� CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

The Savoy Park Plaza Melbourne reaches its 75th anniversary this year and in celebration, is offering a Diamond Accommodation Package. For $175.00, guests will be treated to a luxurious night�s accommodation with $75 worth of �diamond dollars� to spend on specific services within the hotel.

The Savoy�s history dates back to 1926 when a tight fisted but astute businessman James Richardson was convinced that Melbourne needed a new style of hotel that incorporated the modern amenities then being developed in American hotels. Richardson teamed up with American architect Leslie Perrott and together, they built The Alexander Hotel in the classical Italian palazzo style that allowed the architect to take full advantage of its corner site.

Completed in 1928, the �Alexander Hotel� (The Savoy's original name) emanated the Art Deco style of New York and quickly became renowned as Australia�s most modern luxury hotel of the 1920 and 30s. Included was every modern feature of that era and uniquely, was the first hotel to have an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water for every room as well as circulating air system and individually controlled heating.

However, it was not as the Hotel Alexander that this hotel is fondly remembered by a Melbourne generation. For many people, it will be best remembered as the �Savoy� when in the 1950s it was painstakingly refurbished and renamed the Savoy Plaza Hotel incorporating Melbourne�s first cocktail bar, the American Bar.

Its famous Rainbow Room became the biggest attraction with patrons dining and dancing to live international acts such as Nat King Cole, Johnnie Ray, John Farnham, Rolf Harris and The Seekers. Accommodating up to 300 people for dinner and floorshows, it featured an impressive dance floor constructed of glass, illuminated from below by multi-coloured lights. Behind the stage was the room�s namesake � a rainbow-hued waterfall that cascaded down the wall through lengths of plastic tubing. For ten years, the Rainbow Room was one of the most successful nightclubs in Melbourne.

Other famous guests included Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Ella Fitzgerald who stayed at the Savoy whenever they performed in Melbourne. The halcyon days all came to an end in 1974 when it closed its doors and was converted to a police cadet training school.

Refurbished again and re-opened as the Savoy Park Plaza in 1991, the Hotel has established itself as one of Melbourne�s leading hotels in the fast developing west end of the CBD. Comprising 163 rooms and suites, it offers a range of modern services and facilities to suit the needs of the business traveller, conference organiser, wedding planner, tourist or weekender in pursuit of city relaxation.

The Diamond Accommodation Package, celebrating Savoy�s 75th Anniversary, appeals to many people in search of a relaxing weekend with the flexibility of choosing how they want to spend their valued dollars. For $175, the package offers overnight accommodation and a $75 credit to pamper themselves on other services including food and beverage in the Savoy Restaurant and Alexander�s Bar, Room Service, Valet Car Parking, Minibar or a Room Upgrade.

The Savoy Park Plaza Melbourne is located in Melbourne�s business district and is just a short stroll to the best shopping areas of Melbourne, the Crown Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Southgate and Theatre precinct. Directly opposite is Telstra Dome and the New Quay Docklands Development.

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For more information, please contact: Ms. Fiona Campbell Director of Sales and Marketing Savoy Park Plaza Melbourne 630 Little Collins Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 www.parkplaza.com.au

Phone: 03 9622 8888 Fax: 03 9622 8877 Email: sales@savoypp.com.au