Hilton and international hotel owner and developer, M&L Hospitality have unveiled the spectacular transformation of Melbourne’s heritage-listed Equity Chambers into Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street. Located in the heart of the city, the elegant upscale hotel has been designed by leading Australian architecture studio Bates Smart and will open this month.
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 LQS, the building’s old world-charm has been respected and original features restored, whilst 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 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 lobby.
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 LQS’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 complement the 244 stylish guest rooms and suites and food and beverage outlets, the hotel will offer a large balcony event space with city skyline views featuring a mural by Kitt Bennett; seven meeting and event spaces that range in size from 24 to 143 square meters equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and the latest audio-visual technology; and a fully equipped gym.
“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,” comments Adrian Teh, general manager Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street. “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.”
