Ardo is a 132-room hotel on Townsville's foreshore, built by the family-owned Morris Group for about AUD 88 million. The group presents it as the city's first five-star hotel. It stands on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, at The Ville precinct, at the edge of the Coral Sea.
The hotel sits at The Ville precinct on the waterfront, on a breakwater that gives it sunset views over the water. The architects, Dubois Architects, say the design was built around an uninterrupted view of the ocean.
Guests can also use the facilities of the Morris Group's neighbouring resort, The Ville, which has an oceanside pool, a gym and a casino.
The concept
The Morris Group is independent and run by one family, and also operates a collection of resorts and lodges under the Morris Escapes name. Ardo is its flagship in the city.
Room types run from Courtyard, Marina and Ocean rooms to Ardo, Corner, Marina Corner, Ocean Corner, Family and Ocean Family suites. One description of the interiors mentions cork floors under free-form concrete ceilings, and bathrooms in terrazzo and mosaic tile. The hotel does not list meeting or event facilities.
A day spa and a rooftop pool complete the offer.
Dining & wellness
Marmor is the rooftop restaurant, serving contemporary Australian cooking built on the region's meat and seafood. Terasu, on the ground floor, is a casual Japanese restaurant.
Above both, Ardo Rooftop is a bar and pool deck with views of the Coral Sea, and the hotel treats it as its signature space.
