The Golden Tulip Melbourne promises to set a new benchmark in hotel accommodation, through its exclusive range of services specifically tailored to meet the discerning needs of travellers. 

Today's announcement follows the cross shareholding agreement entered into between THL and Golden Tulip announced in January, that saw THL take a 30% equity stake in Golden Tulip and Golden Tulip take a 19.9% stake in THL. As part of that agreement, THL is now the exclusive development partner for the Golden Tulip brand in Asia Pacific.

Simon Wan, Joint Managing Director of THL said, "After finalising our recent partnership with Golden Tulip, we are pleased to have identified the first Golden Tulip hotel in Australia and look forward to launching the brand throughout the Asia Pacific region."

Designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers alike, the Golden Tulip Melbourne is within easy access to all that the city is famous for: shopping, theatres, food and wine, while the legal and financial precincts of the city are also close by.

The moderate deluxe property will house a total of 200 studio rooms, 40 one-bedroom suites and 40 two-bedroom suites all featuring kitchenettes and open plan living.

As well as limitless wireless Internet connection, Golden Tulip Melbourne will also offer guests the opportunity to indulge in extra luxuries, including a flat screen TV, CD/DVD player, lap pool and leisure facilities including massage treatment rooms and a gymnasium.

In addition, 80 specially designed Business Rooms will offer executive services to cater for the corporate market.

Hans Kennedie, President and CEO of Golden Tulip added, "We are delighted to be launching the Golden Tulip brand in Australia with such a strategic property located right in the heart of cosmopolitan Melbourne. The combination of international standards, local flavours, for which Golden Tulip is renowned, allows each of our hotels to successfully enter its local market, appealing to both domestic and international travellers."

Golden Tulip Melbourne will be located at 60 Market Street, Melbourne and is expected to open for business from late 2005.