The launch of the wave-shaped hotel included the opening of the hotel's level 27 day spa, Isika, the top floor guest lounge and bar, "28", the hotel's four meeting rooms as well as the official opening of Gordon Ramsay's two new restaurants, maze and maze Grill.
Special guests included Gordon Ramsay, Senator the Honourable Stephen Conroy, Federal Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, the Honourable Martin Ferguson, Federal Minister for Tourism, Resources and Energy, the Honourable Tim Holding, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, the Honourable Steven Ciobo, Federal Shadow Minister for Tourism, the Arts, Youth and Sport and the Right Honourable Robert Doyle, Lord Mayor City of Melbourne, as well as DJ Havana Brown and high-profile chefs Guillaume Brahimi, Neil Perry and Robert Marchetti.
Over 250 guests witnessed the unveiling of Melbourne's newest and most architecturally-striking hotel. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception sipping Moët & Chandon Champagne accompanied by canapés expertly-prepared by maze's Chef de Cuisine, Josh Emett.
"We have invested over $370 million in Crown Metropol and its associated assets, to ensure that Crown here in Melbourne remains one of the best integrated casino resorts in the world," said Mr Packer. Crown Melbourne's Chief Executive Officer, David Courtney, stated that, "the new hotel is a demonstration of the confidence Crown has in the future of Melbourne as one of the world's leading tourist destinations." "The Bates Smart designed hotel will employ 500 people and provide accommodation for approximately 225 000 interstate and overseas guests in its first year of operation," stated Courtney.
"It's great to be back in Melbourne to celebrate this momentous occasion, the opening of Crown Metropol. Having opened restaurants in New York, London, Cape Town and Doha and having seen Melbourne grow into such a dynamic culinary city, I could not be more excited to be a part of the action. Seeing Melbourne's maze and maze Grill open is a dream come true," added Gordon Ramsay.
Following the official opening ceremony, guests were entertained and indeed awe-struck by a surprise performance by world-renowned illusionist, Matt Hollywood. Assembled invitees then ascended the hotel's ribbon staircase before being seated for dinner at maze and maze Grill.
The finale of the evening will be late night drinks and tapas at "28," Crown Metropol's private hotel guest lounge and soon-to-be Melbourne's most talked about nightspot. The bar features both indoor and heated outdoor seating and the best views of the Melbourne skyline.
To top the night off, all guests will enjoy overnight accommodation at Crown Metropol followed by a Gordon Ramsay-created breakfast served in the comfort of their room or in the buzzy, brasserie-like feel of maze and maze Grill.
