Le Méridien burst onto the travel scene in the 1960s as Air France’s foray into hotels, back when the hostess uniforms were designed by Dior and airline travel was all glamour. In Melbourne, the spirit of jet-setting is celebrated at every signal. Before the hotel was a theatre, it was the MGM Cinema, and before that it was the Excelsior Hotel. These storied cultural touchpoints shine through in the form of theatre lighting and a lobby café called Intermission, a riff on a theatre concession stand. But the biggest, splashiest reason to book here is on the roof, where Le Splash Pool Bar and a sun-soaked heated pool overlook Fitzroy Gardens.
The rooms
While nods to the art deco Palace Theatre live on in the lobby, mid-century modernism has the floor when it comes to the rooms. Clean lines, walnut accents and pops of colour create warm, inviting spaces that rate among some of the most practical and well-designed hotel rooms in Australia today. A desk for working? Tick. Dining table for two? Tick. Malin+Goetz bathroom amenities, Babyliss hairdryers and flattering lighting with a magnifying beauty mirror? Tick, tick, tick.
Food & drink
In-house restaurant Dolly serves up golden age vibes as you descend the curved Palace Theatre staircase to dine in velvet booths, perfect for a pre-theatre bite. But those looking for a signature Melbourne dining experience will find themselves spoilt for choice as they step outside – with many of the city’s most-lauded dining destinations just steps away. Directly across the road, Maison Bâtard brings Paris to Bourke Street, while around the corner, Kafeneion serves up some of the late-night dining in town. You’re also an easy stroll from Flower Drum, Embla, Gimlet – or head north to Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street to find Andrew McConnell’s Marion, Cutler and Morning Market.
The service
Warm, professional and efficient. Every request is swiftly met with a smile.
Ideal for: An urban retreat in the heart of Melbourne’s action
Why we love it:
- The location. Just steps from some of Melbourne’s most celebrated bars and restaurants, Le Méridien is the best hotel address in town.
- The pool. Heated to a perfect 28 degrees, the rooftop pool is the ideal spot to unwind after a busy day of meetings or big day of shopping.
- The serenity. Often a location this central comes at a price, and that price is being woken up repeatedly by the squeals and sirens of inner-city Melbourne. Not here. Once you’re ensconced in your room, not a peep will be heard. Top marks for soundproofing.
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