Shadowy entrance for new city stunner
A discreet laneway off Little Bourke Street marks the entrance to Melbourne’s latest $30 million boutique hotel development.
The Pullman on Swanson has been officially unveiled following a multi-million-dollar transformation of the former Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure in the heart of the CBD.
Owned by Erdigroup and operated under Accor’s upscale Pullman brand, the new offering is described by Erdigroup CEO Ricky Jeffs as a “transformative project, raising the bar on hotel product in the city.”
The 204-room, 15-storey hotel offers city views and plays on its ‘hidden’ laneway entrance to provide guests with an authentic Melbourne experience.
“The original building was stripped-back to its structural bones – nothing was left untouched in the major overhaul, which has delivered a striking façade, re-designed guest rooms, a designer lobby, a brand-new restaurant and an exclusive club lounge overlooking the city,” said Jeffs.
“Key to the hotel’s design is an intriguing laneway entry that draws visitors in from Little Bourke Street through an ‘architectural tunnel’ opening onto an arresting lobby space to provide a distinct sense of arrival for guests.
“The hotel has been tailored to smart, successful business and leisure travellers who value immersive spaces, trendsetting food and beverage and leading-edge design – it will offer a seamless and intuitive experience, while providing access to Melbourne’s famed arts, culture, shopping and fashion.”
Four sets of interior designers – Rothelowman, STUDIO MAC, interiors by Foster and P49 – were engaged to create unique spaces throughout the hotel. Facilities include Eva’s Restaurant & Bar and a top-storey club lounge.
The Erdigroup was established more than 65 years ago by Hungarian immigrants Les and Eva Erdi, who based themselves in Melbourne in the 1950s and went on to build a substantial hotel portfolio. Later, the family became well known for its philanthropic work via the Erdi Foundation.
“Accor and Erdigroup have a long and successful relationship, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with them again on this landmark project for Melbourne’s CBD,” said Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer for Accor Pacific.
“Erdigroup’s incredible vision is evident in every detail of this project – Pullman Melbourne on Swanston is a celebration of innovative architecture, style, wellbeing and importantly for this location, great gastronomy.
“We applaud Erdigroup for their investment, commitment and vision to reinvent this hotel and introduce the well-respected Pullman brand – the fastest growing upper upscale brand in Asia Pacific – to Melbourne’s heart.”
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