Anson Smart 
Anson Smart 
Kristoffer Paulsen 
Anson Smart Hyde Melbourne Place’s quiet, triumphant opening in late 2024 has proven a masterclass in considered, sensitive design and urban regeneration. Classic Melburnian red-brick stylings emblematic of the surrounding CBD streets carve an impressive, towering figure on bustling Russell Street while striking interiors and warm staff make this handsome newcomer a cut above the rest. Local artworks and designers provide thoughtful touchpoints from lobby to rooftop, while beautiful, warm rooms make the case for staying in, in a city that hardly sleeps.
The rooms
191 earth-toned rooms and suites are spread across 13 floors, ranging from standard queen rooms on the lower levels to expansive suites on the upper, with a multi-room penthouse the crown jewel. Rooms are colour coordinated to help guests navigate the rust-brick labyrinth: east-facing rooms are in calming green, north-facing rooms are in velvety blue and the west are dressed in sunset-gold.
Food & drink
Upstairs rooftop diner Mid Air takes guests from early morning breakfast through to late night cocktails, with a tight, Euro-leaning snack-forward menu. Downstairs, Marmelo, a coastal Portuguese-inspired restaurant by dynamic duo Ross and Sunny Lusted serves up a seriously tasty list of smaller or made-to-share plates from 12pm, while glamorous basement speakeasy Mr Mills is pouring creative cocktails until late. The central locale of Hyde Melbourne Place means you’re never far from some of the city’s best, either: Embla, Gimlet and Grill Americano are all just a short stroll away.
The service
A 24-hour concierge staffed with relaxed and friendly attendants makes for a simple and fuss-free visit. Always ready with helpful, tailored day-to-night sightseeing suggestions or (contentiously) where to pick up the city’s best coffee, a CBD-centric stay has never been more relaxing.
Ideal for: Design-loving business overnighters and culture-keen staycationers
Why we love it:
- The rooftop bar. A viral TikTok may have made Mid Air the place to sip this year, but the panoramic city views, sleek couches and excellent snacks are worth braving the crowds.
- The branded, hooded bathrobes. (A.K.A your new favourite bedroom companion.)
- The location. Hyde Melbourne Place is within walking distance of the city’s greatest attractions: the NGV, Federation Square and the Yarra are all just a leisurely 15-minute stroll away.
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