Melbourne’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel has opened, complete with ‘sky lobby’ check in

Melbourne’s first Ritz-Carlton hotel officially opens today — go inside the city’s latest luxury offering and its ‘sky lobby’ check in.

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne features a Level 80 check-in. Picture: Supplied.

Australia’s second Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel has opened on the western fringe of Melbourne CBD.

Boasting a check-in 80 storeys high, the “sky lobby” with double-vaulted ceiling and windows spanning the whole level has views across the city.

Located in Lonsdale St near Spencer St, the hotel is part of the $3.8bn four-tower West Side Place development by Far East consortium.

Part of the Marriott Bonvoy group, it has 257 rooms, a spa, three eateries including Atria restaurant and a cocktail bar.

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has opened in Lonsdale St. Picture: Supplied.

The hotel features a level 80 check-in. Picture: Supplied

Designed by architects Cottee Parker, the hotel’s spaces give a nod to indigenous heritage, such as curated artworks on the arrival lobby walls.

The hotel interiors, designed by BAR Studio, “capture Melbourne’s unique identity with influences from its indigenous story, Victorian-era gold rush, European heritage, and fabled laneway life”, Marriott said.

“Further bringing the destination to life for guests, every evening in the arrival lobby an immersive cultural soundscape maps the city’s story and combines the beat and rhythm of Australia’s past, present, and future,” the hotel giant said.

The hotel is part of the $3.8bn four-tower West Side Place building. Picture: Supplied.

A room at the new hotel. Picture: Supplied.

Marriott International luxury president Tina Edmundson said the hotel would become a destination in its own right.

“With its destination-driven design inspired by the city’s past and present, combined with the finest amenities, exciting culinary offerings and highly personalised service, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne exemplifies our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and creating meaningful memories in inspiring cities, the world over,” she said.

The hotel aims to become a destination in its own right.

The hotel has events levels spanning two levels.

The hotel has event venues spanning two levels, including a grand ballroom,

with 7m-high ceilings, seating for up to 550 guests and a “stunning” floor-to-

ceiling feature-window inspired by the Great Hall of Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria.

Ritz-Carlton general manager Antony Page said he was excited to welcome guests and show off “Melbourne through a new and unique lens”.

“We look forward to creating memories for each and every guest, each and every day, bringing The Ritz-Carlton brand’s special sense of hospitality to this legendary city,” he said.

Officially opening the hotel today, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said as the events capital of Australia, Melbourne needed to have accommodation to match soaring tourism numbers.

“The Melbourne Ritz-Carlton is a tourist attraction in itself, as Melbourne’s newest and tallest hotel at 80 storeys,” she said.

“This is a welcome addition to our hotel offerings, and will continue to boost Melbourne’s economy by attracting visitors both locally and internationally.”