Celebrating 5 years of Deco Hotel Canberra: Our Journey
We have hit a milestone! It has been five years since Deco Hotel Canberra first opened its doors, and what a journey it has been! From officially opening doors and welcoming guests on 22nd of August 2019, we have seen countless milestones, challenges and celebrated many successes. Take a trip down memory lane as we reflect on Deco Hotel’s achievements and some heartwarming stories throughout the last five years.
Deco Hotel Before (2019):
Deco Now:
Journey of Milestones
From day one, Deco Hotel Canberra set out with a vision to offer unforgettable hospitality, and certainly made our mark.
#2 on TripAdvisor
Deco Hotel being ranked #2 on TripAdvisor in our inaugural year was a big moment, and we’ve only continued to climb higher in the ranks. Maintaining or bettering this position over the last 5 years is a testament to our commitment to excellence.
2023 Canberra Region Tourism Awards
Our recognition didn’t stop there. In 2023, we received a commendation in the 4.5 Deluxe Hotel category at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards.
2023 Handmade Hotel Room
Collaborating with Canberra Handmade Markets for the Handmade Hotel room project garnered positive publicity and press, showcasing our innovative spirit.
2024 Top 1% in TripAdvisors’ Choice Best of the Best Worldwide
In 2024, we were thrilled to be ranked among the top 1% in Tripadvisor’s Choice Best of the Best Worldwide, marking us as one of the top hotels globally. This accolade is the highest honour, reflecting our dedication to providing outstanding services and experiences.
Handmade Canberra
The Heart of Deco Hotel - The Team
Deco Hotel wouldn't be what it is today without the dedicated team. Each department head has been with us since our opening in 2019, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to their roles.
Milagros Antipolo, Executive Housekeeper, has been part of the Capital Hotel Group for over 14 years. Also goes by "Mila," she and her team have maintained an outstanding cleanliness rating of 4.8 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. Mila's commitment to excellence ensures that every guest enjoys a spotless and welcoming environment.
Deco Hotel’s culinary expert, Freddy, has been delighting guests with his innovative dishes as our head chef. Freddy's creativity and dedication to using fresh, local ingredients have made our restaurant a favourite among guests and locals alike.
At the helm of Restaurant Two14 is Ting Fung Kwok. With his vibrant energy and genuine passion for hospitality, Fung ensures every guest feels welcomed and valued. Whether orchestrating a busy dinner shift or personally checking in with guests, Fung's warmth and dedication shine through, creating an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels like family.
Niki Smallwood is the newest addition to the Deco Hotel Executive team. With her impressive organisational skills, she sets the tone for a welcoming and efficient experience from the moment you step through our doors.
Niki’s knack for anticipating guests' needs and her unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that every interaction is seamless and pleasant. Her approachable nature and problem-solving expertise make her the go-to person for inquiries or concerns.
We are very excited to have Niki continue our journey.
Leading the Deco team is General Manager Herman Lee, whose leadership and vision have guided Deco Hotel through both triumphs and challenges. Herman's message resonates with everyone who has been part of our journey;
"Leading Deco Hotel for the past five years has been a journey of resilience and growth; each challenge has been a lesson, reminding me that true hospitality thrives not just in comfort, but in our ability to adapt, innovate, and connect with every guest." - Herman Lee, General Manager - Deco Hotel
Deco Hotel
Overcoming the Challenges
No celebration of Deco Hotel's five-year anniversary would be complete without acknowledging the hurdles we've faced and overcome. The 2019/2020 Black Summer Bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen challenges that tested our resilience.
“During the lockdown, this brought out creativity and resilience in our guests”
The pandemic, in particular, was a period of uncertainty and hardship. Issuing stand-down notices to our beloved Deco family was heartbreaking. Yet, during lockdowns and border closures, we found inspiration in the creativity and resilience of our guests. One guest collected bark from our driveway to paint Indigenous artwork, which now proudly adorns our hotel lobby. Another guest practiced her Pickleball skills in our underground car park, turning a challenging time into a moment of joy.
Deco Hotel
Looking Ahead - The NEXT Five Years
As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we're also excited about our plans in the future. The next five years include continuing with soft refurbishments to ensure Deco Hotel’s facilities remain top standard. We're also aiming for that #1 spot on TripAdvisor, driven by commitment to excellence and continuous innovation.
Deco Hotel
These first five years, Deco Hotel Canberra has been a memorable journey filled with milestones, challenges and moments of joy. We are grateful to our team, loyal guests, and the vibrant Canberra community for being a part of our story.
If you haven't already experienced Deco Hotel Canberra, we invite you to book your stay and become part of our story. Whether you're a returning guest or a first-time visitor, we're excited to welcome you and create more memories together.
