Melbourne luxury and boutique accommodation update
There’s been an explosion of activity in Melbourne’s luxury and boutique accommodation sector with several new properties opening (or shortly to open) their doors as well as major refurbishments being completed by several high-end hotel chains.
New properties
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf (Docklands)
Located in the heart of Melbourne's South Wharf district, new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is designed to take the breath away from the most discerning traveller.
Conveniently linked to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf features large opulent rooms, ranging from standard to executive suite, all with four point bathrooms and the most up-to-date in-room technologies.
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is aiming to create a uniquely educated dining experience assembling a culinary team that includes internationally recognised master chef, Ramon Freixa and renowned wine expert and one of only 269 Masters of Wine world wide, Dr Ron Georgiou, who share four Michelin stars between them.
Construction is currently well under way, with the hotel due to be launched in April of 2009. Currently Ramon Freixa is putting the final touches on the tantalising menu for Hilton Melbourne South Wharf's Spanish inspired restaurant Neuvo 37, while Dr Ron Georgiou has recently completed hand picking more than 5000 wines to make up the restaurant's wine list.
Causeway 353 (Melbourne)
Causeway Hotels’ recently opened a brand new four star property, Causeway 353 (at 353 Little Collins Street, Melbourne) which is billed as offering its guests ‘a boutique ambience with personalised service that avoids guests feeling like they are just part of a commodity conveyor belt’. The new hotel’s 142 rooms include deluxe king/twin, premier spa suites and for families one and two bedroom suites with large spas and a separate lounge area, all outfitted with comfortable king size beds and latest technology such as LCD TV’s and broadband.
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto (Melbourne)
Also complete is the $60 million resurrection of Melbourne’s grandest heritage hotel, The Rialto, which has reopened as InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. Built in 1891, the hotel is one of the city’s last and best remaining examples of 19th century gothic architecture. Joseph Pang design studio which oversaw the refurbishment married the historical aspects of a true architectural icon with an exciting and unexpected contemporary design. The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers all the facilities and services expected of a luxury international hotel, including a stunning Club InterContinental overlooking Collins Street, a variety of five star dining establishments and bars and a series of dedicated events and meeting spaces.
Brooklyn Arts Hotel (Fitzroy)
Located in Fitzroy, within walking distance of Gertrude Street, Smith Street and Brunswick streets, the new boutique property Brooklyn Arts Hotel has a wealth of independent galleries, bars, vintage shops, live music venues, theatres and restaurants on its doorstop. Run by filmmaker, designer and public artist Maggie Fooke, the Brooklyn is an ideal stay for all those who want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and immerse themselves in the arts.
Major refurbishments completed
Hilton on the Park (Melbourne)
Hilton on the Park, located opposite the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), recently announced the completion of a major $40 million refurbishment of the hotel’s accommodation rooms and events space. The upgrade includes a contemporary new look, furniture and fittings to its 419 guest rooms and suites, and an overhaul of its conference and events floor with new stylish décor, state-of-the-art lighting and AV technology, as well as the addition of two new boardrooms and a business centre.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Since November, Grand Hyatt Melbourne has been slowly unveiling the results of its
$45 million redevelopment. First to be revealed was the stylish upper and lower lobbies, the new restaurant Collins Kitchen and exclusive bar RU-CO, as well its redeveloped façade on Collins Street, and luxury retail arcade (see October 2008 Pieces of Victoria). Last month saw the opening of new Middle and Far Eastern bar The Spice Market, and this month will be the long-awaited reopening of contemporary Middle Eastern eatery MoMos (see ‘New Melbourne Hot Spots’ story in this edition for further information). February will also herald the opening of a new events area, The Residence, an exclusively Grand Hyatt concept that is modelled on a private mansion, and is perfect for high end events.
Novotel St Kilda
One of Melbourne’s beachside hotels, the Novotel in St Kilda, has undergone a $7.5. million facelift, upgrading all of its 209 bay view and city view rooms and suites with a fresh, contemporary look and unveiling a brand new purpose-built conference space on the first floor. Coming in May 2009 will be a brand new restaurant, utilising the Novotel’s prime location on the St Kilda Esplanade to provide an indoor/outdoor dining concept in classic bar and grill style. To celebrate the refurbishment, the hotel has several family and conferencing packages on offer, for details visit www.novotelstkilda.com.au
For further information:
www.hilton.com
www.causeway.com.au
www.ichotelsgroup.com
www.brooklynartshotel.com
www.melbourne.grand.hyatt.com
www.novotelstkilda.com.au
Media contacts:
Causeway 353: Meshell Lind, Ph: 0412 552 700 or email meshelll@causeway.com.au
Hilton South Wharf: Genevieve Wallis (03) 9670 8350 or email: genevieve.wallis@redagency.com.au
Intercontinental Melbourne: Luke Starr, Ph: (02) 9264 4411 or email: luke@starrpr.com.au
Hilton on the Park: Samantha Halpin, Hilton on the Park (03) 9412 3131 or email: samantha.halpin@hilton.com
Grand Hyatt Melbourne: Danielle van der Griend, Ph: (03) 9653 4666 or email: danielle.vandergriend@hyatt.com
Novotel St Kilda: Yvette Peverell Ph: (02) 9280 9874 or email: yvette.peverell@accor.com