Hilton has entered a partnership with Vista Hospitality Group to open the first Curio Collection brand hotel in Melbourne, Australia.

Next Hotel Melbourne is set to join the global portfolio of 140 Curio Collection by Hilton properties by the end of 2023.

This addition will mark the third Hilton brand in Melbourne, alongside Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street and DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne Flinders Street.

Joining the existing portfolio of 29 Hilton-branded properties across Australasia, the property will also be the second Curio Collection by Hilton property in Australia.

Hilton APAC ex Greater China Development senior vice-president Guy Phillips said: “We are thrilled to partner with Vista Hospitality Group for the first time to bring Next Hotel Melbourne into our unique Curio Collection by Hilton brand.”

Located in the 80 Collins precinct within the city’s central business district, the premium, upscale property features 255 rooms and suites.

It also offers an executive lounge along with a restaurant and bar called La Madonna.

The flagship property of Vista Group targets both business and leisure travellers.

Additionally, it boasts an ambience influenced by the local culture of Collins Street, China Town and the historical Horse Bazaar site.

Vista Hospitality Group operations and development vice-president Jordan Rodgers said: “Our renowned Next brand has allowed us to establish a unique business-meets-boutique property and joining the esteemed Curio Collection by Hilton is validation of Next Hotel Melbourne’s distinct style of hospitality.

“It also heralds an exciting new chapter for Next’s story, giving us the ability to leverage Hilton’s global loyalty programme, Hilton Honours, as well as Hilton’s powerful commercial engine.”

Vista Hospitality Group is a joint venture between Pro-invest Group and Next Story Group.

Pro-invest Group is the managing partner of a diverse portfolio of seven brands across 15 properties, including the luxury Next brand and the flagship Melbourne hotel.