Metro Manager Settles into Role - Metro Hotel Ipswich International

NEW Metro Hotel Ipswich International general manager Ted Matthews has high hopes for Ipswich's marquee hotel.

Mr Matthews took the reins at the Metro Hotel last week after 25 years in the hotel industry, which has taken him from Adelaide Travelodge to the Ridges in Cairns and Touraust Hotels in Sydney - and he is still passionate about the industry.

As travelling becomes more affordable, Mr Matthews said hotel guests were becoming more aware of what to expect from a quality hotel.

He said in his experience the expectations held by guests had not changed greatly.

"I don't think it has changed. People still like a quality experience, as if they belong here, things they don't get at home and they want to be comfortable in where they are staying."

He hopes the Metro Hotel continues to meet the demands set by its guests.

"I enjoy the challenges working with people brings, and I'm always looking to learn and teach those who work with me," he said.

"No two days are the same and planning can be very difficult, as you never know what will happen."

Ipswich Hotel Reviews: Ipswich Hotel Guest Review - Metro Hotel Ipswich International

I would like to comment on one of your staff member's costumer service.
Erin, from platform 9 severed us Sunday last week, the 20th of november. We found her polite and enthusiastic. The service was so good compared to other places we have decided to make a visit to platform 9 weekly. When we returned we were greeted with warm smile, and she even remembered our orders.

Customer service like this is now quite rare, and we believe people like Erin should be recongnised.

Thankyou,

Jaunita Johnston

Ipswich Hotel Reviews: Ipswich Hotel Guest Review - Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International featured on Eat, Play and Stay

Metro Hotel Ipswich International as featured recently on Eat, Play and Stay

Inner Strength Major Weapon - Sports Awards Function at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

THE standing ovation Kurt Fearnley received at the annual Ipswich Sports Awards proved how meaningful his message was.

While the international achiever feels uncomfortable being called "inspirational", everyone in the Metro Hotel Ipswich International function room was captivated.

Australia's fearless wheelchair marathon racer motivated some of Ipswich's most promising teenagers as he spoke about using self belief as a powerful weapon.

His story about crawling the Kokoda Trail - through the jungle mud and roots in 2009 - left his audience with goosebumps.

Born without the lower portion of his spine, Fearnley completed the 96km trek in 11 days.

How he defied a different set of challenges to finish second in the recent New York Marathon also highlighted his single-minded focus.

When race leader Fearnley's steering cable snapped 20km into the marathon, he had three choices.

The Paralympics gold medallist could quit, simply try to finish the 42km race, or battle on knowing he was likely to crash.

The sports awards guest speaker made his decision as quickly as he propels his wheelchair.

"A wheelchair is made to go fast but it's made to go forward," Fearnley said, having won the New York race four times.

"Everything in that wheelchair is made to go straight. The only thing that will get you around the corner is the steering.

"When that steering fell apart on me, I didn't really know what to do."

However, Fearnley revealed how a voice in his head willed him on.

"How am I going to do it? How do I win this race now," said Fearnley, 30.

"There was something inside me just screaming at myself to keep going the whole way."

Fearnley's motto when the going gets tough is to find courage within.

He's proven that by winning 33 marathons.

"In every marathon I've been in, everything is stripped away," he said.

"Physically you strip every layer away and then you realise who you are.

"That voice is telling you where I'll stop. You will be challenged and you will make it to the finish."

After completing the race in second spot, Fearnley threw up for two hours and dry retched in his hotel for 45 minutes.

But the determination to push himself to the brink is what makes the five-time world champion a remarkable athlete.

After sharing how he discovered his inner strength on the Kokoda Trail, Fearnley returned to sport where next year's London Paralympics are his next major goal.

"I know exactly what I want," the 2004 Athens 5000m and marathon gold medallist said.

"I know exactly where I'll be to the square metre. I'll be lining up on September 9 outside Buckingham Palace.

"I know that I want to come home with a gold medal - to be world champion and Paralympics champion after 12 consecutive years.

"And I know exactly what I need to do to get there. That is work harder than everyone else."

Inner Strength Major Weapon - Sports Awards Function at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Metro Hotel Ipswich International Teams Up With Thomas the Tank Engine - Metro Hotels

Metro Hotel Ipswich International has teamed up for the fourth year with The Workshops Rail Museum to offer families a fantastic holiday deal enabling children to personally meet the world famous Thomas the Tank Engine in the summer holidays.

Eager to provide families with yet another reason to visit Queensland’s oldest provincial city, Metro Hotel Ipswich International is offering a great value package that includes two night’s accommodation and a family ticket for two adults and two children to attend a Day Out With Thomas at the Workshops Rail Museum for just $277.00*, The package is only available from January 26 to 29th 2012 inclusive.

The Workshops Rail Museum is set on the birthplace of Queensland Rail and was crowned Australia’s best heritage and cultural tourism attractions at the 2008 Australian Tourism Awards. It is one of the city’s premier tourist attractions.

Children, families and train enthusiasts are all equally thrilled at a visit to this multi-award winning museum where they can learn all there is to know about trains, railways and the history of rail, from early steam engines and diesel giants to high-tech tilt trains.

Read on at Metro Hotels Press Releases:

Metro Hotel Ipswich International Teams Up With Thomas the Tank Engine - Metro Hotels

Ipswich Events: Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International

IPSWICH was party central on Melbourne Cup day yesterday, with the city's major venues turning on a day to remember for race fans.

The reaction of North Booval's Tracey Mullin in Brothers Leagues Club was a giveaway that she had won big on Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup. How much she won was a morsel of information Ms Mullin wasn't prepared to share.

Enjoying the Melbourne Cup lunch at the Metro Hotel Ipswich International are (from left) Katrina Johnson, of Deebing Heights, Alex Mackey, of Burbank, and Emily Wonka.

"I won last year fairly big and someone stole the money from me, so I'm going to keep how much I won to myself," she grinned.

"It is the only time of the year that I bet. The dresses are fantastic and the atmosphere is fantastic. Everyone is here for a good time.

"I've had a ball ... great company and great food."

Ms Mullin said she sensed there was less money being bet by patrons this year.

"I think people are betting less this year. They are a bit more conservative this year and maybe a bit unsure," she said.

Friends Virginia Fenwick and Duane Cleary were both also celebrating cup wins on Dunaden at Brothers Leagues Club when the QT visited.

Mr Cleary was celebrating a 100% record for the day.

"I only bought one ticket ... and I won," he said.

"Now we'll go and see how much I've won. It is all about having a bit of fun."

Ms Fenwick said she didn't have time to study the form but liked the look of number three (Dunaden).

With a few tickets in her hand it looked as though she was set for a few more handy wins on a day she had marked down on the calendar.

"Melbourne Cup, everyone stops for it. I'm having a great day," she said.

Dunaden's jockey, Christophe Lemaire, had arrived in Australia 24 hours before the race after Craig Williams lost an appeal to keep the ride.

He shed tears when judges told him the verdict.

"It's incredible - it's a great moment for me," Lemaire said.

"I was a bit anxious. I knew it was very close.

"I feel very sorry for Craig. He's a good friend of mine."

Dunaden edged out England's Red Cadeaux by the smallest margin in the $6.2 million race.

It was the closest finish in the 151-year history of the race, with German horse Lucas Cranach completing an international trifecta. Americain, the 2010 winner, started favourite and finished fourth.

Crowds Enjoy Cup Day at Metro Hotel Ipswich International