“Early on, I recognised the need for a sustainable water solution—it was crucial for future-proofing the hotel from an ESG standpoint” – Adelaide Marriott Hotel General Manager, Paul Gallop.

When the design-forward Adelaide Marriott Hotel opened its doors in 2024, it did so with a bold vision: to seamlessly blend heritage and innovation within one of South Australia’s most iconic buildings, while setting a new benchmark for sustainability in luxury accommodation.

Located in the heart of the city, the $200 million Adelaide Marriott Hotel is housed within the restored General Post Office (GPO) building. It features 285 elegantly appointed guest rooms, a collection of world-class amenities, and a clear commitment to environmental leadership. Among its many forward-thinking initiatives, one feature stands out: the installation of Civiq’s Elkay Liv Pro drinking stations throughout the hotel, designed to support a premium, plastic-free guest experience.

The challenge: Bringing sustainable hydration to a luxury setting

General Manager Paul Gallop, who joined the project one year into the hotel’s development, quickly identified a gap in its environmental strategy.

“I recognised early on that we needed a sustainable water solution,” he said. “It was essential to future-proof the hotel from an ESG perspective and to meet the growing expectations of environmentally conscious travellers.”

He added: “Today’s guests are far more aware of their environmental impact. Plastic-free travel has become the norm rather than the exception, and people are actively seeking out hotels that offer meaningful, sustainable alternatives.”

“The Adelaide Marriott Hotel aimed to eliminate single-use bottled water without compromising on quality, hygiene, or design. With its unique blend of heritage-listed event spaces and a brand-new modern tower, the solution also needed to integrate seamlessly across all areas of the property—both aesthetically and functionally.“

After extensive research and consultation with the project’s builder, Mr Gallop approached Civiq—an established leader in Australia’s eco-friendly water solutions.

“We partnered with Civiq because they shared our commitment to sustainability and had a strong track record for delivering high-quality, dependable hydration systems.”

Therese Abou-Antoun, Integrated Marketing Specialist at Civiq, echoed this sentiment: “An increasing number of hotels are taking meaningful steps toward achieving their ESG goals, and we were proud to support the Adelaide Marriott Hotel in that journey. Replacing single-use plastic bottles with high-quality, refillable hydration stations is one of the most effective ways a property can reduce its environmental footprint.”

A refined, hygienic solution

The Elkay Liv Pro stations offer a range of features that align perfectly with guest expectations and operational needs.

Each station is equipped with a hands-free, sensor-activated mechanism to minimise touchpoints, a built-in filtration system to ensure clean, fresh-tasting water, and a sleek, wall-mounted profile ideal for guest corridors and communal areas.

With antimicrobial surfaces that inhibit bacterial growth and eco-monitoring displays that count plastic bottles saved from landfill, the stations are as hygienic as they are sustainable.

Civiq worked closely with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel’s development team to ensure the drinking stations were installed strategically in high-traffic areas—including guest floors, the gym, and the hotel’s heritage event spaces—maximising accessibility without disrupting design aesthetics.

Despite the unique challenge of integrating modern infrastructure into a hotel that combines brand-new construction with heritage-listed spaces, the installation was smooth and efficient.

“The Civiq team made the process incredibly smooth,” Mr Gallop said. “They understood the complexities of installing into our hotel and helped us find a solution that was functional, sleek, and easy to integrate.

“The hydration stations fit beautifully with the hotel’s design and ethos. They’re compact, hygienic, easy to maintain, look good, and do exactly what we need them to do.”

Guests have responded positively to the stations’ hygiene features, particularly the antimicrobial surfaces and touch-free activation.

“They love that the units are visibly clean and designed with hygiene in mind. It reassures them that their health and wellbeing are being looked after—something that’s more important than ever in hospitality today.”

The impact: Elevated guest experience, measurable environmental benefits

Since installation, the impact has been undeniable, Mr Gallop said.

“The response has been fantastic. Many of our guests—both corporate and leisure—travel with reusable bottles and appreciate the convenience of being able to refill on their floor. It’s become part of the guest journey—whether they’re heading to a meeting, the gym, or out to play a round of golf. Others just really enjoy the novelty value!”

“It’s a thoughtful touch that shows guests we’re listening.”

Environmentally, the hotel is already surpassing its initial targets. While the original forecast estimated a reduction of around 110,000 plastic bottles per year, early data suggests this will be significantly exceeded.

“We’ve already saved more than 45,000 bottles from landfill,” Mr Gallop noted.

Operationally, the benefits have been just as strong.

“We’ve significantly reduced our reliance on bottled water, which means less plastic waste and fewer logistics for our housekeeping team. It’s a win for the environment, and for efficiency.”

Overcoming hurdles: Changing habits and managing costs

As with any shift in guest experience, changing well-established habits can present challenges. Some guests, particularly at luxury properties, still expect bottled water to be provided in-room. However, with clear communication and a visible commitment to sustainability, most guests quickly understand—and embrace—the change.

At the Adelaide Marriott Hotel, the success of reimagining hydration has been just as much about communication as infrastructure. Refillable bottles are offered at check-in, and details about the hydration stations are included in the welcome pack, ensuring guests know what to expect and why the change has been made.

“It helps guests understand the ‘why’—and makes them feel part of the solution,” Mr Gallop said.

While the initial investment was significant, Mr Gallop is confident in its long-term value.

“The ongoing cost of purchasing and disposing of bottled water adds up quickly,” he said. “In the long run, the environmental and reputational benefits far outweigh the upfront expense.” He also noted that the current infrastructure lays the groundwork for future enhancements, such as the potential addition of sparkling and hot water options.

A model for the future of sustainable accommodation

There’s no question the Adelaide Marriott Hotel is setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury in Australia. Its collaboration with Civiq demonstrates how thoughtful, well-integrated sustainability solutions can enhance the guest experience, streamline operations, and protect the planet.

He added: “It’s these thoughtful touches that set us apart. Guests recognise when a hotel is genuinely committed to sustainability, and they appreciate being part of that journey.”

At the Adelaide Marriott Hotel, hydration is more than a convenience. It’s about filling a guest’s cup in more ways than one—offering comfort, care, and a reflection of the hotel’s broader commitment to responsible luxury. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impression.