End of an era as Hilton Brisbane to close after nearly 40 years
The Elizabeth Street hotel, which was designed by Austrian-born architect Harry Seidler, opened in 1987.
Centrally located above Wintergarden on Queen Street Mall in Brisbane, the luxury hotel has served as a popular accommodation choice for visitors to the city throughout the decades.
A spokesperson for Hilton told HM that the hotel will cease to operate under the Hilton brand on 31 March 2025, following the expiration of the lease agreement with the property’s owner, ISPT.
“We will always be proud of the 39-year history of Hilton Brisbane and would like to thank all team members, both past and present, for the significant contributions they have made to both the hotel and Hilton in Australia,” the Hilton spokesperson said.
“We are working with team members at the hotel, and we continue to support them through this transition, including working with the owners as they explore potential future employment opportunities at the hotel.”
Hilton has established a strong presence in the Australian market with 30 trading hotels across the country.
Hilton said Brisbane remains a key market, with Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North currently under development.
Under Hilton’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), established in July last year, Hilton Honors guests also have access to member benefits at Ovolo the Valley, in Brisbane.
“We are fully committed to expanding further, with Hilton Garden Inn Brisbane City Centre North currently under development – which will join 30 trading hotels across Australia,” Hilton’s spokesperson added.
In a statement received by HM on Thursday, ISPT Head of Development – Office, Industrial, Retail and Mixed Use, Tom Waters, said the property “is being retained and refurbished, with the hotel transferring to a new and globally recognised luxury hotel operator”.
“ISPT, Hilton and the proposed new operator are collaboratively working through a transition process at the moment,” Waters said.
“The hotel will be closed for a brief period and will re-open under the new operator’s brand name. Excitingly, in 2026 the hotel will undergo a complete refurbishment.
“We look forward to announcing the name of the global luxury hotel brand that will be join this iconic site soon.”