It’s rare that a media call for a hotel opening comes across my inbox but that’s exactly what I got this morning when Ritz-Carlton Melbourne finally opened its doors, eight years after first being announced.
To say this is a big deal for Marriott International and the city of Melbourne is an understatement. The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most notable luxury hotel brands in history so to see it come to Melbourne in an 80-storey hotel is a nice tick of approval in way of Australia’s luxury hotel boom.
As Ritz-Carlton’s second-ever Australian property – there’s one in Perth – the Melbourne property should offer an elevated stay on the western side of the CBD. Much like some of Melbourne’s other hotels, the theme seems to be on illustrating the stories of Australia through a “distinctly Melbourne lens.” The hotel’s design story is focused on indigenous heritage and a blend of Victoria-era gold rush, European heritage and Melbourne’s laneway culture.
It looks like Australian architect Cottee Parker has used the building’s size to its advantage. Check-in takes place in a Sky Lobby on Level 80 where a double-vaulted ceiling and glass windows spanning the entire level illustrate the majesty of being that high above the city. From there, you’ve got 257 guestrooms across the hotel, all defined by their use of dark woods and natural stones with hand-made glass panels and gilded finishings.
The hotel’s pinnacle offering is The Ritz-Carlton Suite, spanning the entire length of the building with a separate living and dining room as well as a walk-through wardrobe, in-room sauna and a private pantry.
Being a heritage brand, Ritz-Carlton Melbourne will also dial in the golden era of hospitality with the Ritz-Carlton Club, a private space only accessible to guests staying in Club Level suites.
Opening a new hotel in Melbourne without paying special attention to the food would be a sin. The hotel has three venues, including the hotel’s signature Atria on the 80th floor, sky-high cocktail bar Camero and the more casual Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge.
Rounding out the amenities is the hotel’s expansive wellness program, powered by Ritz-Carlton Spa with six treatment rooms and a massive infinity pool that looks out over the city. You’ll also find a fitness centre and yoga studio on this level, deepening the heritage brand’s very modern play at providing guests with a holistic wellness experience.
The opening of Ritz-Carlton Melbourne also means that Australians have another high-end hotel to use Marriott Bonvoy points on. Marriott International’s signature rewards program should make staying here a bit more achievable for loyal guests and frequent travellers.
Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
Address: 650 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact: (03) 9122 2888
Rates at Ritz-Carlton Melbourne start from $480 per night.
