When new business owners James and Lys Blanchett took the keys to Quest Sydney Olympic Park in late 2024, they had a vision: to create a space that would reflect the high energy of the property’s surroundings.
“Our brief to the design team was to try to bring the excitement and vibrance of live events into the hotel,” says James. To achieve this, he turned to Quest’s trusted network of preferred suppliers, assembling a team of experts including Furn-Niche, Interface, Sealy, Accessible Accommodation and Project Net Zero, ensuring every element of the refurbishment was handled by the best in the business.
The power of partnership
Leading the fit-out was Furn-Niche, a preferred Quest partner for more than 15 years. In a full-circle moment, it turned out Furn-Niche had managed the original fit-out of the property back in 2011. Armed with the original architectural plans, the team was perfectly positioned to lead the redesign. They replaced dark and bulky furnishings with a lighter, modular and more contemporary collection, incorporating clever design features like built-in bench seats for dining in studios, and bedheads with integrated lamps and power points.
“Having fitted out the original property, it was particularly rewarding to collaborate with James and Lys. The refurbishment journey began at Quest’s annual Franchise Conference in Uluru in 2024 and unfolded through a few rounds of design development until we landed on a direction that truly captured their vision.”
Sustainability and inclusivity woven in
A deep, brand-led commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values was a core principle of the project. For Quest, this meant selecting partners who not only excelled in their field but also shared this ethos. “The decision to go with Furn-Niche really came down to not only the design process and being a one-stop shop, but also the alignment of our values on ESG,” James notes.
In fact, this commitment extended to every partner, at every stage of planning and implementation. Sustainability isn’t a box to tick or an afterthought to tack on for James and Lys; rather it’s been woven into every decision of the refurb.
Like the carpets, supplied by Interface for all guest rooms and public areas, which brought a strong sustainability story to the project. Interface makes carpet from 100 percent recycled nylon, with some of that material being sourced from reclaimed commercial fishing nets.
Or our partnership with 100 percent Indigenous-owned social enterprise Project Net Zero, which ensured that more than $450,000 worth of old furniture was diverted from landfill and donated to community organisations, giving it a new life where it’s needed most.
A seamless guest experience
Beyond the aesthetics and sustainability, the refurbishment at Sydney Olympic Park focused intently on the guest experience, with the installation carefully staged to allow the hotel to remain operational with minimal disruption.
New Sealy mattresses were chosen to guarantee a perfect night’s sleep for every guest, and our ongoing work with Accessible Accommodation ensured the refreshed apartments are inclusive and welcoming.
The result? A hotel that feels brand new, specific to its location (each guestroom features abstract art and bold photography, including a custom painting and a Coldplay image from a Sydney Olympic Park performance) and deeply personal. “We got to select everything, so now that we see it actually come to fruition, it is a very personal expression,” says James.
From the initial vision to the final touches, the refurbishment of Quest Sydney Olympic Park is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation. The project is a shining example of Quest’s brand values in action, brought to life by passionate business owners committed to creating a hotel that feels like home – with a purpose.
