Ritz-Carlton Melbourne is officially open for indulgence
Sumptuous decor and a signature restaurant from Chef Mark Best are just an appetiser for what awaits inside.
Melbourne’s most anticipated luxury opening – The Ritz-Carlton on Lonsdale Street – has officially welcomed first guests. As Australia’s tallest hotel, it’s tailor-made to offer an experience outside the ordinary, and it’s one that begins as soon as you arrive.
Rather than checking in at a meagre ground floor lobby, guests instead zip up to the Sky Lobby on the 80th floor, where lavish decor and views of the Yarra River and city skyline set the tone for what awaits during a stay at the ‘six star’ hotel.
From there, the opulence soars even higher across its 17 floors.
Among its many delights are signature restaurant Atria – helmed by Executive Chef Michael Greenlaw in partnership with Chef Mark Best (of former Sydney restaurant ‘Marque’ fame) – and bar Cameo, in addition to Ritz-Carlton Club and a chic day spa. Atria’s interior plays homage to the art deco luxury of the 1920’s, with a culinary philosophy highlighting local and native produce, while Cameo is all about exceptional spirits, rare vintages and inventive cocktails. High tea is also offered at The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge. Views similar to the lobby are the norm for guests, with all 257 rooms and suites on levels 65 and above. Each is finished to an impeccable standard: accents of timber, leather and stone, paired with plush linens and premium amenities. The location is stellar too – inside one of four towers in the West Side Place precinct adjacent to Southern Cross Station, ideal for direct rail and tram connections to all corners of the city, and a 10-minute stroll to Southbank and the Convention Centre. The hotel’s signature Ritz-Carlton Club is positioned on the 79th floor, just below the sky lobby. Access is included for guests in Club-level rooms and suites, and as an optional add-on, subject to availability, for those who wish to use the club beyond the inclusions in their room booking. Health and wellness takes the shape of an infinity pool (which in a nod to Melbourne’s weather will be indoors and heated) with a deck overlooking the city; and the Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering a fitness centre, sauna, two vitality pools and a yoga studio among six treatment rooms. The West Side Place towers will be host to a second hotel in the form of the 316-room The Dorsett Melbourne, along with more than 2,500 residential apartments. The complex also sees a new addition to Melbourne’s laneways, with the new thoroughfare between Lonsdale and Little Lonsdale streets set to host numerous hole-in-the-wall style restaurants, bars and shops emblematic of the city's eclectic cultural heartbeat. Ritz-Carlton’s Melbourne debut is just the next phase in the brand’s increased Australian presence. The Ritz Carlton Perth is already open, while a Gold Coast property is set to make a splash in 2026. The hotel also marks a milestone for parent Marriott Bonvoy as the company’s 1000th property in Asia Pacific. As members of its loyalty program, guests can earn and spend loyalty points at the hotel, in addition to unique Bonvoy Moments.
16 Oct 2012
Total posts 51
The proof of the pudding will be in the… service.
Much as Australia’s roster of five star hotels (and despite what they say there is nothing higher) love to say they are world leading, they are not. Service is always the sore point, even pre COVID.
Especially when compared to five star hotels in Asia and Europe the service here is lacklustre at best. I can only hope RC MEL somehow manage to pull a rabbit out of the hat… it would be lovely.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Mar 2020
Total posts 8
I recently stayed at RC Melbourne and can say the service was very good. Very smart hotel and would recommend, although if in Melbourne for business isn't the best location .
Has been very well appointed and the views are impressive
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