Hilton SW (MEL) will be rebranded to Pan Pacific from May 31 [now July 27]

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

A point has to made though, that Hilton has definitely shown a greater interest in expanding the DT footprint in Australasia in recent years. Perhaps DT is all MEL is slated for. Last Hilton that I'm aware of is HSP which was/is a disaster as far as a Hilton goes.

 

[hydrabyss]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I found an article dated 1/3/17 that mentioned 6 new Hiltons being planned for Australia, but no mention of time frame or location. Not sure if the 2 DTs in WA are included but would think so. Does anyone know where they may be going.

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I found an article dated 1/3/17 that mentioned 6 new Hiltons being planned for Australia, but no mention of time frame or location. Not sure if the 2 DTs in WA are included but would think so. Does anyone know where they may be going.

There's 3 DoubleTrees Planned for Perth/Fremantle and a Hampton Inn in coughburn. (see Hotel - SKS Group )

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I found an article dated 1/3/17 that mentioned 6 new Hiltons being planned for Australia, but no mention of time frame or location. Not sure if the 2 DTs in WA are included but would think so. Does anyone know where they may be going.

Australia or Australasia? Hilton's or Hilton Brands? If Australasia and Hilton brands, then there's one (a Hilton) in POM and 2 x DT's for NZ IIRC.

 

[hydrabyss]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Australia or Australasia? Hilton's or Hilton Brands? If Australasia and Hilton brands, then there's one (a Hilton) in POM and 2 x DT's for NZ IIRC.

Australia.Did not mention which brands. I remember speaking to a Hotel manager years ago who mentioned they had someone in Sydney who was in charge of finding new hotels. The impression I got he was quite busy but it was a very competitive industry. I would imagine its like any other business , having to cost it out then submit tenders only to be under cut by another chain who can run on tighter margins.

Unfortunately DT's dont really interest me as a leisure traveller.I do prefer the benefits of a Hilton with an exec lounge. Although going by the way Melbourne keeps losing them maybe with all the costs of running them they are not that profitable, I am sure if HSW was booming along an investor would have snapped it up years ago and kept it a Hilton. Sydney sold quickly but then it is located in a prime position with high occupancy rates and luckily had a 50 year management lease.

 

[drron]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I'm feeling much better about SPG now.Westin and Sheraton in Melbourne.4 Points opening 28/3 and an Aloft for 2019.
Sydney-Sheraton,Westin and Old Clare.Two 4 Points due 1/3/2018.

 

[Aeolus]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Devastating news indeed! HSW is one that truly looks after diamond members and a default meeting place for AFF pre dinner drinks.
If there's any interest, I'll organise a final HSW hurrah on the weekend of 27/5 and will find out if the GM could join us for a final thank you and goodbye.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

HSW is one that truly looks after diamond members

I think that is open to conjecture . I haven't been "looked after" as a diamond member for the last few years at HSW. What I booked is what I got, even when politely questioning it at check in. Perhaps they looked after "regular diamond members" may be more accurate?

 

[straitman]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Devastating news indeed! HSW is one that truly looks after diamond members and a default meeting place for AFF pre dinner drinks.
If there's any interest, I'll organise a final HSW hurrah on the weekend of 27/5 and will find out if the GM could join us for a final thank you and goodbye.

Great idea but that is the Oz Fest weekend so many of us will be away.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Serious q... Does anyone know what they will do with all the beds, linen, towels?

 

[oz_mark]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

If there's any interest, I'll organise a final HSW hurrah on the weekend of 27/5 and will find out if the GM could join us for a final thank you and goodbye.

I'd probably wait for confirmation of a date change. The 31 May is driven by when they expect the sale to close.

 

[Simo]

DT is good for the price but if I want some luxury will stay at HSW...

Looks like Crown will get my Luxury Dollars!!!

 

[pauly7]

There is a commonly held view in AU hospo scene that Hilton have really under managed their AU portfolio. The fact another hotel has been swiped from under their noses is incredible. Melbourne is in hotel room undersupply hence all the cranes in the sky and unless Hilton can get proactive and swipe someone else's they are stuck without representation in the fastest growing AU city. Very interesting development...

 

[boomy]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I'm feeling much better about SPG now.Westin and Sheraton in Melbourne.4 Points opening 28/3 and an Aloft for 2019.

I love SPG but none of my their MEL properties has EL. As solo businesses traveler I find that important, especially when paying >$200 p/night so my money will most likely go from Hilton to Accor and Hyatt.

 

[NZflygirl]

This sucks. Their diamond recognition is superior to most.

Pan Pacific is part of GHA and although I've not stayed in Oz in their properties (apart from Rydges) I have been blown away by their status recognition. Only stayed in a few but 100% so far. And the best part - I've never had to say a word to them. If the pricing is ok then I'd give this place a shot.

Every programme has its imperfections so, needs some consideration.

 

[soorox]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

It's quite shocking to see the Hilton main brand not having any hotels left in Melbourne. Competition for new hotels is getting more competitive and it will definitely be harder for Hilton to secure any prime locations. The second time that Hilton has lost management due to a new owner, maybe its better to just build their own in MEL?

I'm feeling much better about SPG now.Westin and Sheraton in Melbourne.4 Points opening 28/3 and an Aloft for 2019.

Starwood/Marriott will be opening quite a few new hotels in Melbourne:

- Four Points Docklands
- Aloft South Yarra
- W Melbourne
- Ritz Carlton Melbourne
- Marriott Docklands (TBC)

 

[QF WP]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I hope straitman is sitting down when he reads this.

You forgot me

NO I'm not!!!! NOT HAPPY JAN!!!

+1 on that :evil::evil:

The one place on which I could rely... well it looks like the DT in the interim until they source a new property, or I source a new program

 

[rfur78]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Sad news

Best hotel ive found for recognizing top tier status. Even Friday just gone made a late booking at lunchtime same day and on check in was ungraded to a yarra view suite.

As most other have mentioned will be looking to chase SPG for melb now to compliment accor plat.

 

[ric_melb]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Googling Hilton Development and then finding Australasia gives you the name of the executive in charge of new hotel development in Australasia. His name is Robert Scullin, and an email address is given. Seems a few of us should email him about this loss, and ask what are they doing to replace their footprint in Melbourne.

 

[QF WP]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Great idea, ric_melb. I have sent an email. FWIW:

Hi Robert,

I am a Diamond Hilton Honors member, a regular stayer at the Melbourne South Wharf property since inception and a Moderator on www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au ; where we discuss all things about flying, guest and credit card programs (currently over 42K members). There is a large contingent of Gold and Diamond members who frequent the Hilton Forum: Hilton Honors

We read with some concern the proposed sale of HSW (as we know it) when members posted two new stories recently:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rne-will-rebranded-pan-81509.html#post1601115

What concerns the majority of us is that after 31 May, Melbourne will decrease to only having 1 property – DoubleTree Flinders which is, as quoted by one member “is hardly an adequate representation for Hilton in a city the size of Melbourne”. I haven’t had the need to stay there as yet, given I have been able to source a room from HSW every time I have stayed in Melbourne.

There was a time when Melbourne was replete with Hilton-branded properties and we were spoilt for choice. However, over the past 7 years, Melbourne has lost the Airport property (2011), Hilton on the Park (2015) and now HSW; with the only replacement being the DoubleTree.

Can you give us access to any future plans for replacing the Hilton brand in Melbourne?

Regards,