It’s been a long time since we’ve had a celebrity roll-up quite like the Tom and Katie show, reports Katherine Chatfield in Melbourne.
It doesn’t get much bigger than a visit from Katie Holmes, daughter Suri and megastar Tom Cruise. And this week Australia has rolled out the welcome mat for the A-listers as Katie embarks on a two-month working holiday in Melbourne, filming her latest movie Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark.
As for a royal visit, the city’s five-star services are in full swing, offering the family everything their Hollywood lives require, from high-level security to private chefs preparing Vegemite sandwiches for three-year-old Suri.
After a 14-hour flight by private jet to Tullamarine airport, Katie and her entourage are said to be heading straight to the city’s most luxurious hotel suite, the penthouse of Melbourne’s Crown Towers Hotel, which has been extensively renovated for the family’s visit.
Tom will remain with his wife and daughter in Melbourne for as long as his busy international filming schedule permits.
At the time of press, Crown employees confirmed Katie’s arrival was just days away.
“Tom Cruise is staying on the 39th floor,” a clearly chuffed hotel staff member revealed to Woman’s Day.
“It’s amazing – bigger than a regular house. It has five bedrooms and it’s all done out in marble. It’s got a private lift and its own kitchen. You can even get a private chef up there. The views are incredible too. The rate is $26,000 a night.”
Crown Towers is owned by Tom’s good mate James Packer, and the deluxe suite is reserved for top-shelf clientele.