The Fullerton Hotel Sydney has officially opened its doors at No. 1 Martin Place in the iconic former General Post Office (GPO) building, the brand's first international hotel expansion outside of Singapore.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney has officially opened its doors at No. 1 Martin Place in the heart of the Central Business District, heralding a new chapter for The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts brand with its first international hotel expansion outside of Singapore.
Housed in the iconic former General Post Office (GPO) building, the brand’s vision for the 416-room hotel is to deliver a unique, luxury hotel that is synonymous with warm hospitality and one-of-a-kind flair.
At a glance:
The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts aims to breathe new life and renewed engagement with the city’s much-loved landmark through initiatives such as its extensive revitalisation and cleaning of the historic façade, and introduction of complimentary heritage tours for guests and the general public.
Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, General Manger of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts; Dorothy Chan, Executive Director of Far East Organization (FEO); Sandra Chipchase CEO of Destination New South Wales and executive producer of Vivid Sydney; Daryl Ng, deputy chairman of Sino Land; and Jeanne Ng, Director, The Fullerton Heritage.
The official opening ceremony was held in the Heritage Ballroom, the site of the former telegram office. Alongside television personality and master of ceremonies Kylie Gillies, Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, the General Manager of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, welcomed guests with an invitation to embark on a memorable journey with The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Sharing his positive sentiments about Sydney’s beautiful sights and the warmth he has experienced from the people of Sydney, he said: “Sydney has a very special place in our hearts and The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts could not have chosen a better city to fly the Fullerton flag in its first overseas location. It is an honour for the brand to make this historical building home to The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.”
Guest of Honour, Sandra Chipchase, CEO of Destination New South Wales, echoed Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale’s sentiments in a speech of her own.
“I am thrilled, I am delighted to have such as global name as The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts here in Sydney. It is brilliant and it marks a brand-new chapter,” she said.
“It is also fabulous to see The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts’ commitment to heritage conservation; they have so lovingly restored this building and this hotel. This precinct is the place to be – it is the true heart of Sydney,” she concluded.
The speeches were followed by a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and screening of Fullerton Stories, a video showcasing evocative accounts, anecdotes and memories from personalities who have a historical connection with the building during its time as an operational GPO.
Guests were treated to a preview of the food and beverage offerings, which are now featured on the menu at “The Place” and “The Bar” located in The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. Modern Australian dishes alongside authentic Southeast Asian cuisines were served including tender braised Wagyu beef cheek with traditional spices and crispy rice puffs; spiced grilled chicken, Wagyu beef satay with peanut sauce; Singapore laksa; and Hainanese chicken rice.
Desserts from the signature Fullerton Afternoon Tea menu available at “The Bar,” including pandan kaya lamington; chocolate moulluex; citrus pannacotta; graham cracker key lime pie; and pecan maple tarts, were also enjoyed by the guests.
Guests raised a toast with the specially concocted new signature cocktail, the Sydney Sling, featuring unique flavours and gin and spirits from Australia. After the official ceremony, they received gift bags which included limited-edition Fullerton Hotel Sydney memorabilia and a dining voucher for two, which entitles the guest to return and experience Fullerton’s signature afternoon tea set and champagne.
Before the event concluded, guests were invited to join a first-look guided heritage tour. Rediscovering the rich history of the former GPO that once connected Sydney through telegram, phone calls and letters to the world beyond, many guests also took the opportunity to pen a note to their loved ones on The Fullerton Hotel Sydney postcards affixed with a Fullerton postal stamp.
To familiarise taxi and limousine drivers with the opening of the new hotel, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney treated all taxi and limousine drivers visiting on launch day and the next day with a complimentary coffee and muffin. Each driver also received a Fullerton Hotel Sydney postcard affixed with a stamp, allowing them to post a note from the former GPO, now home to The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Click here to visit The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
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