Hilton (brand) returning to MEL

I am with you on leisure travel. For work travel, however, they are 99% of time priced just above the ATO’s per diem rate, which makes them inaccessible to me for work trips

Ah ok, we have a worldwide discount rate with all the major chains which means reasonable cost for my corporate cards :)
 
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I will be staying at the HH next week. I have asked a fellow AFFer to assist me in assessing the lounge. ;)

There is one GM for both MEL properties. Garry has finished up at the DT and should be winging his way back to NZ as I type this.

DT has a manager of operations, and HH a director of operations to report to the GM. A couple of staff members have moved from the DT to HH. Most notably Steph who is returning to front of house. Nikki and Paige have moved on to greener pastures.
 
What does soft opening look like?
Also what are people's thoughts on pricing? Seems on the high side for offering

I was looking at booking this property to use the VIC travel voucher but the price does seem high, especially since this property is not on the eligible property list for the Amex Hilton offer.
 
Here's an article from The Age



The hotel is located in what was once Synagogue Lane, and this lane’s presence and rich and layered past will truly delight.

Most will question the Little Queen Street address, with even nearby retailers raising eyebrows when asked where the laneway is.

Look for the Moorish/art deco-style sandstone building in Bourke Street, just up from William Street.
 
@Hvr The age article seems accurate but reads as if it was paid for or just a beat up piece. I lived in MEL for around 22 years suspect that I thought the Little Queen Street address was a mistake and proceeded up little Collins. At about the point google maps indicated the Hilton was nearby I became confused as I was just west of Bank place. Anyhow I worked out were I was and made my way to the RAA building and followed the directions. I was looking for the entrance picture that Hilton had been advertising and is also picture one in the Age article and after a while I found it. Sure the entrance is nice however there is no room for a cab drop off or pick up area which is pretty common in 5 star properties. I think most taxi or uber drivers will struggle in the short term to find the main entrance.

After making your way through the main door, you turn right do that check in business and then turn left toward the lifts, photo in The Age article is correct looking over the stairs and at 'light filled' Luci however you may notice it is at the Bourke St level and Little Queen is above this. Luci and the Douglas Bar are nice spaces. After the waffle about the rooms rooms, refined joinery, leather pull handles etc and there are no photos of the small and pokey rooms that look very similar to the West in Sydney or the bathroom fittings that are the same as the DT but are a bronze/ copper rather than black.

As far as I am away the property is still operating as a soft opening e.g. no lounge or suites available. Covid is also a factor so I will give it a few more stays, the jury is still out.

I think it was on this thread or another @TonyHancock mentioned a new Hilton in MEL he was not aware of, I am not sure if he will be disappointed or excited that due to the location it is almost impossible to find a view of a car let alone a carpark ;) If one can be be found I am sure he will :)
 
Didn’t stay there yet because the way I see it, if your accom budget is $300+ p/night there are better options around the CBD than a hotel with small rooms and no lounge. Once bigger rooms / suits and proper exec lounge will open it should be a decent Hilton.
 
Didn’t stay there yet because the way I see it, if your accom budget is $300+ p/night there are better options around the CBD than a hotel with small rooms and no lounge. Once bigger rooms / suits and proper exec lounge will open it should be a decent Hilton.
A feeling of Déjà vu is upon me, I am sure our next hotel (Hilton, Marriott etc.) or flying discussion (OW, *A etc.) will end in the early hours of the morning. :) Are you interested in coming to PER in early Jun?
 
A feeling of Déjà vu is upon me, I am sure our next hotel (Hilton, Marriott etc.) or flying discussion (OW, *A etc.) will end in the early hours of the morning. :) Are you interested in coming to PER in early Jun?

What's happening in PER early Jun? Trying to avoid any travel to WA ATM until they relax a bit their snap lockdowns and backdated quarantine. Probably safer to catch up next time you’re in MEL, maybe at the new Hilton should you choose to stay there again :)
 
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The long weekend in PER between 3-7 Jun. Working with @JohnM on a PER gathering. If you cannot make it no worries.
 
Didn’t stay there yet because the way I see it, if your accom budget is $300+ p/night there are better options around the CBD than a hotel with small rooms and no lounge. Once bigger rooms / suits and proper exec lounge will open it should be a decent Hilton.
I recently stayed at the Hilton Melbourne and it was a mixed bag, but I would generally agree that it is not worth what it charges.

I really like the interiour design and the architecture combining an old law chambers with a new built tower, also the location is great in the heart of the CBD and the (currently) a-la-carte breakfast great. Uber drivers had no problem finding the main entrance.

However, the downsides are also massive: No lounge, no pool, small rooms, no or very limited view from all rooms and some staff that simply invent answers when they do not know and no real "welcome" feeling when interacting with the front counter. All minimum Hilton Honors benefits were delivered, but nothing more.
 
I have to vacant my home for two days as work is occurring and thought I'd take the opportunity to stay at this new hotel in my home town. After reading the thread I don't think I'll bother at the moment.
 
By reports here, looks like I made the right choice to stick with the DT.
Can’t fault the staff here, rooms are smallish but comfortable and directly opposite Flinders St station.
 
So, for those playing at home this hotel's location is best described as being:

The original Equity Trustees building at 478 Bourke St (at the "Queen Street" Tram Stop (Stop 4)).
Enter off the laneway to the left with CBD Bakery on the corner.

Those familiar with the area will remember this as a construction site for the past couple of years (including GoogleMaps currently).
 
... the property is still operating as a soft opening e.g. no lounge or suites available. Covid is also a factor so I will give it a few more stays, the jury is still out ..
Sounds like they are still ramping up.

I would be keen to check it out later in the year once everything is up and running, although nothing planned yet. Will keep an eye on reports of stays.
 

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