The sign on the building says Citigate, and the lobby is still being renovated, however, the first DoubleTree by Hilton has commenced operations in Melbourne. The 180 room property, located opposite Flinders Street Station takes has been operating under the Citigate brand, a leftover from the days the hotel was managed by Mirvac. More recently it has been managed by Accor, but was never rebadged to an Accor brand.
The centrally located property provides an additional option for Hilton HHonors members, which are losing the Hilton on the Park to Accor of 1 January, 2015.
The existing Hilton hotels – Hilton South Wharf and the departing Hilton on the Park are located on the edges of the CBD, and aren’t as well located for CBD visitors.
As a DoubleTree by Hilton property, guests at the hotel will enjoy a warm cookie on arrival. Other facilties in the hotel include a 24-hour business and fitness centres, meeting rooms with space for up to 140 guests and free Internet access in public areas.
For Hilton HHonors members, this will provide an additional earn and burn opportunity. For gold and silver elite members of the HHonors program, the normal benefits, such as breakfast and internet access will be available.
The opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Melbourne increases the brands rapidly growing footprint in Australia. It joins the exisitng properties in Darwin, Alice Springs and Cairns, with another two being announced for Perth.