Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton has opened its doors in the heart of Carlton, marking a new chapter for the neighbourhood and bringing with it a leadership team focused on becoming part of the local fabric from day one.
As Carlton welcomes its first internationally branded hotel, the team behind the opening is shaping how visitors experience the neighbourhood while creating a place locals feel just as comfortable walking through.
Positioned overlooking Lincoln Square and surrounded by Carlton’s long-standing food, culture and community, the hotel has been designed as a place to connect, unwind and feel part of the neighbourhood, rather than separate from it.
Leading the team is General Manager Anne Marie Lennon, whose career spans more than 30 years across Australia, Ireland and the UK. From early on, her focus has been on building a hotel that feels grounded in its surroundings.
“Carlton already has such a strong identity, and we see ourselves as part of that. For us, it’s about creating a place where guests can experience the neighbourhood properly, but also somewhere locals can drop in, meet, dine or spend time,” Anne Marie said.
Supporting Anne Marie is Director of Marketing, Mark Smith, who brings extensive experience across major global brands and other IHG properties, including InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. Mark’s focus is on ensuring the hotel speaks in a way that feels natural to Carlton, connecting with both visitors and the local community.
Director of Sales Louise Pyne joins with deep knowledge of the Melbourne market and a strong connection to the Crowne Plaza brand, having come from Crowne Plaza Melbourne. Now at Carlton, Louise will continue to build relationships across the city and work closely with local partners and businesses.
Behind the scenes, HR Manager Dora Longmuir is shaping the culture of the hotel, building a team that reflects Carlton’s mix of energy, diversity and community spirit, while creating an environment where people feel supported and motivated in their roles.
Food and beverage plays a central role in the hotel’s connection to the neighbourhood. At street level, Fico Restaurant and Bar draws on Carlton’s Italian identity, shifting from relaxed daytime café culture through to aperitivo and evening dining.
Food and Beverage Manager Christopher McNally, who brings experience from across Australia, the UK and Turkey, works alongside Executive Chef Patrick Chung to shape the offering. Together, they have created a menu centred on seasonal produce and generous, share-style dining, anchored by handmade pasta prepared on site each day, with antipasti designed to open the table.
The wider leadership team includes Eric Thanh Vu, Front Office Manager, focused on creating a smooth and welcoming arrival experience; Sarah Wu, Cluster Manager of Finance and Business Support, guiding the hotel’s commercial direction; and Carmela Tomarchio, Housekeeping Manager, ensuring every room reflects the standard expected of the brand.
Together, the team brings a balance of international experience and local understanding, aligned around creating a hotel that feels like a natural part of Carlton and plays a role in the neighbourhood’s next chapter.
