The Ship Resort has enjoyed a proud
and colourful history, and since it was built in the 1800’s
has been a place of refuge and hospitality to both locals and
travellers alike. A well known Busselton icon to many, The Ship
continues to evolve and expand in order to remain at the forefront
of local tourism.
From its beginnings as a modest, single-storey hotel complete
with stables and a barn to house visiting guest’s horses,
as well as acting as a temporary overflow jail for the local
Police station for a period, The Ship has seen significant change
throughout its 160 year history. It has also changed hands many
times, and was recently purchased by new owners in 2005, who
plan to develop the Hotel into a boutique 5 star Resort by the
end of 2007.
Due to these renovations the accommodation units
will closed approximately mid April 2007. Located
centrally to many of Busselton’s facilities and
attractions, the Resort currently encompasses an a-la-carte Restaurant
and Micro-Brewery, various bar environments, and a drive through
liquor store. Under new management, the Ship has already begun
to undergo many exciting and innovative changes that will see
it become a modern facility unlike any other in the region.
Completed renovations include:
- Improvements to the existing main bar area, including the
addition of a lounge bar and cocktail area; as well as updating
all interior
fittings and fresh painting of all surfaces, the addition
of plasma televisions and high definition sound systems and
equipment
suitable for live entertainment.
- Upcoming renovations include improving the appearance of
the Restaurant, and expanding its original size to include
an area
of seating
that
can be
separated for private functions. Updating of all furniture,
floor coverings, fittings and lighting, as well as reshaping
the existing alfresco area.
- Expanding the second storey of the original hotel area, by
removing the decommissioned accommodation in order to transform
the area into an additional, lounge and cocktail bar environment,
utilising the verandah to create a unique evening venue.
- Complete renovations to the Liquor store to accommodate an
additional 50% extra floor space. This will create
a greater area for stock
display and refrigeration, enabling the introduction
of new lines and products. Increasing the size of the drive
through
area,
making it more user friendly and efficient.
- Major renovations to existing accommodation, turning all
24 units into modern, 2 storey, fully furnished, 2 bedroom
villas,
complete with kitchen, bathroom, lounge area and balcony.
The addition of 9 brand new, fully furnished, 3 storey
townhouses, each with its own unique appearance and
décor.
Each of the 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouses features
state of
the art
kitchen and lounge facilities with modern appliances,
front and rear balcony, and loft.
- Complete landscaping of surrounding area to include secure
pool and barbeque facilities, as well as a kid’s
playground for residents.
The Restaurant has seen the introduction of new style, higher
profile seasonal menus serving modern Australian and Eastern
cuisine, as well as the addition of new desserts and an exciting
new tapas menu, accompanied with advanced beverage lists which
promote many quality, local and international wines. The Restaurant
is also involved in many cross promotions with local businesses,
offers discount to senior citizens and is working towards implementing
a Customer Loyalty Program in late 2007 offering discounts to
repeat customers as well as owners and tenants of the newly established
units within the Resort.
|
