The Fullerton Hotel Sydney Opens at No. 1 Martin Place

Main Photo: The Fullerton Hotel, dating back to 1874

Date: October 2019

Location: Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Name: Fullerton Hotel Sydney

No. of Keys: 416

Seller: The hotel is on the site of the former General Post Office

Owner: 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, where they have two hotels.

Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, General Manger of The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts and Dorothy Chan, Executive Director of Far East Organization (FEO) hosted the official opening with 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.  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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

THPT Comment: Fab to see both the Fullerton brand in Sydney, and more importantly the restoration of such an iconic building and being to put to good use as a hotel.

First Seen: The Hotel Conversation

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