New Hilton for Melbourne

March 13, 2021

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The arrival of Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street will breathe new life into Melbourne’s historic Equity Chambers building this month.

Hilton Hotels and international hotel owner and developer M&L Hospitality will transform Melbourne’s heritage-listed Equity Chambers into the Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street this month, offering business travellers an intimate insight into the city’s vibrant arts scene.

Located in the heart of the city, the elegant upscale hotel has been designed by leading Australian architecture studio Bates Smart and is housed in a 1931 building 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 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 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 have been 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 splendidly 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 LQS’s Luci restaurant and The Douglas Club cocktail bar carry their own entrance independent of the hotel’s laneway lobby, and are welcomed new additions to Melbourne’s world-class dining and drinking scene. 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, complete with a drinks menu that brings together classic, modern and infamous cocktails, with food, music and art.

The hotel has also collaborated with local suppliers, including Dukes Coffee Roasters, bath amenities from Hunter Lab, and handmade chocolate from Atypic Chocolate.

To complement the 244 stylish guest rooms and suites and food and beverage outlets, Hilton Melbourne LQS will also 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,” says Adrian Teh, General Manager. “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.”

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