Hilton Melbourne Opens

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. April 27, 2009

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 27, 2009 - Last night Melbourne checked in to its newest deluxe full-service hotel - the Hilton Melbourne South Wharf. Yesterday the hotel was officially opened by Victoria's Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Tim Holding during ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a VIP dinner. The highly anticipated new hotel welcomed more than 200 new employees to work; up-scale dining destination Nuevo37 was showcased and the first guests checked-in to the hotel.

Located in the city's evolving South Wharf district (bordering Docklands and Southbank and directly alongside the new Melbourne Convention Centre), the hotel is set to be the 'new Melbourne' destination for visitors and locals. The hotel is the first major development to officially open in the $1.4 billion precinct, continuing Melbourne's growth as a waterfront city.

Rising 20 stories high, Hilton Melbourne South Wharf offers a view experienced from no other hotel in Melbourne. The hotel boasts unique views up the Yarra River, across the city and to the bay, creating a totally new perspective of the city.

"We are looking forward to showcasing the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf. The food and beverage offering alone is so exciting in itself. We truly believe that as a dining destination, Nuevo37 and Sotano bar are set to be the next big thing to hit the Melbourne food scene," Michael said.

"We have the honor of being the first development in the precinct to introduce the fabulous South Wharf location to Melburnians. Located directly alongside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, convention visitors will be able to enjoy fabulous cuisine and walk through to the convention centre through the hotel lobby."

Catalan inspired cuisine ready for tasting

Nuevo37 restaurant and Sotano wine and tapas bar also opened on April 16. Michelin star chef Ramon Frexia (from Barcelona) showcased his new menu at the VIP opening event. The restaurant will take reservations for lunch and dinner from today.

The food and beverage team behind the three new dining destinations (including caf'e style bakery Caff'e Cino) have been busy sourcing suppliers and working collaboratively to produce an innovative menu with a strong Spanish influence and distinct Melbourne flair.

The team, consisting of some of the most talented and internationally recognized chefs and sommeliers, has been working collaboratively on the menu, selecting all the food and wine by hand, perfectly matching flavors and exploiting the best local and international produce to promise a truly memorable experience for diners.

Michelin star chef Ramon Frexia has proved his creative genius in the kitchen. The menu includes a signature dish based on his famous "big duck": duck hamburger with green mustard ice cream, Idiazabal cheese and poached red onion.

Dr Ron Georgiou, one of only 268 Masters of Wine worldwide, has personally selected and tasted the 5000 strong wine list. Highlights include a 2007 Chacra Cincuenta Cinco Pinot Noir from Patagonia. To ensure its arrival for the hotel's opening, the bottles will take a slightly less conventional route - hand carried via a designated pilot from South America.

Laurent Shenck, Head Sommelier and dedicated Fromagerie, has sourced a cheese that has been aged in a sulfur cave in a remote town in Italy, called Sogliano al Rubicone. Cacio di Fossa is a cheese that Laurent promises to be unlike any other cheese Melburnians have ever tasted before.

The menu also includes a strong Victorian and Australian wine and cheese offering, which includes a selection from up-and-coming wine maker from Head Wines and Karimba soft brie from Victoria.

Checking in

Each of the hotel's 396 rooms (incorporating 338 oversized guest rooms, 26 suites and 32 one and two bedrooms and two bathroom fully serviced apartments) feature striking wood interiors complementing the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that will capture the exclusive 'new Melbourne' view of the city and the Yarra River. Every room is generously proportioned and includes a magnificent four-point bathroom, the latest technology, in-room entertainment and communication facilities.

To be one of the first to experience the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, visitors can book online now via www.newmelbourne.com.au or call 1-300-Hilton.