Melbourne hotels update

There’s been an explosion of activity in Melbourne’s luxury and boutique accommodation sector with several new properties opening — or shortly to open — their doors as well as major refurbishments being completed by several high-end hotel chains.

Located in the heart of Melbourne's Docklands district, the new Hilton Melbourne South Wharf is conveniently linked to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and features large opulent rooms, ranging from standard to executive suite, all with four-point bathrooms and the most up-to-date in-room technologies.

Construction is currently well under way, with the hotel due to be launched in April.

The culinary team includes internationally recognised master chef Ramon Freixa and renowned wine expert and one of only 269 Masters of Wine worldwide, Dr Ron Georgiou.

Currently, Ramon Freixa is putting the final touches to the tantalising menu for Hilton Melbourne South Wharf's Spanish-inspired restaurant Neuvo 37, while Dr Ron Georgiou has recently completed hand picking more than 5000 wines to make up the restaurant's wine list.

The new four-star Causeway 353, at 353 Little Collins Street, is billed as offering its guests “a boutique ambience with personalised service that avoids guests feeling like they are just part of a commodity conveyor belt”.

The new hotel’s 142 rooms include deluxe king/twin, premier spa suites and, for families, one- and two-bedroom suites with large spas and a separate lounge area. All are fitted with comfortable king-size beds, LCD TVs and broadband.

Also complete is the $60 million resurrection of one of Melbourne’s grandest heritage hotels, The Rialto, which has reopened as InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

Built in 1891, the hotel is one of the city’s last and best remaining examples of 19th-century gothic architecture.

Joseph Pang Design Studio, which oversaw the refurbishment, married the historical aspects of a true architectural icon with an exciting and unexpected contemporary design.

The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers all the facilities and services expected of a luxury international hotel, including a stunning Club InterContinental overlooking Collins Street, a variety of five-star dining establishments and bars, and a series of dedicated event-and-meeting spaces.

Located in Fitzroy within walking distance of Gertrude Street, Smith Street and Brunswick streets, the new boutique Brooklyn Arts Hotel has a wealth of independent galleries, bars, vintage shops, live music venues, theatres and restaurants on its doorstop.

Run by filmmaker, designer and public artist Maggie Fooke, the Brooklyn is an ideal stay for all those who want to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and immerse themselves in the arts.

Hilton on the Park, located opposite the Melbourne Cricket Ground, recently announced the completion of a major $40 million refurbishment of the hotel’s accommodation rooms and events space.

The upgrade includes a contemporary new look, furniture and fittings to its 419 guest rooms and suites, and an overhaul of its conference and events floor with new stylish décor, state-of-the-art lighting and AV technology, as well as the addition of two new boardrooms and a business centre.

Since November, Grand Hyatt Melbourne has been slowly unveiling the results of its $45 million redevelopment.

First to be revealed were the stylish upper and lower lobbies, the new restaurant Collins Kitchen and exclusive bar RU-CO, as well its redeveloped façade on Collins Street, and luxury retail arcade.

Last month saw the opening of a new Middle and Far Eastern bar, The Spice Market, and this month there is be the long-awaited reopening of contemporary Middle Eastern eatery MoMos.

February also herald sthe opening of a new events area, The Residence, an exclusively Grand Hyatt concept that is modelled on a private mansion, and is perfect for high-end events.

One of Melbourne’s beachside hotels, the Novotel St Kilda, has undergone a $7.5. million facelift, with upgrades to all of its 209 bay-view and city-view rooms and suites providing a fresh, contemporary look, and the unveiling a brand new purpose-built conference space on the first floor.

Coming in May will be a brand new restaurant which will utilise the Novotel’s prime location on St Kilda Esplanade to provide an indoor/outdoor dining concept in classic bar-and-grill style. To celebrate the refurbishment, the hotel has several family and conferencing packages on offer.

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