Hilton is returning to Melbourne after five years with this upscale hotel
Hilton and international hotel owner and developer M&L Hospitality have unveiled the transformation of Melbourne’s heritage-listed Equity Chambers into Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street.
Located in the heart of the city, the upscale hotel has been designed by leading Australian architecture studio Bates Smart and will open at midday on Monday 22 March 2021.
Built in 1931, Melbourne’s Equity Chambers was renowned for its architectural style and Italian Romanesque and Gothic detailing.
In its reimagining as Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street, the building’s old-world charm has been respected and original features restored, whilst seamlessly connecting a modern six-level extension with a 16-level tower to the historic site.
Within its historic walls, the old and new have been cleverly combined, with sandstone, European oak and bronze materials, creating a traditional yet modern palette against the backdrop of grand high ceilings, marble stone finishes and upholstery in hues of navy, taupe and royal blue.
External and internal artworks commissioned by award-winning Melbourne street art collaborative Juddy Roller are curated in reference to the city’s thriving and internationally renowned graffiti-art scene.
Significant works have been contributed by local artists Kitt Bennett and David Lee Pereira, including a large and colourful mural by Bennett on the external wall opposite the hotel’s Little Queen Street laneway entrance, which is reflected in the external bronze panels that frame the hotel’s elegant lobby.
The hotel’s guest rooms feature prints by Melbourne photographer Roger Arnall, specially commissioned to explore Melbourne architecture in his unique minimalist and ambiguous style.
The pieces are part of the ‘Impressionist series’ and capture iconic Melbourne landmarks including the Royal Exhibition Centre, Flinders Street Train Station and Federation Square, in a softer style akin to the hand rendering of paintings and drawings.
Entered from the bustling thoroughfare of Bourke Street, Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street’s Luci restaurant and The Douglas Club cocktail bar carry their own entrance independent of the hotel’s laneway lobby.
At Luci, executive chef Sam Moore will take inspiration from the European migrants who travelled to Melbourne in the 1950s with his classic modern Australian menu, accented with hints of Italian and European culinary traditions.
The Douglas Club will celebrate the energy and glamour of the golden age of travel through its contemporary take on a classic cocktail bar.
The drinks menu will bring together classic, modern and infamous cocktails with food, music and art to make The Douglas Club a new hotspot for Melbourne.
To complement the 244 stylish guest rooms and suites and food and beverage outlets, Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street will offer a large balcony event space with city skyline views featuring a mural by Bennett.
Seven meeting and event spaces that range in size from 24 to 143 square metres will be available at the hotel, all equipped with high-speed WiFi and the latest audio-visual technology.
And for the travelling fitness buffs, there is also a fully-equipped gym onsite.
Adrian Teh, general manager at Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street and DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street, said: “As we put the finishing touches on Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street in preparation for opening, we are confident it will be a beautiful addition to the city skyline.
“Both leisure and business guests alike will be able to experience the best of Melbourne’s shopping, dining and cultural experiences when they stay with us.”
Featured image source: Hilton
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