The VIP’s turned up in their finest to celebrate the opening of the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton, the first internationally branded hotel for the area.
The ceremony brought together local industry representatives, stakeholders, business leaders and media to celebrate a significant new addition to Melbourne’s tourism and accommodation landscape.
Th ribbon-cutting was attended by Natalie Suleyman MP, Victorian Minister for Tourism, and Nicholas Reece, Melbourne Lord Mayor.
Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Australasia and Pacific, said the opening reflected confidence in Melbourne’s future as a business and leisure destination.
“What makes this hotel so special is its genuine connection to the neighbourhood. Carlton has such a strong identity, from its food culture and universities to its proximity to the CBD, hospitals and major events,” Mr Tripolone said.
Pictured from left: Nicholas Reece, Melbourne Lord Mayor, Ross Pelligra (Pelligra Group), Natalie Suleyman MP (Minister for Tourism), Paul Pelligra and Matt Tripolone (IHG Hotels and Resorts).
Ross Pelligra, Pelligra Group Founder and Director, said Carlton was evolving into one of Melbourne’s premier lifestyle destinations.
“Our vision was to create more than just a hotel. We wanted to create a place where people come together to eat, drink and spend time. Whether it’s enjoying authentic Italian at Fico Carlton or taking in the views from our rooftop bar when it opens, we’ve tried to capture that relaxed European way of life that Carlton is so well known for,” Mr Pelligra said.
The 107-room hotel blends contemporary design with natural textures and calming palettes, and is positioned on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD close to leading universities, major medical institutions and cultural attractions.
Street-level restaurant Fico Carlton reimagines the classic trattoria experience through a contemporary culinary lens inspired by Carlton’s Italian heritage.
More than 270 square metres of flexible meeting and event space across four function rooms is also available, with a rooftop bar in the pipeline.
