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

[QF WP]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Here's the group to whom we need to talk: Hotel Development | Asia Pacific | Hilton Worldwide

 

[moa999]

And the response will be:
We are continually looking at hotel opportunities in Australia.
We will announce something when we sign a contract.

I'm sure Hilton isn't particularly happy about the continual losses either

 

[QF WP]

Very close moa999....from the Regional Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Australasia:

Thank you for your email earlier today to Rob Scullin regarding Hilton Melbourne South Wharf.

Having operated in Australia for more than 40 years, we have a thriving operation with 12 other hotels in operation and four under development. We are extremely focused on opportunities to introduce new hotels in Australia and look forward to opening our next property, the DoubleTree by Hilton, Perth Northbridge next year. Within Melbourne specifically, we are actively exploring new opportunities to complement the existing DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne - Flinders Street, though we are not in a position to confirm anything at this stage.

 

[ric_melb]

Thanks QF WP you wrote a much better email than the one I had in my head. Good to see you added various links also.
I guess the reply from Hilton is a typical corporate response.
However our point is that an an existing Doubletree in Melbourne and one in Perth next year do not make up for the loss of a real Hilton in Melbourne.
Hilton were a pioneer in bringing an International hotel brand to Australia 40 years ago, with Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Four still exist, but Melbourne has now disappeared twice, three times if you include MEL!

 

[moa999]

Speaking of Hilton history did anyone ever stay at the
Chevron-Hilton Sydney in Macleay St Potts Point which opened in the 1960s. Later became just the Chevron, before being demolished in the 1980s for the Nikko, before being gutted by Mirvac and turned into the Ikon post 2000.

The original 1960s Sheraton Marquee still exists as a non-descript apartment conversion across the road
http://www.40macleaystreet.com

 

[zig]

Thanks QF WP for sending your email to Hilton and for posting part of the reply received.

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

You forgot me


+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

And me three! Dreadful news. Whilst I have stayed at DT MEL a few times, it is no replacement.

 

[Haplo]

Very sad to lose a FS Hilton in Melbourne. Hopefully we get a replacement soon.

 

[Matt_01]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

To say the least I was disappointed to read about this. I will be a starter for a farewell gathering.

 

[anat0l]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I am not a Diamond member, or even a Gold, but I have some good memories of this property.

When it first came on the scene - joining the Hilton on the Park and Hilton Melbourne Airport - it seemed like it (the staff) was just finding its feet. But it had the one up on both of its existing properties based on new and stylish decor, but calming at the same time. I really liked their subtle touch on a sort of port theme.

I wrote a good comment for the property and got a personal reply from the manager, with a promise of a free upgrade the next time I visited. They were good to their word... and I got to try their Relaxation Suite.

I've since had that suite one more time and the two bedroom suite.

I know my comments may not hold as much compared to the more frequent patrons which are on this board, but I have never had to grouse about the staff. One of my suite moments was handled brilliantly by the manager on duty. It was busy with many check ins and my room wasn't ready. Suite upgrade, apology amenity...

Maybe the property will retain its reputation even after undergoing a name change... who knows. Given I'm not a Hilton elite nor a GHA one, I'm unlikely to get benefits either way without buying my way into it. I still liked the property even not as an elite, though when you're not an elite you tend to get more caught up on the cost of the room.

If Hilton plan to make inroads back into the Melbourne scene, I'm not sure where they can start trawling for options, particularly ones conveniently near the CBD, unless they intend on acquiring an existing property. The problem (or not) with hotel acquisitions is that the insides don't often change; some things adapt to the new brand (like pens, mugs, the service menus and placards), but most often the furniture and what not doesn't, even right down to the last scratch.

 

[straitman]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I also sent off an email with the following response (as predicted):

Dear Mr straitman,

Thank you for your email earlier today to Rob Scullin regarding Hilton Melbourne South Wharf. As a loyal Hilton customer we appreciate that you have taken this opportunity to express your frustration to us regarding the recent news about Hilton Melbourne South Wharf.

Having operated in Australia for more than 40 years, we have a thriving operation with 12 other hotels in operation and four under development. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional hospitality experiences to our guests and as a Diamond Honors member you will continue to enjoy the benefits of your status at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street.

Within Melbourne specifically, we are actively exploring new opportunities to complement the existing DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne - Flinders Street, though we are not in a position to confirm anything at this stage.

Kind regards

<Name withheld>
Regional Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Australasia


In my email I also commented that the Melbourne DT is in my and many other people's opinion 'substandard and frequently extremely overpriced' but that was ignored.

 

[QF WP]

Thanks QF WP you wrote a much better email than the one I had in my head. Good to see you added various links also.

Thanks - the joys of writing pieces for clients helped the creative juices flow. I guess being disappointed in the news meant that I wanted to start the process. Good to see others have followed.

I guess the reply from Hilton is a typical corporate response.

Completely - standard blurb that doesn't engender any leadership. I don't care about Northbridge at this point, I want to know what you are doing about Melbourne properties. Given the number of people who will switch within the Hilton brands to DT (demand) and being a smaller property with limited services and no Exec Lounge (supply), I can't see that it will be my choice in MEL. If DT is too expensive then I'll be looking at alternatives.

However our point is that an an existing Doubletree in Melbourne and one in Perth next year do not make up for the loss of a real Hilton in Melbourne.

Correct. Although DT Northbridge will be handy for mattress runs in Perth. As I always stay at least 2 days - that works for me.

 

[QF WP]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I also sent off an email with the following response (as predicted):

Dear Mr straitman,

Thank you for your email earlier today to Rob Scullin regarding Hilton Melbourne South Wharf. As a loyal Hilton customer we appreciate that you have taken this opportunity to express your frustration to us regarding the recent news about Hilton Melbourne South Wharf.

Having operated in Australia for more than 40 years, we have a thriving operation with 12 other hotels in operation and four under development. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional hospitality experiences to our guests and as a Diamond Honors member you will continue to enjoy the benefits of your status at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street.

Within Melbourne specifically, we are actively exploring new opportunities to complement the existing DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne - Flinders Street, though we are not in a position to confirm anything at this stage.

Kind regards

<Name withheld>
Regional Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Australasia


In my email I also commented that the Melbourne DT is in my and many other people's opinion 'substandard and frequently extremely overpriced' but that was ignored.

Well you're a loyal Hilton customer - unlike me apparently Sure we're both Diamond however you have stayed there much more than me

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

Well you're a loyal Hilton customer - unlike me apparently Sure we're both Diamond however you have stayed there much more than me

Actually I am surprised they didn't ring straitman and ask his permission first!

 

[hydrabyss]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

The system no longer lets you book a night with points from 1st June but still no mention of changeover date. Feels like it was only a short time ago when HOTP went through the same process. Atleast I was able to go to HSW when HOTP finished up. The DT still does not interest me due to the parking setup and lack of real Diamond benefits but will have to give it a go sooner or later.

 

[rfur78]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I am here for two nights this weekend, will be interesting if any changes are already creeping in.

 

[vitagen]

Wow HSW is my fav hotel in Melbourne this is bad news indeed

 

[Matt_01]

Re: Hiton South Wharf To be Sold

I am here for two nights this weekend, will be interesting if any changes are already creeping in.

I stay there last night. No changes as yet, still received room upgrades, lounge food/ drinks all consistent with previous stays.

 

[boomy]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

Some updates about HSW. As we know starting June the hotel will change ownership to Pan Pacific. Word is GHA will honour Hilton status for guest who booked stays prior to the change for at lest 3-6 months*.

GHA elite status has three tiers: Gold, Platinum, Black.
It's not clear yet if Hilton diamond will be treated as Platinum or Black. Main differences between the two:
Plat - One level upgrade and 3pm late checkout.
Black - Two levels upgrade, 9am early check-in, 6pm late checkout.

*Not yet confirmed.

I think GHA should also offer full status match to Hilton members, maybe with a challenge of staying X amount of nights in 30 days to keep it or something similar.

 

[oz_mark]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

Some updates about HSW. As we know starting June the hotel will change ownership to Pan Pacific. Word is GHA will honour Hilton status for guest who booked stays prior to the change for at lest 3-6 months*.

GHA elite status has three tiers: Gold, Platinum, Black.
It's not clear yet if Hilton diamond will be treated as Platinum or Black. Main differences between the two:
Plat - One level upgrade and 3pm late checkout.
Black - Two levels upgrade, 9am early check-in, 6pm late checkout.

*Not yet confirmed.

I think GHA should also offer full status match to Hilton members, maybe with a challenge of staying X amount of nights in 30 days to keep it or something similar.

GHA is an alliance of hotels, of which Pan Pacific is a member (as is Rydges). I would imagine that it is Pan Pacific that would honour the benefits.