Hilton Area VP and Head of Australasia, Paul Hutton (centre), with (l-r) Director of Development, Tushar Raniga, and Directors of Projects and Design, Phillipa Le Roux and Tarek Adasi

For more than a century, Hilton has been a safe, steady home away from home for more than 3 billion guests around the world. And despite the challenges of the pandemic, Hilton’s growth momentum has not wavered, remaining the fastest growing hospitality company in Asia Pacific.

Locally, this is evident in Hilton’s recent and momentous signing of Waldorf Astoria Sydney — the first Waldorf Astoria in Australasia, and the company’s first luxury hotel signing in Australia.

“The introduction of the Waldorf Astoria brand to Australasia underscores our development strategy of organically introducing our world-class brands to discerning travellers in key markets,” said Hilton Area Vice President and Head of Australasia, Paul Hutton.

The luxury hotel brand, which began in New York City with a single property in 1893 that Conrad Hilton dubbed, “The Greatest of Them All”, has experienced unprecedented growth with a portfolio of more than 30 iconic properties in the world’s most sought-after destinations, including six distinguished properties across Asia Pacific.

“Our luxury expansion into Australia during this critical period of travel recovery speaks volumes to the confidence investors and owners have in our award-winning luxury brands,” said Hilton Vice President, Luxury and Lifestyle, Asia Pacific, Nils-Arne Schroeder.

“This brand debut in Australia and our accelerated pace of luxury growth across the broader Asia Pacific region are bolstered by the trust that discerning travellers have in the strength and consistency of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to deliver truly timeless and unforgettable experiences across each and every stay.”

Luxurious living, cutting-edge design

Owned by AW One Circular Quay, part of AW Holding Group, Waldorf Astoria Sydney is in a coveted location, as part of the One Circular Quay development — one of the most prime harbourside sites in Australia, offering unrivalled views of Sydney Harbour. In collaboration with world-renowned architects KKAA and Crone, Waldorf Astoria Sydney will artfully blend contemporary, luxurious living with cutting-edge design.

An artist’s impression of the new Waldorf Astoria Hotel that will look onto Sydney Harbour

Construction has commenced on the 28-floor, 220-key luxury hotel, which is expected to open in early 2025. Central to any Waldorf Astoria experience is its legacy of culinary expertise and Waldorf Astoria Sydney will be no exception. The hotel will celebrate Sydney’s gastronomic excellence with two distinctive restaurants, as well as a rooftop bar, which will boast uninterrupted views of stunning Sydney Harbour.

“I look forward to welcoming Waldorf Astoria Sydney which will be an inspiring landmark that will elevate luxury hospitality in one of the world’s most iconic destinations,” added Schroeder.

Ambitious growth plans for Australasia

Hilton’s milestone signing does not stop at Waldorf Astoria Sydney. The Australasian development team has further plans to expand within the luxury, lifestyle and focused service segments in Australia and New Zealand, with another luxury hotel to be added to the pipeline very soon.  

Hutton, who commenced his Australasian leadership role in February, spent the past four years as Hilton’s Regional Head of Southeast Asia where he oversaw significant portfolio growth including launching the regions first Waldorf Astoria with Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, followed by Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, and the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn brand into Malaysia.

He has the same ambitious growth plans for the Australasia region.

“At Hilton, we believe that the desire to travel, experience new cultures and connect with others is core to the human experience, and now that travel has resumed, guests are looking to brands they trust so they can travel with peace of mind,” Hutton said.  

“As such, we’re always looking to add the right brand, in the right location, at the right time.”

Hilton recently opened DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka, just 20km south of Auckland CBD in the beautiful rural town of Karaka. With 13 hotels currently in the pipeline, 2023 will see the opening of Hilton Port Moresby Residences, as well as Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. In 2024, three Hilton Garden Inn hotels are set to open in Box Hill, Sydney Kingswood, and Brisbane City Centre North, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton Auckland Albert Street.

With borders now open and travel demand unleashed, Hilton will continue to provide an important backdrop for guests to make new memories at their 29 hotels across Australasia.

“We are confident that together with our partners, Hilton will emerge from this pandemic stronger than before as we continue to deliver the light and warmth of hospitality to our guests and capture growth opportunities across key destinations for our owners,” Hutton said.