HONG KONG, Oct. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney of Sino Group opens its doors in the heart of Sydney's bustling Central Business District. Housed in the heritage-listed General Post Office (GPO) building at No. 1 Martin Place, the hotel breathes new life into the city's much-loved landmark, which has been at the centre of Sydney's development since the 19th century and listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
The opening heralds the international expansion of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, the brand central to The Fullerton Heritage by Marina Bay in Singapore. The world-class waterfront precinct blends fine dining and entertainment options, and includes two award-winning hotels, namely The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.
"We are excited to open The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, housed in an icon steeped in history and dear to the Sydney community, it weaves the past and present together. Our vision for the 416-room hotel is simple: to deliver a unique, exquisite hotel that is synonymous with warm hospitality and one-of-a-kind flair to make guests' stays more memorable. We seek to provide guests and visitors with signature services as they create their own memories, while showcasing the beauty and heritage of the former Sydney GPO building to a wider audience nationally and globally," remarks Mr Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group.
"We encourage our guests to embark on memorable journeys that are deeper, more colourful and more rewarding when they stay in our landmark luxury hotels that are destinations unto themselves," says Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, General Manager of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, responsible for the management of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Recreating the rendezvous location
Committed to its role as custodians of heritage, The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts is recognised for its dedication to preserving buildings and their stories. This tradition will continue with The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, which shares a rich heritage with its sister hotel, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, also housed in a former GPO building and gazetted as Singapore's 71st National Monument.
Known as the city's rendezvous location, where Sydneysiders would dress to the nine and meet beneath the GPO clock completed in the mid-20th century. The building commands a prominent social and physical position in the city as well as a place in the hearts of Sydneysiders. In present times, the landmark building remains in the heart of the city's action, surrounded by financial institutions, designer brands as well as galleries.
"We wish to recreate this rendezvous location in 2019 and beyond by encouraging hotel guests and visitors to step into the historic building, and to create and share their own stories of this much-loved landmark and national treasure, just as they do at its sister property, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore," notes Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale.
Phase one of the revitalisation and maintenance work on the building's Martin Place and George Street facade is now complete. This marks the conclusion of a broader programme to re-connect locals with the historic Sydney landmark. Stone Mason & Artist, an expert team with a combined stonemasonry experience of 334 years, undertook a 38,000-hour laborious, chemical-free cleaning process to restore the building's facade to its former glory.
"We are committed to conserving the Sydney GPO building for the enjoyment of generations to come; and the heritage facade revitalisation programme is just the first step in a multi-phase revitalisation programme to be continued following the opening," adds Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale.
Fullerton Experiences: complimentary heritage tours
In addition to its extensive revitalisation programme, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney plans to shine a spotlight on the GPO building's unique stories through Fullerton Experiences, a bespoke programme featuring complimentary heritage tours and events for both hotel guests and members of the public.
Hotel guests and the general public can explore the building's vibrant history, dating back to 1874, through complimentary heritage tours, which will be launched on 1 November 2019. Docents will share captivating stories of those who have worked at the GPO building, which has connected Sydney to the wider world through letters, telegrams and the lively phone exchange.
The 90-minute heritage tours will also showcase the intricate stonework and reveal little-known facts of bygone years, including carvings that depict the city's early life. The carvings feature an astronomer marking Sydney's position on a globe, a young architect drafting a building, and a digger happily pointing to a chunk of quartz and gold. Each session can accommodate 15 guests to ensure a personalised experience and bookings are advised through the Hotel concierge or via fsy.enquiries@fullertonhotels.com.
Cross-cultural cuisine
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney will share more than its history as a former GPO building with its sister property, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore; it will also feature authentic Southeast Asian cuisines alongside modern Australian dishes in the destination restaurant The Place.
Located on level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, The Place is bathed in natural light through the magnificent glass atrium. Guests can wine and dine and enjoy the elevated views within the six-storey atrium that overlooks the former GPO courtyard. The sophisticated atmosphere is complemented by an open kitchen and lofty perch.
Modern Australian dishes including pan-fried red emperor and braised wagyu short rib are married with signature Southeast Asian dishes such as the not-to-miss Singaporean chicken rice, chicken curry, seafood laksa, satay and many more.
Another Fullerton tradition that will take up permanent residency at The Bar is the signature Afternoon Tea. The menu delivers on delectable savoury options including Lobster Cornet a l'Oriental, duck rillettes in sesame bun and smoked salmon mille-feuille with caviar. Satisfy the sweet tooth with dessert choices including chocolate moelleux, pecan maple tart or a pandan lamington. A selection of scones and an extensive TWG tea menu will also be featured.
Diners or visitors seeking a tipple can choose between a Singapore Sling or the new signature, Sydney Sling, each featuring unique flavours from the respective cities.
The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts Supports the Community
The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts' commitment to the community is core to its DNA. In keeping with the brand's ethos to engage actively with the community where it operates, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney has pledged AUD$200,000 to The Girls and Boys Brigade, an inner-city children's charity focused on providing early intervention and life education through activities and practical support for children, youth and their families in need.
The two-year partnership includes financial support in a number of projects including: basement upgrade in The Girls and Boys Brigade's current facility to create a multifaceted space that will improve both physical and mental health for beneficiaries, and workshops conducted by staff of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney to train youths in hospitality skill sets, with internship opportunities available.
The Fullerton Touch
While significant attention has been paid to the exterior of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, once inside, guests will enjoy the premium amenities expected of a worthy setting.
Guest rooms will feature signature Fullerton touches including Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso machines with pods, Singaporean TWG teas, and an extensive and indulgent pillow menu to assist with a good night's sleep. At the touch of a button on a tablet that houses an interactive Tapendium Digital Concierge Solution, guests can browse and request the hotel's services directly.
To commemorate the opening of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney each guest room will include limited-edition souvenirs: a complimentary postcard and Fullerton stamps, inviting hotel guests to pen a note to their loved ones and post it from the former GPO itself.
"The Fullerton Hotel Sydney and The Fullerton Hotel Singapore share rich history and important cultural significance, serving as the historic General Post Office and as Mile Zero the central point from which distances were traditionally measured in Sydney and Singapore, playing a pivotal role in the development and progress of these two leading cities in the Asia Pacific. As we set the stage for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Sydney, we look forward to writing a new chapter with the community together," concludes Mr Ng.
Opening special offer
To celebrate the opening, guests booking a stay at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, a Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection partner, will enjoy special launch benefits including an AUD$50 dining credit and triple points from the I Prefer Hotel Rewards programme. The offer is valid from 18 October 2019 to 17 March 2020 and reservations can be made via www.fullertonhotels.com. Rooms are available from AUD$380 per night, inclusive of taxes.
About Sino Group
Sino Group is one of the leading property developers in Hong Kong. It comprises three listed companies - Sino Land Company Limited (HSI: 083), Tsim Sha Tsui Properties Limited (HKSE: 0247) and Sino Hotels (Holdings) Limited (HKSE: 1221) as well as private companies held by the Ng Family.
For nearly half a century, Sino Group has been creating places people enjoy living, working and playing. The core business of developing properties for sale and investment is complemented by a full array of property and hospitality services to ensure a seamless Sino Experience. In addition to an extensive portfolio in Hong Kong, the Group has footprints in Mainland China, Singapore and Australia. It has developed more than 220 projects, spanning a total plot ratio area of over 84.6 million sq ft.
The Group also manages and operates The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, a growing collection of five-star hotels comprising The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
The Group employs more than 10,000 committed staff members, who share the mission of building better communities together by delivering quality excellence while upholding integrity and advocating sustainability.
About The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney (opened in 2019), situated in the city's iconic former General Post Office (GPO) building at No. 1 Martin Place, marks The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts' first international expansion. The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts currently owns and operates two award-winning hotels in Singapore, namely The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (opened in 2001) and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore (opened in 2010). Both hotels anchor the historic and cultural, The Fullerton Heritage precinct, located in Marina Bay, the heart of Singapore's city centre.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is a sister hotel to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, which shares a similar rich history as a former GPO. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is a luxury hotel in the heart of Sydney's Central Building District that showcases the beauty and heritage of the original building to a wider audience, both nationally and globally. The Fullerton Hotel Sydney is a Preferred Hotels & Resorts partner and part of the Legend Collection.
Media Enquiries
Sino Group
Betty Wong / Acky Chan
+852 2132 8718 / 7100 2662
media@sino.com
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