Not the ‘Paris end’ but Ritz-Carlton fits right in to Australia’s chicest city

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne

Check-In

An express 45-second elevator takes you to the Sky Lobby on level 80 where guests check in.

Those who favour the “Paris end” of Melbourne’s CBD – with its historic buildings, designer boutiques and chic cafes – may critique Marriott’s move to position its newest Ritz-Carlton on the western edge of the city, but to maintain momentum you must rejoice in risk. And this risk has certainly paid off. Opened in late March, the 257-room five-star hotel located on the corner of Spencer and Lonsdale streets combines heritage and high gloss to create an offering of pretension-free luxury.

Affable staff bring a sense of calm efficiency to the imposing 80-storey architecture, where guests are whisked up to the Sky Lobby to find floor-to-ceiling views stretching from Port Phillip Bay to the Dandenong Ranges. A separate elevator takes you to the guest rooms – The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne occupies the top 17 floors, plus three lower floors – while there are residential apartments below.

The entrance to The Ritz-Carlton, now Australia’s tallest hotel.Credit: Elise Hassey

The Look

Design firm BAR Studio installed a twinkling, life-size chandelier that hangs overhead as you enter the ground floor foyer. It’s grand, buzzy and international but there are clear nods to Melbourne in pieces from First Nations artists Reko Rennie and Christian Thompson AO, as well as further installations in public spaces from local artists Jon Cattapan and Ash Keating.

The hexagonal glass skyscraper towers above from street level, but the real spectacle comes when looking outwards, preferably from the 80th floor’s Sky Lobby (an express 45-second elevator ride from ground level) which doubles as the arrivals hall and gateway to signature restaurant Atria and bar Cameo.

The Room

An entry-level deluxe king room. Credit: Elise Hassey

I’ve never woken up in the clouds quite like this before and the motorised blinds (which open upon entry into your room) add a touch of extravagance. A refined mingling of neutral tones, velvet and warm timber finishes create a grown-up feel and there is a generous desk and couch in the open living space.

A double vanity, standalone bath and walk-in shower feature in the bathroom of a deluxe king room.Credit: Elise Hassey

The bathroom features old-veined Calacatta Oro marble and brass tapware accompanied by cult-favourite Diptyque toiletries. Located separately from the bathroom is the toilet, and next door is an impressive walk-in-robe with ample hanging space, a dressing table and mirror, a bench for your suitcase with an offer of a complimentary shoe shining service.

Food + Drink

Vegetarian dishes such as pumpkin and turnip terrine and lion’s mane mushroom are among the highlights at Atria.Credit: Chris Cypert

Atria is less hotel restaurant, more an adventurous celebration of local and native produce led by executive chef Michael Greenlaw (ex-Vue de Monde) alongside culinary advisor Mark Best. With a 19-metre bar made from Victorian ash running the length of the space, an open pastry station and large kitchen window, the focus is firmly on Greenlaw and his team’s creations.

Magnificent pillars adorned with mother-of-pearl offcuts support the double-vaulted ceiling and hint at Greenlaw’s love of sea diving, which forms the inspiration for a menu that begs you to try something new. Highlights include smoked eel tart and the wood grilled lion’s mane mushroom, which could be mistaken for a juicy wagyu steak. Next door at Cameo, dark wood, candlelight and an adjoining library create a sophisticated scene where handcrafted cocktails and rare vintages take the edge off a busy day of sightseeing or business meetings.

Out + About

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne is one of four towers in the mixed-use West Side Place precinct, a five-minute saunter to Southern Cross Station, tram connections or Docklands and closer to 20-25 minutes on foot for shopping at Victoria Market, Bourke Street Mall or some of the city’s best eateries on Flinders Lane.

The Verdict

A seriously special hotel that brings together luxury, relaxation and a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Save this for a milestone anniversary or birthday.

The hotel’s sky-high pool.

The Essentials

Rooms from $495 a night. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, 650 Lonsdale St. See marriott.com

Our Score Out of Five

★★★★★

Highlight

A dip in the heated infinity pool on level 64 (preferably in the evening) is an unmatched experience.

Lowlight

Development beside the hotel is a bit of an eyesore, but this part of the CBD is gentrifying.

Julia Naughton stayed as a guest of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.