The Hilton Brisbane has invested in a $10 million refurbishment to secure a larger slice of Australia’s $2.2 billion business tourism market. The refurbishment, which is expected to be completed in August 2004, features an upgrade of the Grand Ballroom, Atrium, Business and Deluxe Rooms and the introduction of new Meeting Rooms and an Health Club.

Hilton Brisbane’s General Manager, Andreas Bossard said the new facilities would allow the hotel to capitalise on the strong growth in the domestic and international convention and meeting market.

“The refurbishment will enable us to lure large-scale national and international business events to Brisbane by providing innovative, unparalleled facilities in a central city location,” Mr Bossard said.

“The hotel is now fully equipped to cater for large business events, offering all services - meeting rooms, exhibition space, convention facilities and 5-star food, beverage and accommodation facilities - under the one roof.”

The refurbishment encompasses five components including, the introduction of three new Meeting Rooms, upgrade of Function Rooms - including the Grand Ballroom, refit and upgrade of 120 Guest Rooms, upgrade of the Atrium/Lounge area and introduction of an Health Club.

The first two stages of the refurbishment are now complete with the innovatively designed Meeting Rooms and the Grand Ballroom and Function area now fully operational.

“The contemporary new Meeting Rooms use natural light, high tech audio and visual systems and ergonomic seating to enhance meetings and conferences,” Mr Bossard said.

“They offer the most sophisticated online and offline technology in Brisbane and have proven to be extremely popular with meeting organisers.

“The Grand Ballroom is the first of its kind in Queensland and features a lighting system that allows event planners to use light and visual props to theme events. The carpet, wall panelling and audio visual system is all new and a hearing loop has been built into the floor to enable hearing impaired guests to clearly hear speakers.

“The Function Area Foyer has been opened up to a pre-event meeting area capable of holding up to 40 event booths for conventions or exhibitions.”

The upgrade of 120 Guest Rooms will begin in June, while the revamp of the Atrium Guest Lounge and introduction of an Health Club will commence in July.

“A total of 80 Business Rooms will be refitted with Hilton International’s relaxation design principles,” Mr Bossard said.

“These principles are based on the results of the international client research, which highlighted that business guests preferred separate work and relaxation zones.

“Accordingly, the 80 Business Rooms will be divided into three zones to differentiate between work, relaxation and the indulgence of the sleeping zone. On top of this, 40 Deluxe Rooms will also receive an upgrade of their facilities.

“The Atrium will be upgraded to become the focal point of the lounge area for guests to socialise and unwind. An extensive range of Queensland timbers and a mixture of high- and low-level seating will be used to create atmosphere for guests.

“To complement all of these new and upgraded facilities, a Health Club will be developed on the seventh floor to provide a relaxing indulgence for guests.”
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