Business
16 November, 2024
Hilton managing resort
THE mystery over the future of the rundown Hotel Grand Chancellor at Palm Cove has been solved with major renovations underway and a deal with an international hotel brand.
The Coral Coast Drive property covers 3.67ha with 140 rooms, a restaurant, bar, meeting and function rooms, retail shops and a nearby convention centre.
The property has been closed since 2022 after fund manager Tyche Capital acquired the site for $10.88m in 2021 but reconstruction works started this year.
Hilton will run the hotel in a management agreement with Tyche Asset Management. It will be called Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort and Spa, its third property in the Far North after The Hilton Cairns on the waterfront and Double Tree by Hilton on the Esplanade.
The hotel will be fully refurbished prior to opening in early 2026 and will feature modern amenities, including an outdoor pool, two dining outlets, one all-day dining restaurant, two bars (including a pool bar), a kids club, fitness centre, spa, and 450sqm of function and meeting space.
Hilton Australasia regional development director Tushar Raniga said the agreement “underscores our strategy of positioning the right brands in the right locations”.
“Palm Cove, with its growing tourism sector and vibrant local economy, presents a significant market opportunity and we believe Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort and Spa is set to become a standout resort, attracting both domestic and international travellers to this beautiful region,” he said.
Hilton Australasia head Paul Hutton said the signing was “particularly significant as it marks our fourth new hotel signing in Australasia this year, reflecting our broader growth strategy and commitment to providing exceptional hospitality to stunning locations worldwide”.
Hotel and Tyche Investments owner Diana Ren said “we are excited to partner with Hilton to launch Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort and Spa”.
“Hilton’s world-renown reputation and expertise will elevate the local tourism market, increasing Palm Cove’s national and international recognition which will certainly benefit the local economy,” she said.
Advance Cairns president Robert van den Hoven welcomed the announcement.
“Great news after years of speculation the old Novotel hotel at last will now become the Hilton Hotel Palm Cove Resort and Spa,” he said.
“Hilton Hotel with their worldwide marketing team will be of great benefit to tourism in Palm Cove. The hotel will include a 450sqm function centre.”
On Facebook, Cairns Chamber of Commerce president Patricia O’Neill said it was “fantastic news for Palm Cove. This is the best news”.
Resident Paul Taylor, also on Facebook, said it was “great to see the Hilton brand having significant faith in the Palm Cove brand”.
“This proposal will deliver an economic benefit from both the creation of jobs but also bed capacity in the tourism space.
“It should enliven the area and contribute to local businesses. I look forward to it coming to fruition.”
Another resident, David Galeano, also on Facebook said he believed the first section would open mid-to-late 2025 … “and the new rooms look great”.
Read More: Cairns
