DoubleTree by Hilton: Opening of Fragrance Group hotel development in Hobart imminent

A highly touted 206-room hotel is set to open its doors in Hobart, representing global giant Hilton’s first foray into the Tasmanian tourism and hospitality market.

Artist's impressions of the Fragrance Group's proposed hotel for 179 Macquarie St, Hobart. Picture: Supplied/Scanlan Architects

Hilton has announced it will open its first Tasmanian hotel in the second half of this year, having partnered with a billionaire Singaporean developer to bring the nine-storey project to life.

The globally recognised five-star brand, which is the third-largest hotel chain in the world, has described its $65m DoubleTree by Hilton development at 179 Macquarie St – the site of the old Myer homewares store – as an “exquisite” and “landmark” accommodation offering.

Boasting 206 rooms, the Leatherwood restaurant, a bar, two meeting rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness centre, the hotel was originally expected to be completed in early 2024.

Artist's impressions of the Fragrance Group's proposed hotel for 179 Macquarie St, Hobart. Picture: Supplied/Scanlan Architects

French chain Novotel was initially locked in as the operator but it was revealed this year that the owner of the site, Fragrance Group, had switched to Hilton.

Led by billionaire property magnate James Koh, Fragrance Group owns two other sites in Hobart – one at 28-30 Davey St and another at the former site of the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music on Sandy Bay Rd – where it plans to develop an up-market hotel and luxury apartments, respectively.

Hilton Australasia chief Paul Hutton said the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Hobart was “a testament to our … dedication to providing exceptional hospitality in prime locations”.

Hilton Australasia boss Paul Hutton in the Brisbane Hilton.

“With the property situated closely to the CBD and the waterfront, our guests will have the best of Hobart right at their doorstep,” he said.

Hilton confirmed that the hotel was in “advanced construction status” and was set to open its doors in “the second half of 2024”.

Tushar Raniga, Hilton’s regional director of development in Australasia, said the company was “delighted” to bring its brand to Tasmania.

“This signing highlights our strategy of positioning the right brands in the right locations, with the right partner and DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is set to become a landmark in the city, offering our guests a unique and immersive experience of Hobart’s rich culture and history,” he said.

Mr Koh, meanwhile, said DoubleTree by Hilton would be “a unique addition” to Hobart’s tourism and hospitality landscape.

James Koh of Fragrance Group. Picture: Jenny Crawley

“We can’t wait to unveil this exquisite hotel to Tasmanians and those visiting Hobart,” he said.

Fragrance Group lodged a development application with the Hobart City Council in May for the approval of new signage at the Macquarie St site.

Hutchinson Builders is overseeing construction of the hotel.

In 2019, the council rejected a Fragrance Group proposal to build a 55-metre-high hotel on Collins St, citing concerns over the “unreasonable loss of amenity” nearby residents would have experienced as a result of its height.