The long-awaited opening of the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has promised to “redefine luxury” in the city, and it doesn’t disappoint. The new luxury hotel may even take the crown as best Melbourne hotel, but only time will tell.
The hotel’s designers and planners have been working on the “The Ritz” project for over a decade, and by all accounts it has been worth the wait.
The Ritz-Carlton, which is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, is the second Ritz Carlton hotel in Australia, with the first opening in Perth in late 2019. The Ritz Carlton Melbourne has a uniquely Melbourne feel and design, while encompassing the Ritz Carlton tradition of quality and luxury.
Wide sweeping views of the city, bay and beyond are a highlight of the hotel, with some of the most captivating views from the hotel’s reception and signature restaurant, Atria, located on the 80th floor.
Designed by Australian architects, Cottee Parker, the hotel has an authentic Melbourne feel that seamlessly incorporates the city’s rich First Nation’s history. The ground floor of the hotel lobby is filled with vibrant works by First Nations artists exclusively, the majority of whom come from Melbourne.
“This whole building is like a love letter to Melbourne,” Cottee Parker Director and Melbourne Studio Leader, Dan Potter said.
“People know The Ritz-Carlton brand. People travel to Ritz Carlton’s all around the world, and when they come to Melbourne, they say: ‘I know Melbourne’…but once you get them here, you have a responsibility to show them all of the different other faces of Melbourne.”
Marriott Bonvoy President, Luxury, Tina Edmunson, told Forbes Australia that it was first time visiting Melbourne and she was impressed with the style of the city and the warmth of the people.
“With its destination-driven design inspired by the city’s past and present, combined with the finest amenities, exciting culinary offerings and highly personalised services, The Ritz Carlton Melbourne, exemplifies our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in inspiring cities, the world over.”
Atria – named after the brightest star in the southern consolation, Triangulum Australe – is likely to be a culinary destination in its own right, featuring incredible floor to ceiling views, an incredibly locally sourced Victorian ash bar, open kitchens and a locally made, handmade modern “deconstructed chandelier”. Local, hyper-seasonal produce is used in the menu, which has been produced by well-known Executive Chef Michael Greenlaw in partnership with Culinary Advisor, Mark Best.
The interiors of the hotel have a distinct feel of old-Melbourne meshed with luxury, giving a unique warm and welcoming guest experience. Designed by BAR Studio, the interiors take inspiration from the area’s First Nations history, the Victorian-era gold rush, European heritage, and fabled laneway life.
The hotel’s 257 guest rooms are as lavish as you could imagine from a brand such as the Ritz Carlton. Guests are treated to floor to ceiling views, automatic blinds that are accessible from the touch of a button by the king size, luxury bed, marble bathrooms with French amenities, and incredible Italian linen by Frette.
Dark wood accents are highlighted by hand made glass panels, touches of gold, and locally produced Melbourne artworks. Of course, the room service menu has all of the favourites, including the club sandwich, but guests wanting a more luxurious experience can order caviar – around $200 for 30 grams – and have it directly delivered to their room.
For guests looking to unwind, The Ritz-Carlton Spa is an urban respite, with six serene treatment rooms. The infinity pool overlooks the bay, giving guests the feeling of floating on the bay.
We’ll let you be the judge.
Disclaimer: The reporter was a guest at the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and stayed at the hotel free of charge.
