Heritage Sydney hotel, Woolstore 1888, is set to operate under Accor’s Handwritten Collection from May 2024 under a management agreement with new owners Shakespeare Property Group.

The deal was announced during the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE APAC) taking place at the Adelaide Oval on May 1-2.

Built in 1888, the Darling Harbour property is the fourth oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney, transformed in recent years to a contemporary hotel with industrial-chic interiors.

The four-level sandstone and brick building features 90 guest rooms, an award-winning restaurant and wine bar, private dining room and meeting space.

“We are thrilled to partner with Shakespeare Property Group again to open this incredible new addition to our growing portfolio of Handwritten Collection hotels,” said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PME, Adrian Williams.

“We’re seeing rapidly increasing popularity and demand in the boutique accommodation market, and Hotel Woolstore 1888 is well placed to capture this growth as a Handwritten Collection hotel.

“Through our Handwritten Collection brand, we’re broadening our portfolio of boutique hotels and bringing together small to mid-size hotels that authentically reflect the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them.”

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is the fifth hotel that Shakespeare Property Group has partnered with Accor on in Australia, following Pullman Cairns International, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and Peppers Marysville.

“Partnering with Accor to operate Hotel Woolstore 1888 under its Handwritten Collection brand was an ideal choice for us as we really want the original character of the hotel to shine,” said Shakespeare Property Group Vice President Hospitality Assets and Investments, Richard Saab.

“Handwritten Collection offers flexible brand standards, which is perfect for boutique hotel owners. It enhances the guest experience with a few light brand attributes, while still allowing us to benefit from Accor’s high standards of hospitality and globally renowned sales, distribution and loyalty platforms.

“The centralised operations and support team operated by Accor provides strong efficiencies for our hotels managed by the Group.”