is available for $40 per night, making it ideal for a couple, a family with one child or a small group of friends to stay. Complimentary WiFi is also included.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers inner city apartment style accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down an atmospheric cobbled laneway, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping. 

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino. Hop on one of Melbourne’s famous trams to spend the day at the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, and take in a show at the Victorian Arts Centre – only a short ride away by taxi or tram. 

Book This 2013 Australian Open Accommodation Package

The property offers 46 apartments, a choice of either studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a split level, two bedroom penthouse. All suites include a kitchenette and laundry facilities. 

*Terms and conditions apply.

To enquire about this package, contact Metro Apartments Bank Place on +61 3 9604 4321 or call the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively, bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of 13 properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

Melbourne Cup: Fiorente, Verema Meet Strong Support of Call of the Card

 

Fiorente's hold on Melbourne Cup favouritism was secured after meeting with strong support at Monday's traditional call of the card.

One punter placed $50,000 on Fiorente at $7.50, and other bets on the Gai Waterhouse-trained runner saw him shorten into $7.

Waterhouse's son Tom tried to back the horse to win $1 million but he was knocked backed by bookmakers, while a separate attempt by a punter to win $400,000 was limited to $100,000.

Australian racing's first lady is also saddling up Tres Blue in the Cup, but there was limited interest for him at $21.

Two-time Cup-winning jockey Damien Oliver says he couldn't be happier with his booking for Fiorente.

"He just does everything you ask of him and he has trained on well since the Cox Plate," Oliver told RSN Racing and Sport Radio.

"When you ask him to quicken he's got great acceleration and he relaxes well in his races, so he's just got the perfect attitude for a Melbourne Cup horse.

"It's got a lot of depth this field this year ... up to half the field have got strong winning chances, but I've got a lot of respect for the imported horses and for Lloyd Williams's horses as well."

Verema, meanwhile, also came in for solid support at the call of the card, including one $7,500 bet each way at $15.

There continues to be steady money for the French mare, whose trainer Alain de Royer Dupre rated her as good as his 2010 winner Americain.

She is drawn inside in barrier three, which poses a minor concern for de Royer Dupre.

"We are only careful because she is a filly with a very long action and if you have no pace there could a problem," he said.

"She is a similar horse to Americain, but I think the level of competition is going up every year and the competition is very tough."

There were moves at longer odds for Ibicenco, who was backed to win $500,000 at odds of $101, forcing his price into $61, and Ethiopia was supported at $91 to win more than $250,000.

One bet to win $100,000 was placed on Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner, while runner-up to him Dandino ($14), as well as Irish runner Simenon ($18), also had some support.

Mount Athos remains the second favourite at $11 despite drifting slightly since Saturday's barrier draw.

An unlucky fifth last year, Mount Athos had been supported into favouritism in some markets last week on the back of strong trackwork.

But drawing barrier 22 saw him attract measured interest at the call of the card, except one bet written for him to win $200,000.

There was a handful of smaller bets on Metropolitan winner Seville ($18), but punters seemed disinterested in the defeated Caulfield Cup favourite Hawkspur at $16.

The outsider for the Cup remains Sydney Cup winner Mourayan at $151.

The final call of the card prices were:

1. Dunaden $41
2. Green Moon $41
3. Red Cadeaux $81
4. Sea Moon $15
5. Brown Panther $19
6. Fiorente $7
7. Foreteller $31
8. Dandino $12
9. Ethiopia $91
10. Fawkner $17
11. Mourayan $151
12. Seville $18
13. Super Cool $61
14. Masked Marvel $36
15. Mount Athos $11
16. Royal Empire $21
17. Voleuse De Coeurs $17
18. Hawkspur $16
19. Simenon $18
20. Ibicenco $61
21. Verema $15
22. Dear Demi $21
23. Tres Blue $24
24. Ruscello $71

Accommodation Right in the Heart of Melbourne

Accommodation Right in the Heart of Melbourne - Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Metro Apartments on Bank Place, Melbourne NEW Image Set

New Images of Metro Apartments on Bank Place. Melbourne - Quality Serviced Apartments in the Melbourne CBD.

Great Rates at Metro Apartments Bank Place for Melbourne Cup Carnival

Great Rates at Metro Apartments Bank Place for Melbourne Cup Carnival

The Victorian Spring Racing Carnival is just around the corner, and Metro Apartments Bank Place in inner Melbourne is offering boutique apartment accommodation for the duration of the Carnival from just $185.00 (room only).  

Demand for accommodation in Melbourne during this period is high, so visitors to the city are advised to book now to avoid disappointment.

A minimum two night stay applies to Derby Day on Saturday 2 November and Melbourne Cup on Tuesday 5th November, and WIFI is complimentary for the duration of the Carnival period – November 2 - 9, 2013.

Metro Apartments on Bank Place offers inner city apartment style accommodation that lives up to the city’s European charm. Tucked away down an atmospheric cobbled laneway, the surrounding heritage-listed piazza introduces you to Melbourne’s charming lanes and city precinct with its range of cafes, restaurants and enticing shopping. 

Bustling by day and alive with al fresco dining by night, Bank Place is situated a short stroll away from all of Melbourne’s sought after attractions: Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, Southgate Centre and Crown Casino. Hop on one of Melbourne’s famous trams to spend the day at the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, and take in a show at the Victorian Arts Centre – only a short ride away by taxi or tram. 

The property offers 46 apartments, a choice of either studio or one-bedroom suites, as well as a split level, two bedroom penthouse. All suites include a kitchenette and laundry facilities.

View Metro Apartments on Bank Place

View this Press Release and more and Metro Hotels News

9 Interesting Facts About The Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is Australia's premier horse race, established since 1861 and held every year on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria. Marketed as "the race that stops a nation", it has become a national tradition in Australia.

9 Interesting Facts The About Melbourne Cup 

Peter St. Albans

1. The youngest jockey to win Melbourne Cup was Peter St. Albans on Briseis in 1876 - who was only 12 years old!





2. In 1915, the first woman owner to win was Mrs E.A. Widdis with Patrobas. First female jockey to ride in the cup was Maree Lyndon on Argonaut Style in 1987.

3. During WWII between 1942 and 1944, the race day was changed to Saturdays.

Jean Shrimpton 1965

4. Fashion on the Field begun in 1962 to attract more women attendees to the cup. British supermodel Jean Shrimpton made headlines in Australia and around the world when she rocked up to Melbourne Cup in 1965 in a sleeveless dress with a hemline four inches above the knee and a man's watch - which shocked race goers and caused a fashion furore worldwide.



5. In 1861, the winner of Melbourne Cup - a horse named Archer - walked all the way to Melbourne from his stables in Nowra, NSW!

6. Criminals tried to shoot Phar Lap on the morning of Saturday 1 November 1930 after he had finished track work. Luckily for Phar Lap, they missed.

7. Forensic investigation conducted by Dr. Ivan Kempson and Dermot Henry, found that Phar Lap had ingested a massive dose of arsenic 30-40 hours before his death, adding to the speculation that the champion horse was poisoned to death by gangsters.

Phar Lap

8. When trainer Harry Telford and owner David J. Davis saw Phar Lap for the first time, the horse was gangly, face covered with warts, and had an awkward gait. Davis was furious when he saw the colt, and refused to pay to train the horse. Telford at the time had not been a successful trainer, and Davis was one of his few remaining owners. As a compromise for the poor form of the colt, Telford agreed to train the horse for free, in exchange for a two-thirds share of any winnings.


9. The only horse to have won three Melbourne Cups - consecutively in a row - is Makybe Diva.


To celebrate this year's Melbourne Cup race day, Metro Apartments on Bank Place Melbourne is having this special for travelers coming to stay for the race!

Melbourne Cup Accommodation Packages - Choose either a...

Studio Room for $250.00 per room, per night (including free Wi-Fi)
OR
One Bedroom Apartments at:

• Friday - Saturday* - $300.00 per room, per night  (including free Wi-Fi)
• Sunday - $280.00 per room, per night                   (including free Wi-Fi)
• Monday - Tuesday*  $300.00 per room, per night (including free Wi-Fi)

For details and to book online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/320
Or call: +61 3 9604 4321
Location: 18 Bank Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia - only 14 minutes by car or taxi to the Flemington Racecourse!

A Melbourne Apartment for the Cost of a Hotel Room

 

It's the little things that count - like staff who care and go that extra mile. 

I stupidly left my iPhone charger in the bathroom of my apartment at Metro Apartments on Bank Place in Melbourne earlier this week.

I expected a hassle and a runaround when I rang to ask if it had been found, but no, the gentlemen who answered the phone asked me to hold on, went up to the apartment I had recently vacated and found the charger and told me he would keep it at reception for me.

Good service is not always associated with serviced apartments, but this was a welcome exception to that rule - as was the package price tag of just $175 per night for a fully equipped apartment in one of Melbourne's trendy laneways - centrally situated with two pubs and several restaurants on the doorstep but extremely peaceful. 

Sleep well, then head straight into a labyrinth of hidden laneways lined with boutique shops and European style cafes (the apartments are  located between Collins and Little Collins streets), and Melbourne's excellent choice of art galleries, museums, cultural and sporting events, and restaurants.

Until August 31, the Metro Apartments on Bank's special Winter Warmer package includes acommodation for two people in a one-bedroom apartment, a bottle of wine on arrival, a breakfast pack for two people, an 11am checkout and, my favourite, free wireless internet for the duration of your stay. 

Tucked away down a cobbled lane just 10 minutes from Southern Cross Railway Station and Federation Square, Bank Place is a great intro to Melbourne's laneway lifestyle - although beware that the Irish Press pub around the corner will charge you $14.50 for 400mls of Asahi Super Dry - I've had Champagne for less. 

There's a tram stop virtually at the doorway to take you to the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, or maybe for some shopping in grungy hip St Kilda or chic Chapel Street. 

Metro Apartments on Bank Place has 46 studio and one-bedroom apartments, as well as a spa room and a split-level, two-bedroom penthouse. The suites include a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, crockery and cutlery and laundry - as well as TVs with satellite channels. 

Don't expect ultra flashy; instead think convenient and comfortable. Guests enjoy complimentary daily newspapers, fluffy bathrobes, hairdryers and in-house movies - just like in an expensive hotel, but without the matching price tag. There are also some very good online deals for those with the time to peruse the internet. 

View Source

Winter Warmer @ Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Book this Winter Warmer from Metro Apartments on Bank Place for $175.00* staying in a one bedroom apartment including:

• Free unlimited wireless Internet 
• Bottle of wine on arrival 
• Late check-out of 11am
• Continental boxed breakfast for two

Location: 18 Bank Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
Phone: +61 3 9604 4321
Book this special online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/303
Website: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/melbourne-hotels/metro-apartments-on-bank-place-7



Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability, and non-events periods 
• Valid: From 1st May until 30 July 2013

Australian Open Tennis Special @ Metro Apartments on Bank Place Melbourne

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is offering this Australian Open Tennis package including FREE internet access for:

• $175.00* staying in a One Bedroom Apartment per night 

OR

• $150.00* staying in a Studio Apartment per night

Location: 18 Bank Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

Phone: +61 3 9604 4321

Book Online: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/230

Terms and Conditions:  

• Minimum 3 night Stay
• Package is only for 2 occupants
• Additional guest only extra person $40.00
• Offer Valid 15th January til 28th January 2014 

Why Choose Metro Apartments on Bank Place?

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is ideal for both the business and leisure guest seeking comfortable and convenient yet affordable accommodation in central Melbourne.

Shopping in Melbourne is second to none, and Metro Apartments on Bank Place is walking distance to the great shopping areas of the city includingBourke Street Mall, Myer and David Jones, Melbourne Central, Southbank and Southgate, the Paris end of Collins Street, the new DFO South Wharf, and of course the Queen Victoria Market.  As if that wasn’t enough reception staff will be glad to give you tram and shuttle information to get you to the South Melbourne Market, Bridge Road Richmond, Chapel Street South Yarra, Chadstone the Fashion Capital – the largest shopping centre in the Southern hemisphere – and many other world class stores and shopping areas.

Melbourne is also well-known for the Arts. The National Gallery of Victoria is a short tram trip or leisurely walk from Metro Apartments, as is the Ian Potter Gallery, Immigration Museum, Melbourne Museum and Imax and many smaller private galleries, as well as many famous theatres including the Athenaeum, Princess, Regent and Her Majesty’s Theatres which have played host to Broadway and West End shows such as Marry Poppins Cabaret, West Side Story, Hairspray and the upcoming Rock of Ages.

“The Garden State” is well know for parks and gardens, and not even a record-breaking drought can stop Melbourne’s gardens being major tourist attractions. With excellent walking/jogging and cycling trails the Flagstaff, Treasury, Fitzroy, Carlton, Alexandra and Queen Victoria Gardens are all within walking distance, but easily the most well-known gardens in Melbourne are the Royal Botanic Gardens which host the Moonlight Cinema in summer, as well as regular daily walks, group tours, craft workshops and other seasonal events.

If all the wining and dining, sports, shopping and garden walks are not enough to keep you entertained Metro Apartments are also in close proximity to great entertainment venues such as the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Eureka Skydeck viewing platform and Edge Experience, Melbourne Aquaruim, Melbourne Museum and Imax Cinemas, Victorian Arts Centre, the entertainment precinct at Melbourne Central and an easy public transport trip to attractions such as Melbourne Zoo, Scienceworks and Melbourne Planetarium, Luna Park, St Kilda Beach and much, much more.