AUSTRALIA | Crowne Plaza Melbourne has been officially opened by government and business leaders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Hon. Natalie Suleyman MP, Minister for Tourism, was joined by Melbourne Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, Member for Melbourne, Sarah Whitty MP, Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific and Ross Pelligra, Founder and Director of Pelligra Group, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton.
As Carlton's first internationally branded hotel, the opening brought together local industry representatives, stakeholders, business leaders and media to celebrate a significant new addition to Melbourne's tourism and accommodation landscape.
A joint partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Pelligra Group, Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton opened its doors in late April, introducing an elevated urban retreat in the heart of Carlton. Ideally positioned on the edge of Melbourne's CBD, the hotel places guests moments from leading universities, major medical institutions and some of the city's most celebrated cultural attractions.
“Melbourne continues to be one of Australia’s most important business and leisure destinations, and the opening of Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton reflects our confidence in the strength and future of this market,” said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“Together with Pelligra Group, we are proud to bring an internationally recognised hotel brand to Carlton for the first time, in a location that is well placed to serve corporate travellers, academics, families, sporting fans and weekend visitors.”
Tripolone said 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. Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton gives guests a new way to experience that energy, with the comfort, service and reliability the brand is known for,” he said.
Ross Pelligra, Founder and Director of Pelligra Group, said Carlton has always had a special character.
“It's one of Melbourne's most diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods, with a rich European heritage, incredible food culture and a real buzz thanks to the universities and students who come here from all over the world,” he added.
“As the suburb continues its exciting urban renewal, we're seeing it evolve into one of Melbourne's premier lifestyle destinations, combining a vibrant food scene with world-class education and an internationally renowned medical and research hub. Being right on the edge of the CBD, it felt like the perfect place to create a hotel that's connected to both the local community and the city.”
Pelligra added that Crowne Plaza was the right fit because it's a lifestyle brand, and that's exactly what the team wanted to bring to Carlton.
“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, while creating a destination that reflects the energy and continued evolution of the precinct," he said.
The 107-room hotel blends contemporary design with understated sophistication, offering thoughtfully appointed guest rooms that pair natural textures and calming palettes with modern functionality.
At street level, signature restaurant Fico Carlton honours the neighbourhood's renowned Italian heritage, reimagining the classic trattoria experience through a contemporary culinary lens inspired by Carlton's enduring local character.
With more than 270 square metres of flexible meeting and event space, including four adaptable function rooms and a dedicated pre-function area, and plans underway for a rooftop bar, Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton is poised to become a new destination for both business and social gatherings in the precinct.
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