07 Nov 2005
About Hilton Sydney

Hilton International

After 30 months and A$200 million investment, Hilton Sydney re-opened for business on July 15 2005.

The hotel has undergone a dramatic rooftop to basement reconstruction to produce a complete re-think on hotel form and function. Combined with the initial purchase cost, the hotel is the largest single site investment made by Hilton International in the group�s history.

The new Hilton Sydney has reclaimed its title as the place to �eat, meet, sleep and play� in the heart of Sydney for both guests and Sydneysiders alike.

Architecture The architect�s brief was to create a space that didn�t exist in Australia, one that has a presence on the street and reflects Sydney as one of the most progressive cities in the world.

Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW), the architects behind landmark projects such as the Sydney Opera House makeover, the Art Gallery of NSW, and Governor Phillip and Governor Macquarie Towers took on the challenge.

The new-look hotel adds an abundance of space, natural light and capacity to the existing structure and was developed in sympathy with the grain, texture, scale and materials of the Town Hall and Queen Victoria Building heritage precinct.

From material choice to furnishing styles, Hilton Sydney�s aesthetics will please guests with an eye for quality. Limestone lobby floors and walls create feelings of space and light; while extensive use of timber combined with plush fabrics provide a luxurious feel.

Interior design Interior designers, Chhada Siembieda Australia (CSA), worked closely with JPW to maximise and accentuate the interior of the building�s huge open spaces. As the masterminds behind the hotel�s newly renovated rooms, CSA has been responsible for designing the public spaces including the lobby, a new look George Adams Bar (GAB), all the public restrooms, lift interiors, corridors and all of the conference and exhibition floors including two ballrooms, meeting & function rooms, boardrooms and the business centre.

Features of the new Hilton Sydney include the removal of the original five-storey building to create a dramatic, sun filled 20 metre lobby in the heart of the site that proudly displays Australian sculptor Bronwyn Oliver�s aluminium masterpiece. Oliver�s coiling spiral design is suspended from the lobby ceiling and twists down four levels into the spacious atrium. The breathtaking sculpture, featuring thousands of tiny aluminium pieces, took Oliver, an engineer, and a meticulous team of welders almost nine months to assemble.

ROOMS & SUITES With 577 exquisitely furnished suites and rooms, the new Hilton Sydney features: o 251 Deluxe Rooms o 185 Guest Rooms o 97 Executive Rooms o 16 Relaxation Rooms o 15 Corner Relaxation suites o 8 King suites o 4 Junior Suites

Deluxe Rooms Designed to be innovative in their use of space, light and colour, Deluxe Rooms offer the ultimate in personal comfort and state-of-the-art technology. The rooms offer an stylish glass work desk, IP telephony with colour touch screen, DVD and high speed wireless Internet access that can be accessed throughout the hotel (a first for Sydney hotels). Each room also features a 4-point bathroom with separate shower and bath, frosted glass and a sliding partition that creates a light-box effect.

Executive Rooms Executive Rooms offer all the deluxe room facilities plus additional amenities that allow guests to work effectively from their hotel room or to simply wind down in comfort after the demands of a busy day. Guests have access to the exclusive Executive Lounge that offers a special place to relax, meet or do business. Guests also have a dedicated check-in and check-out desk, and drinks and light refreshments are served throughout the day and evening in the Executive Lounge. Executive room guests are also eligible for a complimentary breakfast.

Relaxation Rooms and Suites The 31 Relaxation Rooms and Suites offer an inspiring re-think to the configuration of a conventional room and provide three distinct zones for guests. These include the open spa bathroom zone which features natural light, a hydra-spa bath, wall mounted LCD TV screen, body-jet shower and holistic relaxation kit; a work zone with a large stylish glass desk, ergonomically designed chairs, adjustable lighting, IP telephony with a colour touch screen and high speed Internet Broadband access (that can be accessed throughout the hotel); and a relaxation zone with luxurious beds, black out screens, mood lighting, chaise lounge chairs and a home entertainment centre with flat-screen plasma, DVD player, books and DVDs.

Bathmaster � a special indulgence Guests can take advantage of the sleek surroundings of their suites with the ultimate in-room indulgence - the hotel�s luxury Bath Master experience � a spa experience mixed-to-order right in the comfort of your own room.

From relaxing to re-energising, the Bath Masters use a sensual fusion of mixed-to-order oils, gels, and aromapathic potions to enhance your mood or prepare you for whatever you might have planned for your day or evening.

King Suites These suites offer panoramic city views, a king bed, spa bath, and formal dining and lounge area. Spanning more than 90 square metres, these suites have all the amenities of the relaxation suites and are also perfect for small meetings and special events. Guests also have access to the exclusive Executive Lounge.

EVENTS & CONFERENCING Hilton Sydney is the largest hotel conference space in Australia and the first to be purposely designed and built for the conference, events and exhibition industry.

The hotel offers four dedicated levels of space totaling 4000 square metres, with a combined capacity for 3000 delegates.

A board of experts on conferencing and meetings - many of whom were involved in staging the Sydney 2000 Olympics - was formed to assist design the hotel�s functionality.

Hilton Sydney now features 23 event and conferencing spaces, including the Grand Ballroom, State Room, Exhibition Space for over 100 booths, ten specialty function and break out rooms, seven Hilton Meetings rooms, two boardrooms and a business centre, and conference secretariat offices.

The Grand Ballroom is the most sophisticated and technologically advanced in Australia. With capacity for 1200 theatre style delegates, it features animated lighting, concert level sound systems and WiFi networking. Motorised trusses enable unprecedented event turnover saving time and money) whilst opening glass walls allow vehicle entry into the ballroom, three floors up.

The exhibition space can cater for over 100 exhibition booths and allows immediate access between events, whilst plasma-screen directional signage guides delegates to their meeting spaces.

Expansive breakout space and numerous escalators are designed to transfer delegates smoothly and efficiently between all areas.

Guest check-in and check-out facilities are located on two of the conference levels and in the spacious ground floor entrance lobby. Ample facilities can be found on every level with excellent access for those with special needs.

Catering Knud Bundgaard, Hilton Sydney Kitchen Director � the man who successfully catered for the IOC members at Hilton Athens during the 2004 Olympics leads a team of 40 speciality chefs from Sydney and around the world.

Hilton Sydney�s innovative restaurant approach to banqueting and the latest technology such as hi tech ovens can cater for up to 3,000 people.

They are able to create a range of authentic ethnic and local cuisine including kosher, halal and low-carb options.

Technology Hilton Sydney has built Australia�s most advanced audio visual, sound and display technology into its function space.

Staging Connections, the in-house experts in business event production are on site to create truly unforgettable function experiences for every size and budget.

Here are some of the technology highlights: � 78 MX10 Moving Lights installed in the ballroom roof � Touch screen control pads in Hilton Meetings space � Motorized screens in all rooms � Concert Level Meyer sound system permanently installed in the ballroom ceiling � Comprehensive patching and rigging � Motorized trusses in the ballroom for lighting � Wi � Fi networking across all meeting spaces � Permanent Audio visual racks installed in each meeting room � State of the art data projectors for use in all rooms � Experienced on site support team: including Management, Sales, Operations and Logistics, Administration and top line Technical

Technology and logistics provide guests with the following features: � Purpose-built behind-the-scenes facilities include secretariat spaces and speaker preparation rooms. � The ultimate in acoustic quality throughout the whole hotel, convention and meeting space, including drop-down lighting coffers with theatre-standard options for lighting directors. � Australasia�s most advanced audiovisual, sound and display technology in the hotel market, including ceiling speakers for speech reinforcement, front-of-house speakers for video replay and paging systems to the breakout areas.

THE FOUR LEVELS OF INSPIRED EVENTS AND CONFERENCING SPACE

LEVEL 1 Hilton Meeting Centre has been purposely designed with the most advanced technology, ergonomic furniture and climate control (so that all rooms are filled with fresh air) to maximize the effectiveness of all meetings.

� There are seven Hilton Meetings rooms that can each comfortably seat up to 70 people in theatre format and all have: - colour electronic screens for promotion or directional signage - multiple power and data sockets and IP telephony - high speed, wireless broadband access for email and streaming data - loudspeakers and laptop connectivity - state of the art audio and lighting

� There are two Boardrooms that in addition to the above features also have: - A solid teak boardroom table - Ergonomic leather boardroom chairs - Hidden plasma screens - Remote control access to all technology

� Business Centre that supports the meetings is specifically designed for convention and conference delegates needing an office away from their home base. - Fully serviced by experienced staff - Access to all the latest office equipment and support.

LEVEL 2 Level 2 houses the State Room (a second ballroom) and the largest breakout space in the hotel that can be flexibly configured as 5 separate rooms or one large space.

The State Room can accommodate � The 328 m2 ballroom accommodates: - 350 delegates in a theatre-style format - 200 in a classroom or lecture hall format - 280 in a dinner venue - 220 as a dinner dance destination - 400 as a reception area or cocktail area.

LEVEL 3 The Grand Ballroom, one of the most advanced spaces in the city, has 6.15 metre high ceiling height and floor to ceiling windows allowing natural light to drench the space and remote control blinds allowing total or partial blackout. It is also the only space in Sydney that has a large event space adjacent to the Grand Ballroom.

� The Grand Ballroom can be: - Used for 1200 seat theatre-format plenary session or - Divided into two separate and soundproof amenities exceeding 450m2, each with an anteroom and holding 700 delegates. � 980m2 Exhibition Space: - Can be divided into more than 100 exhibition booths or alternatively a series of five rooms. - Crane access is available for large exhibits such as motor vehicles.

LEVEL 4 A fully flexible meeting space is available on level 4 that can be configured as one large open exhibition space with glass walls on both sides as well as an outdoor terrace. This space features all the hotel technology including drop down screens.

FOOD & BEVERAGE Hilton Sydney has created a number of unique places to eat and drink including glass brasserie, Zeta bar, the heritage-listed Marble Bar, a street side casual eatery called Caff� Cino, and the contemporary George Adams Bar overlooking the streetscape.

glass brasserie

�It is no overstatement to declare Luke Mangan�s Glass Brasserie at the savagely swish, chemically peeled new Hilton Sydney, is the city�s �it� place to dine� The Australian

�Wine A Touch of Glass � In the recently revamped Hilton Sydney�s sparkling new brasserie, dentist Dr Ron Georgiou, Master of Wine, is giving drinkers something to smile about,� Australian Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine

glass brasserie combines the internationally acclaimed interior design of New York designer Tony Chi, the exceptional culinary expertise of highly awarded local restaurateur Luke Mangan and the inspirational palette of Master of Wine, Dr Ron Georgiou to create an Australian evocation of the classic French brasserie.

The 240-seat restaurant provides guests and Sydneysiders with an unprecedented dining experience in the heart of the city offering simplicity, quality and consistency in all aspects of food, wine and service.

The restaurant features a 13 metre floor to ceiling glass wall which frames a captivating view of the Queen Victoria Building. With an emphasis on earthy colours and warm tones bathed in natural light, the restaurant reflects the vibrant, energetic nature of Sydney by day, whilst at night the warmth of the interiors and high ceilings offer a stunning cityscape location.

Wine Master of Wine, Dr Ron Georgiou has created a three-dimensional �wine experience� at Hilton Sydney that reflects the best of Australian and international blue chip and boutique wines. One of only 14 Masters of Wine in Australia and 247 in the world, Dr Ron has assembled a selection of over 10,000 expertly chosen bottles. Over 1000 wines were tasted in the selection process.

glass wine bar offers up to 30 Australian, French and New World wines by the glass. Dr Ron will continue to taste over 200 wines per month to maintain a hand-selected 65:35 split between local and international wines. glass is the only restaurant in Australia to have had all its wines selected by an independent Master of Wine.

Zeta Bar �The sexy new bar on level 4. She�s a total spunk and quite the internationalist. Ottomans nestled around a glassed in fireplace, very �.. New York, curtained enclaves create a Middle Eastern feel along one wall (think shisha pits in Cairo), while views from the open veranda overlooking the copper domes of the QVB, could be Rome, London or Paris� The Sun Herald

Sydney�s sexiest nightspot is Zeta Bar, sister to London�s hottest bar, the award-winning Zeta London located at Hilton Park Lane.

The exclusive Zeta Bar, recently awarded Australia�s best new bar in the recent Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) 2005 is run by Grant Collins and Mike Enright, two of Sydney�s foremost bartenders.

Zeta Bar is an opulent oasis in the heart of the city, filled with purple hues and dark wood tones. The inspired interior features indulgent spaces to sip cocktails. You can choose the discreet curtained dens or stand out on the garden terrace and view the illuminated QVB cityscape.

A sleek oak wood island bar runs the length of the main room flooded in a deep red and purple glow from huge glass lamps.

In the lounge there is an array of plush leather ottomans and dark timber tub chairs centered around a stylish oversized fireplace which burns with sparkling glass rocks.

Originally from the UK, Mike Enright started his bartending career in 1987. He moved to Australia in 1999 and soon established himself as an important player for the Grand Pacific Blue Room, Hemmesphere, Jimmy Liks in Potts Point & also the award winning bar theLoft at Wharf 8 in Sydney.

Mike�s talents have been called on around the world. For example he was the mastermind behind the exclusive cocktail list at one of the sexiest bars in the world � Ku De Ta, Bali.

Mike has won many awards for mixing cocktails, cocktail lists & holds the title as �Bartender of the year� awarded at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) 2004.

Arriving from the UK in 2001 after a decade long career at some of England�s finest bars including Bank Restaurant/Bar and Zander Bar, Grant Collins is not only one of Sydney�s leading bartenders, but also one of the most highly regarded bar managers in the country. Prior to opening Zeta, Grant spent four years at Sydney�s Water Bar at W Hotel.

Grant led the Water Bar to 23 awards over the last four years, including �top 10 bars in the world� (Conde Nast traveler 2004) and �Top Five bars In the World� (wallpaper Magazine 2005). As well as personally picking up �Australian Bar Manager Of The Year� 2003 and 2004 at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA).

Both Grant and Mike have strong links with Zeta London and are regularly liaising with the bar management for fresh inspiration for their cocktail innovations.

Zeta Bar staff are dressed by internationally acclaimed Australian fashion designer, Tina Kalivas, who has worked on a number of exciting projects in both the Fashion and Film industries here in Australian and abroad.

Most notable of these was the creation of eight couture evening gowns for a prominent scene in the James Bond film, Die Another Day. Most recently Tina showcased her own label at Australian Fashion Week 2005.

Zeta Bar is fast becoming a Sydney icon in its own right, serving cocktails to Sydney�s A-list. Located atop a breathtaking CBD rooftop terrace, Zeta reveals a never seen before viewpoint of the historical Queen Victoria Building and looks onto the length of George Street spanning down towards the harbour.

Warm colours, cool drinks and exceptional service from renowned Sydney bartenders Grant Collins and Mike Enright give Zeta an undeniable edge, making it the city�s hottest nightspot for sipping a cocktail or simply relaxing on the outdoor terrace.

Marble Bar �The feel is Victorian, the music funky and the ceiling is cool� The Sydney Morning Herald

While the overall design of the new-look Hilton Sydney offers a cool and contemporary, there is one place where visitors can relive memories - the landmark Marble Bar. Hermetically sealed throughout the extensive three year renovations, Marble Bar is a haven of Victorian excess and a stylish place to enjoy Aussie ale, fine wine or a cocktail.

Built in 1893, and now a designated national monument, the 112 year old Heritage-listed watering hole is home to artistic beauty and architectural magnificence. The bar was relocated from Tattersall�s in 1973 and Hilton Sydney�s original architect J.H. Bryant has assumed the role of Marble Bar historian having published several journal articles on the history of the bar.

Today patrons can enjoy the original 15th Century Italian Renaissance influence of the Marble Bar including 35 different varieties of Italian, Belgian and African marble as well as stained glass doors and ceilings, ornate carved bars of mahogany and a gallery of 14 Julian Ashton paintings valued at an estimated $1.6 million AUD.

Marble Bar also features the four original fireplaces, which were restored piece by piece when the bar was moved from Tattersall�s.

Set to once again become one of the most loved watering holes in Sydney, Marble Bar is a place to be yourself, offering patrons an exciting and interactive live music bar. Marble Bar music will give the patron a �see, feel and touch� experience, while staff will be vibrant and interactive with the customers, including dancing on the bar.

LIVINGWELL Hilton Sydney now boasts the biggest hotel based health club in Australia and the largest and most luxurious health club in the Sydney city centre - the fully-equipped LivingWell Premier Health Club.

Spanning the entire footprint of the building, the club includes a 25m indoor pool, cardiovascular gymnasium equipped with a free weights area and the latest interactive equipment, including an Australian first � Kinesis, ground breaking fitness technology.

Kinesis is a unique human-centric, resistance-based training system. It is not a machine but four panels of grips, cables and weight stacks that allow for 360-degree, three-dimensional resistance-based motions.

In addition, there are two group fitness studios, which run classes including the full range of Les Mills body training classes (Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Attack, Body Step and Body Balance), spinning, Tai Chi, Pilates and yoga.

There are also four saunas, steam rooms, a large spa pool and pampering treatments from The Sensory, LivingWell�s beauty concept.

The LivingWell Premier Health Club is free to hotel guests and open to club membership for busy city types who need a little time out. LivingWell health clubs are a key business within the Hilton Group with 90 outlets worldwide.

Media Contact: Sylvia Jenson, Horizon Communication Group Phone: +61 (0)2 8572 5600 Mobile: +61 (0)431 148 089 Email: sylvia@horizoncommunication.com.au

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