Hilton, one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world, and international hotel owner and developer, M&L Hospitality, unveil the spectacular transformation of Melbourne's heritage-listed Equity Chambers into Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street (Hilton Melbourne LQS). Located in the heart of the city, the elegant upscale hotel has been designed by leading Australian architecture studio Bates Smart and will open at midday on Monday, 22 March 2021. 

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 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 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 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.

Luci and The Douglas Club 

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 anticipated to be welcome 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. The drinks menu will bring together classic, modern and infamous cocktails, with food, music and art, to make The Douglas Club a new hotspot for Melbourne.

Hotel facilities and amenities

To complement the 244 stylish guest rooms and suites and food and beverage outlets, Hilton Melbourne LQS 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. 

Highlights of local collaborations: 

• Specialty coffee supplied by Dukes Coffee Roasters
• Premium hotel bath amenities by locally created Hunter Lab 
• Handmade artisan chocolate by Atypic Chocolate 

Located on the corner of Bourke Street and Little Queen Street the hotel is in the heart of Melbourne's vibrant art, theatre and dining precincts, and on the doorstep of the city's key business districts with easy access to public transport.

“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. 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.” said Adrian Teh, general manager Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street and DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street.

Best available (BAR) room rates at Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street will be:

• King Guest Room from $300
• King Superior Room from $315
• King Deluxe Room from $330
• King Premier Room from $350

(Executive Rooms and Suites pricing to be announced.)

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is located at 18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. For reservations, visit Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street at melbournelittlequeenstreet.hilton.com or call +61 (0)3 9116 8888.

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Notes to Editors:

Additional imagery of the hotel interiors, Luci restaurant and The Douglas Club will be available soon, shot by esteemed Australian photographers Sean Fennessy and Kris Paulsen. 

About Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street

Opening at midday on Monday, 22 March 2021, Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street joins Hilton's 27 trading and 13 pipeline properties in Australasia across three brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton. Taking up residency in the historically significant Equity Chambers building – originally built in 1930 – Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street will feature 244 stylish guest rooms, including five spacious suites, a restaurant and bar, a fully equipped gym, and seven meeting and event spaces. Its central location is well situated for both business and leisure travellers with its proximity to Melbourne's key business districts and vibrant art, theatre and dining precincts. Visit melbournelittlequeenstreet.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street on Facebook and Instagram (@HiltonMelbourneLQS).

About M&L Hospitality

M&L Hospitality is a Singapore-based real estate investment platform with an international portfolio of best-in-class hotels. Since 2009 M&L Hospitality's portfolio has grown to 20 hotel properties across the Asia-Pacific and European regions. Its hotels are in prime, central locations in international gateway cities. M&L Hotel's are operated by the most recognisable international brands, including Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Radisson Hotel Group. 

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is M&L Hospitality's second property in Melbourne with the group also developing and owning Doubletree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests' evolving needs. With more than 575 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world's most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Begin your journey at www.hiltonhotels.com, and learn more by visiting newsroom.hilton.com/hhr and following Hilton Hotels & Resorts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,300 properties with nearly one million rooms, in 118 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world's most hospitable company, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2020 World's Best Workplaces list, and was named the 2019 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. In 2020, Hilton CleanStay was introduced, bringing an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection to hotels worldwide. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 110 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including contactless check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.