Crowne Plaza Melbourne is set to begin stage two of its refurbishment
Words by Gwen (O’Toole) Luscombe
Following its fresh new $25 million refurbishment to all guest rooms, Crowne Plaza Melbourne has completed the first stage of its two-part redevelopment.
All 402 guestrooms (including eight suites) have been completely transformed, with contemporary bathrooms, standalone showers with state-of-the-art shower heads, premium bedding, designer furnishings and striking artwork a feature.
Connectivity throughout the entire hotel has also been upgraded.
The hotel has already impressed with the fresh new look, according to Crowne Plaza Melbourne director of sales and marketing, Lisa Legudi.
“The feedback on the refurbishment has been overwhelmingly positive,” she told Spice News.
“From comments on the customer service, to the size of the rooms and the modern furnishings, we have all been really pleased with the feedback received to date.
“Guests have always enjoyed our spectacular views and genuine service that Crowne Plaza Melbourne provides and now their whole experience has been heightened with the new look rooms.”
Located a short stroll from the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Entertainment Complex and the Melbourne CBD, the refurb is set to further cement the hotel as a preferred choice for business travellers.
It’s also an easy walk to Marvel Stadium, Southern Cross Station, DFO outlets and the Southbank dining and retail precinct, and is placed within with the free CBD tram network.
Delegates and business travellers staying at Crowne Plaza Melbourne can enjoy rooms with views over the city, South Wharf or the Yarra River.
City View rooms now boast spacious walk-in wardrobes with sleek workstations, and the hotel’s Luxury Suites feature deep bathtubs, walk-in showers, plush bedding, new furniture and views of the Yarra River and Melbourne city skyline.
Stage two of the hotel’s multi-million-dollar refurbishment will commence in the second quarter of 2019 (roughly around March) and will see all of the hotel’s public areas redesigned.
The lobby, a new restaurant, bar and café concept, gym and wellness area and outdoor heated pool will be part of the refurb.
“Key to this transformation is a full refurbishment of the hotel’s current meetings and events space, as well as the addition of further meeting capacity and breakout spaces – creating a multi-functional conference centre,” said Legudi.
“Operable walls will be introduced to provide organisers further versatility and flexibility. We will be introducing in-house audio visual support and creating a technologically advanced digitalised environment.
“We will also be introducing an innovative culinary direction inspired by our new restaurant concept and some great coffee initiatives through our new partnership with Victtoria Coffee.”
The Crowne Plaza was built in 1989 adjoining the World Congress Centre Melbourne. During its construction, it was built directly over (not next to) the Yarra River. As permits have changed since that time, it’s an option no longer available to builders, giving the hotel a unique positioning over the river.
“Being Melbourne’s only absolute riverfront hotel, event organisers are always surprised with majestic Yarra River views and the abundance of natural light through the floor to ceiling windows in our three largest function rooms,” said Legudi.
Currently, Crowne Plaza Melbourne offers planners seven event spaces with event space catering up to 150 people. Smaller boardroom spaces are also available.
