Overall Rating 4 ½ stars
The answer is yes but the rooms are dated. the hotel was originally built in 1986 and then remodelled in 2011. The reception and restaurant areas were completely revamped and look new and modern but like so many refurbs they skimped on the bedrooms and in particular the bathrooms.
This is my favourite hotel in Melbourne for business as it offers the best value in the $250 to $300 price range.
Service
This is a full service hotel with with a 24hr reception conceierge and room service. When you arrive at the hotel you are greeted at your car and your bags are removed old style and delivered to your room.
Service is good, I’ve never had to wait long at reception and the coincerge always has great suggestions.
Restaurants
The main restaurant serves a really good buffet breakfast with a wide choice of options. I have never eaten in the restaurant, but have ordered room service for dinner which was pretty ordinary.
The Club Lounge which is only available to guests staying in club rooms is located on level 31, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne. It serves complimentary continental breakfast, all day refreshments, plus evening drinks with canapés.
Facilities
The facilities are probably the best in Melbourne. The hotel has a large fully equipped gym which includes an indoor swimming. There is also a tennis court, pretty impressive for a city hotel. There are full conference facilities including a large ballroom.
Position
The hotel which is just off Collins street is perfectly positioned for shopping and right near a tram stop.
There are some great restarants near the hotel. My favourites are Il Barcaro the upmarket Italian restaurant, Chin Chin which serves thai inspired food and Lucy Liu which offers pan-Asian cuisine.
Rooms
The hotel has 546 rooms over 31 floor.
Rooms are a good size and were refurbished in 2011 but already beginning to show their age. The marble bathrooms are large and include separate bath and shower but even with the new tap wear it still looks like an 80’s bathroom.
Ask for corner room on a high floor, they are slightly bigger than the standard room and quieter with fewer rooms next door.
