Final piece of puzzle in foreshore development as Hilton Garden Inn officially opens in Busselton

A new hotel in Busselton has been lauded as the final piece of the puzzle for the revamp of the town’s foreshore.

The Hilton Garden Inn was officially opened on December 29 by City of Busselton mayor Phill Cronin and hotel part-owner Peter Su.

The opening was attended by managers from the Hilton hotel group, a representative from Pacifica Aus Global which managed construction and former mayor Grant Henley, who had worked on the foreshore project during the 12 years he was on the council.

“The City of Busselton has been working towards this moment for some time. Opening the Hilton Garden Inn here in Busselton is the final piece of the foreshore puzzle,” he said.

The new hotel includes an outdoor heated pool, the ‘Together & Co’ dining room for breakfast and dinner, and a 24-hour fitness centre.

The 110-room hotel was 70 per cent booked for its opening night and staff were preparing for a busy season ahead.

The first guests were scheduled to check in around 3pm on opening day and more last-minute bookings were expected.

Hotel staff have completed extensive training and they also simulated guest stays to ensure all the systems and processes are working.

Busselton resident Leah Dunnet is a guest services team member at the hotel.

“It’s been a long time coming, so we are all really excited to finally welcome our first guests today,” she said.

Mr Cronin thanked everyone involved in bringing the Hilton Garden Inn to Busselton.

“The redevelopment of our foreshore and the development of this hotel will deliver important social, economic and cultural benefits to the City of Busselton and the South West region,” he said.

Hotel manager Des Shanks said the hotel’s setting was incredible and was particularly enthusiastic about the view from the fourth floor Geographe room.

“Isn’t this the perfect view? I think I may bring my laptop up here to work when it’s not booked,” he said.