As the new year began so too did a new era at Pullman Melbourne on the Park, which rebranded from its former name Hilton on the Park.
In addition to a new identity, the hotel welcomed experienced hotelier Erkin Aytekin to the role of general manager following his most recent tenure at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
The rebranded Pullman Melbourne on the Park stands in the prestigious address of East Melbourne, walking distance to Melbourne’s principal sports and entertainment precinct including the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, Hisense Arena, Olympic Park and AAMI Park.
Simon McGrath, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific, said the hotel’s re-branding and planned upgrading would provide a major boost to Melbourne’s hotel sector
“The hotel has been a fixture of Melbourne’s hospitality tourism scene for years and the combination of its prime location, new Pullman branding and a planned lobby, restaurant and bar refurbishment program will see it attract even greater volumes of business, leisure and conference business with the Pullman brand having a strong focus on conferences and events.”
Simon McGrath, Accor Pacific chief operating officer
A highly experienced hotelier, Erkin Aytekin has worked with Accor since 1997 and held several leadership positions within the company, including his previous role as general manager at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth and prior to that, general manager at Novotel Melbourne St Kilda.
Mr Aytekin’s experience also includes senior roles in both hotel operations and sales and marketing, having worked in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Auckland.
“Over the past 40 years, Pullman Melbourne on the Park has enjoyed a colourful history hosting major events and personalities. I look forward to leading the property into a fresh new direction and an exciting new era under the contemporary Pullman banner whilst respecting its rich heritage.”
Erkin Aytekin, Pullman Melbourne on the Park general manager
In 2015 Pullman Melbourne on the Park will plan a refurbishment of its lobby, restaurant and bar areas to bring it in line with global Pullman standards.
Pullman Melbourne on the Park joins one other Pullman hotel in Melbourne – Pullman Melbourne Albert Park which underwent an extensive refurbishment in September 2013. Between the two Melbourne properties and with sights set to expand further, Pullman is set to attract even greater volumes of business, leisure and conference travellers.
There has been considerable investment into the Pullman network in both Australia and internationally over the past two years, and the expansion of the brand in Australia comes at a time when Pullman is launching signature hotels in other major centres around the world.
Pullman Melbourne on the Park is the 13th hotel to join the Accor’s growing Pullman network, contributing to a global target of 150 Pullman hotels by the end of 2015.