Le Méridien makes triumphant return to Melbourne

Paris-born hotel group Le Méridien has made a flamboyant return to Australian shores this week with the opening of Le Méridien Melbourne, a playful, theatre-inspired hangout at the end of bustling Bourke Street.

It’s not the first time Le Méridien has called the Victorian capital home, with the French brand previously attached to The Rialto on Collins Street, now the InterContinental Melbourne.

Playing on the artistic heritage of the site – once home to a cinema, theatre and live music hub – the hotel boasts 235 rooms furnished in a mid-century modern style with vibrant artworks echoing its past, in addition to eye-catching lighting and chic marble bathrooms.

Rooms, like this Classic City View King, feature eclectic furnishings and bold artworks.

Sleek, ground floor restaurant and bar ‘Dolly’ is adorned with intimate velvet booths and deep, leather armchairs (destined to be a popular stop before heading out for a show), while lobby cafe ‘Intermission’ is on hand to satisfy guests’ sweet tooths and caffeination needs.

Executive Chef Christian Graebner is at the helm of Dolly, serving European-inspired dishes and an extensive wine list.

Dolly’s menu follows the retro vibe of the decor, plating up the likes of poached lobster tail, a contemporary take on Beef Wellington and Bombe Alaska – torched tableside, of course. 

The subterranean restaurant leans into the delicious flavours of Europe, with a retro nod.

However, the star of the show is the rooftop pool and terrace, home to an open-air bar serving cocktails and snacks, and also set to host a pop-up from the Melbourne International Film Festival later this year.

And, then there’s the view, overlooking Parliament House and stretching towards Fitzroy Gardens.

Take a dip in the hotel's rooftop pool, while also soaking in the view.

All guest rooms feature Malin + Goetz bath amenities, signature bottled cocktails by The Everleigh Bottling Co.,and a coffee machine, along with a dedicated work desk, Marshall Speakers and 55-inch LCD TV.

Suites are fitted with black stone kitchenettes and Smeg appliances, a selection of art books and beautifully-crafted oak board games. 

A kitchenette in the Lumiere Suite.

They also feature Yamaha MusicCast 500 turntables with a selection of vinyls by artists, such as Prince and James Brown, who once performed on-site.

Relax in the Lumiere Suite's spacious living area.

In addition, the hotel also includes a 24-hour gymnasium fitted with TechnoGym equipment, plus various meeting and function rooms.

Sean Hunt – Marriott Area Vice President for Australia, New Zealand and Pacific – hails Melbourne as the “ideal home for the relaunch of Le Méridien in Australia”, citing the hotel’s immersive arts and cultural program as a perfect fit within the city’s theatre district.

The marble bathrooms are all stocked with Malin + Goetz bath amenities.

The opening of Le Méridien Melbourne has boosted Marriott Bonvoy’s Australian portfolio to 30 hotels, with upcoming additions including W Sydney, opening in October, and the St Regis and Ritz Carlton earmarked for a Gold Coast debut in the coming years.