Tune Hotels Regional Services Sdn Bhd, operator of the budget hotel chain founded and owned by AirAsia Bhd's Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, will launch a hotel in Melbourne in November.

Tune Hotel Melbourne, which began its pre-opening sale today, will offer customers an attractive room rate from just A$49 (RM157) per night.

The 225-room hotel - located at 609 Swanston Street, Carlton - is strategically located next to the University of Melbourne. It is also located just two streets away from the popular Lygon Street and minutes away from Melbourne's Central Business District.

The announcement was made by Mark Lankester, the Group CEO of Tune Hotels in the presence of the visiting Premier of Victoria, Honourable Dr Denis Napthine.

“Melbourne’s new Tune Hotel would open its doors in Melbourne’s CBD in November to coincide with Victoria’s world-famous Spring Racing Carnival,” said Napthine.

The investment by Tune Hotels is expected to create up to 100 jobs.

Lanchester said that Melbourne will be the location for the company's HQ overseeing Australia and New Zealand operations.

"Given our long term plans for the region, the Australia and New Zealand HQ will be staffed relevantly to oversee and provide central support to Tune Hotels’ properties in Australia and New Zealand.”

“And to celebrate in true Tune Hotels style, we’re offering travellers one of the lowest room rates seen in central Melbourne for years. Tune Hotels is all about offering a great night’s sleep at a great price," said Lanchester.

Also present was Tune Group co-founder Fernandes.

Meanwhile, AirAsia X is also running a joint promotion where a one-way flight seat from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne is going from as low as RM329. Guests have until 23 June 2013 to make a booking for travel between 15 November 2013 and 31 March 2014, subject to the availability of seats.

Bookings can be made from 18 June until 28 June 2013 for stays between 1 November 2013 and 31 March 2014, subject to availability of rooms. A total of 1,000 rooms will be made available at that price.

The promotion is offered only online at www.tunehotels.com.