Legendary hotelier and industry executive, Michael Hall, has passed away aged 80 from what is understood by close confidants to have been a heart attack, HM has learned.
Hall leaves in his wake a litany of professional achievements from many decades in the industry, including being the first Chairman of Select Hotels and Resorts International, a title he also held at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. He is also remembered as the first Managing Director of Mirvac Hotels – a role which helped him mentor some of Australia’s most successful hoteliers, many of whom have gone on to very senior roles both at home and overseas.
A titan of the industry from the 1970s onwards, Hall is perhaps most famous as the long-serving General Manager at the former Sebel Townhouse Hotel in Sydney’s Kings Cross, where he first began as a Storeman in 1965.
Having emigrated from the UK before leaving his teens, Hall’s first role in the hotel sector came as Food and Beverage Manager at the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme.
Highly street savvy and with a finely-tuned sixth sense to anticipate the needs of his guests, Hall curated the Sebel Townhouse to a standard coveted by international celebrities. Notable guests under his watch included Elton John during a visit which saw the flamboyant superstar marry German sound engineer Renate Blauel on Valentine’s Day in 1984.
“Michael was honourable- a real gentleman. He was highly respected by any who had the fortune to come in contact with him. He did not suffer fools easily but appreciated the best in people. He was always a shrewd businessperson,” said long-time former colleague and friend, Richard Rosebery,
Michael leaves behind his wife Patrea, son Adam, daughter Leonie and son-in-law Matt along with five grandchildren Charlie, Amy, Riley, Millie and Archie. Following a small family-only funeral, a wider memorial service will be organised by friends in Sydney at a date to be advised.