Hotels, Accommodation & Resorts
We appreciate that purchasing, selling or managing a hospitality business is a demanding yet rewarding sector. The Hillhouse team applies our many years' of experience and success for clients, assisting transactions and leases in a diverse range of hospitality assets, from motels to restaurants, caravan parks and hotels. We apply in-depth knowledge of each State and Territory laws and regulations to achieve specific client requirements.
Expertise
- Purchase structuring
- Leasehold sale and purchase
- Freehold sale and purchase
- Freehold going concern sale and purchase
- All lease issues including renewal, amendments, defaults and termination
- Liquor licensing
- Franchising
- Tourism and hospitality development advisory
- Sustainability in property development and management, including green leases
- Property taxation including GST, stamp duty and land tax
- Statutory valuation objections and appeals
- Resumption claims
- Tourism-related developments including marinas and resorts
- Real estate agency compliance.
Our Capability
Download our Capability Statement for more information about our expertise in Hotels, Accommodation & Resorts services.
Client Feedback
Our approachable manner allows us to work in partnership with clients to provide tailored legal solutions which meet their needs, and we keep them informed every step of the way. The testimonials below provide insight to the engaged client experience we deliver.
David & Theresa Ryan
For the past seven years, we have turned to Hillhouse Legal Partners whenever we have needed any legal advice or assistance. This has included the preparation of our wills and enduring powers of attorney, conveyancing when we purchased our property and refinancing of our bank loan, just to name a few matters. The promptness of the service provided by Zac, Rob and the team at Hillhouse have always been second to none, which has provided us with much-needed peace of mind during times of significantly heightened stress. Thanks Hillhouse!
Maxart
Peter Clowes
Hillhouse Legal Partners helped me set up my tech business five years ago and, since then, they have supported me with legal advice as my company has grown. From day one I have felt like they have had our backs. I've always found each Hillhouse team member to be very happy to help while being extremely professional. They understand how to run a business, they understood my journey in growing my business and I have always had their personal attention when I needed it. As my business continues to expand, I will continue turning to them for strategic and solutions focussed advice.
Longreach Motor Inn
Damien and Judy Kennedy
For over 20 years Hillhouse have been our legal representatives for our accommodation businesses and investments. From the purchase and sale of leasehold and freehold properties to the writing of new leases, appraisal of existing leases and all other aspects of our involvement with the accommodation industry, they have been our guide and mentor. David Burrough is the most knowledgeable and experienced legal mind in the industry which is matched only by his desire to care for his clients in the most professional manner possible.
Principal at Mandala Asset Solutions (Hotels)
John Zeckendorf
After many years of being on the other side of motel deals, we finally got the chance to work with David Burrough and his team. David has been our first choice ever since and it is easy to know why. Fast, knowledgeable, commercial, responsive and efficient. David has done and seen it all and devises practical solutions to problems that arise during negotiations. His advice is tailored, practical and clear. A rare quality act in this sector deserving the full five stars; how appropriate for a hospitality specialist!
iSight Specialists Townsville
Melissa Carr
The team at Hillhouse have provided outstanding service to our practice since we made the change to their firm. They are extremely efficient, easy to communicate with and outstanding value for money. We feel we are in good hands with Hillhouse.
Managing Director
Qld’s largest Neurosurgical and Spine group
Our group has been advised by Hillhouse Legal Partners for over 15 years. The Hillhouse team are approachable, efficient and commercial. We have been repeatedly impressed with the technical capability and responsive service provided across a vast array of matters, including medical industry specific: commercial, contract, employment and property matters. We gladly and confidently refer our clients to Hillhouse Legal Partners and recommend their services to friends and family also.
Huntly Droughtmasters, Clermont
Sam & Jane Barton
We have been clients of Hillhouse Legal Partners since 2014. During that time Hillhouse has assisted us with a range of matters that have arisen in the operation of our stud cattle and grazing enterprise – estate planning advice, HR advice, the purchase of our main grazing property, negotiation of an agreement with a solar farm company and negotiation of a conduct and compensation agreement for CSG exploration. Michael Morris in particular has demonstrated an eagerness to ensure he has a solid understanding of our operation and how things work in the bush, which has translated into advice that is practical and can be applied in the real world. The easy to approach team at Hillhouse has been able to meet all of our legal needs and we look forward to working with them well into the future.
Bolwarra Station, Chillagoe
Rex & Penny McClymont
Several years ago, we were recommended Hillhouse Legal Partners by another of our professional advisors. After that first experience, Hillhouse Legal Partners 'sold' us with their professionalism, knowledge, diligence and efficiency. Michael Morris and the Hillhouse team have since continued to provide us with valuable, thorough and straightforward advice and representation for our property purchases, contractual documentation, HR matters and ultimately any aspect of our cattle and property enterprise that we require. We, too, would recommend Michael and Hillhouse Legal Partners to others in our industry and to anyone seeking proficient and caring legal representatives.
Gay Group of Companies
Patrick Gay A.M.
I have known the Head of Property at Hillhouse for over 25 years, and as my personal lawyer and my companies' lawyer I hold him in the highest regard personally and professionally. Hillhouse consistently demonstrate their professionalism and expertise to protect my interests, along with the interests of my companies. They handle all of my matters logically, effectively and efficiently, with a strong commercial focus. They listen and understand our needs and keep us informed of progress, while suggesting smart solutions when there are difficulties.
Financial Controller and Commercial Manager at Grand Prix Automotive Group
Shane Dwyer
I have used the team at Hillhouse over the past seven or so years in my role as general manager of two large businesses that have employed hundreds of people respectively. The team at Hillhouse are approachable and commercial and have always provided me with prompt, efficient and effective advice on dealing with a wide array of employment issues. Their advice is tailored, practical and clear and we feel we have a strong legal partner that helps us achieve our greater business goals and contributes to its success.
Moteliers
John and Tricia Barounis
We have been dealing with Hillhouse Legal Partners for approximately 20 years now. During this time, we have enjoyed watching the company grow and evolve without there being any sacrifice of professionalism. Hillhouse has supplied us with expert advice, unwavering courtesy and professional efficiency and diligence. In recent years we have dealt with Michael Morris whom we consider to be an integral part of our financial decisions. We have no hesitation at all in recommending Michael and the Hillhouse team to any prospective client.
Merlin Entertainments Ltd
As our business has grown and changed over the years, we have relied upon and benefited from the commercial legal advice provided by Hillhouse Legal Partners. We have avoided many risks by having strong corporate legal documents and advice.
CEO at Transcale
Ross Grayson
The Hillhouse team applied their appreciable knowledge and skill to successfully progress and deliver our merger and acquisition strategy. This was a significant business venture for us, and from the outset we knew we were in good hands...
The Coffee Commune
Gianna Di Bella
Phil and I have dealt with a lot of law firms from small, medium and large sizes and Hillhouse are different. Much more customer centric, personal and don't do lawyer speak to make their clients feel inferior so thank you for creating a great culture within your business which flows through to the client. It's reassuring to know that your business values are in synergy with ours
Sean Jonga, PLT student
When I first started my placement, I was a legal student nervous about my professional career. When I left, I was a legal professional ready to go out into the legal world and make a difference. I was made to feel a member of the team and given my own work to undertake which at first, was very daunting. However, my mentor was there to guide me and give me support when and as I needed it. This gave me the confidence and self-belief that I was more than capable of completing legal tasks. My placement at Hillhouse Legal Partners helped me to develop professionally and as an individual.
Jane Ng, PLT Student
I did my 4 week PLT Placement at Hillhouse Legal Partners. Everyone at Hillhouse made me feel welcome and treated me as if I was part of their team. Questions are encouraged and help is always provided. Throughout my time at Hillhouse, I gained valuable experience, especially from my supervisor Rob. I was constantly exposed to different areas of law and a variety of matters. I found the most beneficial aspect of this placement was the constructive feedback provided by Rob. I enjoyed my time at Hillhouse and left feeling more confident about working in the legal industry.
Jack Deon, PLT student
My time at Hillhouse was essential to my development as a student lawyer. Through interaction with partners and other legal staff at the firm, I was able to gain a number of skills which helped me develop and greatly assisted in my law school endeavours. The skills I learnt in the drafting of court documents proved invaluable in further study, as well as during further workplace opportunities.
Alice Witt, PLT Student and PhD Candidate
Hillhouse Legal Partners provided me with hands-on practical legal training (PLT) across a range of the firm's legal specialities. Robert Lamb, who supervised my PLT, is very knowledgeable and endeavoured to provide me with a range of learning experiences whenever possible. Overall, I felt like I was gaining knowledge from someone who was focused on delivering smarter, cost-effective solutions for clients. It was great to gain real, practical legal training during my time with Hillhouse.
Alex Taylor, Law student
I approached Hillhouse Legal Partners to undertake work experience during my semester breaks. The Hillhouse team were welcoming, outgoing and highly professional, and always willing to share their legal knowledge. As part of my experience, I was able to draft a number of legal documents, refine my research skills and be involved in a number of client interviews. My mentor, Robert Lamb, provided me with excellent guidance that allowed me to improve both my legal and practical knowledge. I felt my work was appreciated and I gained very well-rounded understanding of a legal practice.
CEO at Ipsum Company
Annette Black
This was the first time we had used Hillhouse Legal Partners. We found them to be very informative, prompt & communicated in a very efficient, friendly manner.