Hotel review: AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank

This 40-storey tower delivers spectacular city panoramas and flavours of Spain.

Infinity pool at AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank.

It was dubbed Marvellous Melbourne in the 1880s, much praised by writers such as Mark Twain and Anthony Trollope, but I’m thinking more Mesmerising Melbourne as I watch afternoon turn to dusk from my eagle’s nest atop one of the city’s newest hotels.

I’m in the Signature Suite of the $200m, 40-storey tower that houses AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank (along with residential units). Located in Normanby Rd and adjacent to South Wharf and the Convention and Exhibition Centre, the hotel, with 205 guestrooms and suites, is a little distanced from Crown and the arts precinct that I associate with Southbank. Hence my view (enhanced by hotel binoculars) is a stunning sweep of that area and across the Yarra River to the CBD and Docklands. Directly below, the Westgate Freeway is carrying commuters home in a scene that is hectic but silent from my double-glazed height. It looks icy for pedestrians but every corner of the 72sq m suite is cosy thanks to responsive temperature control.

The striking facade of AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank.

This is the first AC hotel in the Marriott portfolio to be unveiled in Australia, the brand name deriving from Spanish hospitality entrepreneur Antonio Catalan, who has been working with Marriott since 2011. The look of his properties is streamlined, contemporary and design focused; the pledge is to “overthink your stay, providing everything you need and nothing you don’t”.

I won’t quibble with that. The suite’s living-dining area is furnished with a three-seat sofa and ottoman, armchair, round table with seating for four, kitchen facility, and a desk with chairs either side if you can tear your eyes away from the view to concentrate on work matters. The floors are timber with rugs and the walls and curtains various shades of grey and dark brown. Mood-setting lights thankfully can be controlled with a master switch.

The bedroom has a king-size comfy wonder and a day bed, with ample hanging space for items brought and bought. The adjacent bathroom is equipped with twin vanities, tub (in a rather exposed location) and a separate shower and toilet. Finishes are slate tiles, with bath products by the Greek skincare company Korres, infused with fresh citrus and other botanicals.

Guestroom at the hotel.

For entertainment, I have a 140cm TV in the living area and another in the bedroom, a Crosley record player (although the LP collection could do with a little more “curating”) and a bedside Marshall radio and sound system. It seems a pity to leave, but there is exploring to do.

It’s back to level seven for the heart of the hotel’s operations, the street-level entry just a stepping stone to the foyer with a view. At reception, checking in is made more convivial with a glass of fizz. Note the wag in the tail of that chap also checking in; the hotel is pet friendly. On this level find Bar Triana, where gin is the favourite tipple (28 boutique varieties are on offer) and its G+T happy hour from 5.30pm is unmissable.

Sorolla restaurant, with its Spanish-Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, is a gem. Created by chef Ryan Flaherty, who worked at the legendary El Bulli, the menu has dishes such as Sicilian anchovies on toast and beef striploin with mojo verde and Dutch carrots. With olives, breads and delectable treats as well, it’s still impossible to say no to a dessert of Spanish doughnuts covered in chilli chocolate sauce.

If the burden of guilt after such a meal becomes too great, a well-equipped gym a few floors below can ease the conscience. On level six, a heated infinity pool, with those magnificent city vistas all around, is a showstopper of a place for a few quick laps even in winter, with a poolside bar ready with a reward.

Bar Triana has 28 varieties of gin.

Easy stroll options include to the lively South Melbourne markets, Southbank and South Wharf, with Southern Cross station about 20 minutes away and central city shops 35 minutes (or take a tram).

From my early acquaintance with Melbourne, this stretch of the Yarra was largely maritime and railway territory, pretty much out of bounds to the casual walker. It has been radically transformed, of course, and new retail (including a DFO outlet), dining and drinking options abound. But among the baristas and mixologists. there are a few quaint reminders of the district’s origins. The three-masted cargo vessel Polly Woodside, built in Belfast in 1885, is operated by the National Trust and welcomes visitors on the first Sunday of each month. And not far away in Flinders St, the heritage-listed Mission to Seafarers Victoria, a building in Arts and Crafts style, still cares for crews as it has done since 1917. Its club room and chapel are historic morsels.

Back in my guestroom, the lights are so compelling that drawing the curtains is difficult. My great regret at AC by Marriott is that I have a very early flight from Tullamarine and miss breakfast but a perfect cup of coffee is waiting at check-out. That, I guess, is “overthinking”.

In the know

AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank is 24km from Melbourne airport. There are four room categories: Deluxe, Superior, Premium and Signature. Rates from about $255 a night; Signature Suite (treat yourself) from $550. With four-legged companion, from $350.

Graham Erbacher was a guest of AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank.