Hilton signs franchise deal for Hilton Canberra Manuka, its first Canberra hotel

Hilton has signed Hilton Canberra Manuka, a 184-room hotel that will mark the group's entry into Canberra and bring its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to Australia's national capital, the company said. The property is expected to open in early 2027 at 15–17 Franklin Street in the Manuka precinct and will operate under a franchise agreement with ICC Development Group.

Sitting directly opposite Manuka Oval, the hotel is aimed at government, corporate, diplomatic, sporting and leisure travellers. According to the release, it is close to Parliament House, the Parliamentary Triangle, the embassy district and the Barton business precinct. Canberra Railway Station is about 1.5 kilometres away and Canberra Airport about seven kilometres.

The room count includes eight suites, with standard rooms of 32 to 45 square metres. Facilities will include an executive lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, fitness and wellness facilities, a sauna and a pool. Event space will comprise a ballroom and a multifunction space divisible into four rooms. The wider development will add ground-level retail, further dining venues and a cinema.

Tushar Raniga, director of development at Hilton Australasia, called the deal "an important milestone in Hilton's growth across Australasia". Harrold Dakin, CEO of ICC Development Group, said the hotel represents "a significant private investment by Mrs. Liangis" in Canberra's hospitality sector and is expected to support approximately 100 to 120 ongoing full-time, part-time and casual positions. He described the project as a step towards building an international hospitality portfolio combining well-positioned properties, global brands and experienced operating partners.

The hotel will participate in the Hilton Honors loyalty programme, giving direct bookers access to member discounts, complimentary standard Wi-Fi and digital check-in, room selection and Digital Key where available.