An alpine style winter escape, minus the mountains

Fancy an alpine-style winter experience in the Melbourne CBD? 

Fondue Chalet at Federation Square has partnered with DoubleTree by Hilton to offer a French style city break, with no flight to Europe needed.

So think a winter-decorated hotel room paired with some alpine taste treats (fondue or raclette) and mulled wine for dinner. 

The Fondue Chalet has returned with private wooden chalets, French-accented hospitality and the traditional feast of melted cheese on a winter's night. 

The experience is operated by a French team aiming to replicate genuine recipes, traditions and warmth from the mountains of France to the banks of the Yarra.

DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, meanwhile, is offering specially decorated winter rooms (below).

"Across France and the Alps, fondue and raclette bring millions of people together around the table every winter. It's what we simply call the joy of the table," says Vincent Hernandez, founder of Fondue Chalet. 

"In France they are not just meals, they are moments shared with family and friends. Seeing that same ritual happening here in Melbourne is incredibly special."

The DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne winter room is available for bookings until August 31 on the hotel website. The winter package includes an overnight stay in a Winter Chalet Loft Room, a decadent free flowing hot chocolate station in the room, and breakfast in bed for two people.

Guests can enjoy 15% off their Fondue Chalet experience. Tickets cost from $79 per person (chalets seat six). Children under six dine free.

See www.fonduechalet.com.au and https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/melfsdi-gwint-0b248d82-0539-4578-b9d9-94bcbf45503f/

Hilton hotel brand lands in Hobart

Tasmania has its first Hilton hotel property with the opening this week of DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart.

The new-build 206-room hotel on Macquarie Street in the Tasmanian capital has a heated indoor pool, sauna and gymnasium, as well as two meeting spaces. It is aimed at both business and leisure travellers.

The opening is a joint venture between DoubleTree by Hilton and Fragrance Group Limited.

The new hotel is situated within walking distance to Hobart’s Central Business District, the waterfront, and vibrant Salamanca Place.

The location means guests have easy access to Hobart’s markets, galleries and cafés.

Paul Hutton, area vice-president and head of Australasia for Hilton, said: "We are thrilled to bring the DoubleTree by Hilton experience to Hobart.

"This hotel is not only a testament to our commitment to expanding our footprint in Australasia, but also our dedication to providing exceptional hospitality in prime locations. With the property situated closely to the CBD and the waterfront, our guests will have the best of Hobart right at their doorstep."

Fragrance Group chairman James Koh said: “We are excited to bring yet another new brand offering to Tasmania with the very first Hilton-branded hotel and to deliver DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, which will be a unique addition to Hobart’s tourism offering."

The signing of DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart comes as the brand surpasses 100 properties in Asia Pacific.

“We know Tasmania has what the world wants, and it is a testament to our exceptional destination offering that a brand as reputable as Hilton has launched here in Hobart,” Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

“Adding more than 200 premium hotel rooms to the state’s landscape will support our tourism sector and help keep our economy strong.”