This art deco-style stunner is close enough to the city centre that everything’s within reach, but tucked away enough so you feel like you have a little corner of Melbourne all to yourself. Housed on the site of a former Rolls Royce factory – hence the name – the styling is straight out of the captivating 1930s: shiny chrome, rich royal blue and mauve velvet and opulent peacock prints. Dress up, glam up and get your Gatsby on.
The rooms
The common areas at The Royce Hotel are spacious and impressive, and that sense of grandeur doesn’t let up once you reach your room. Even the entry-level King Rooms include full-size wardrobes, a workspace and generous marble bathrooms. Level up to the magnificent fifth floor Royce Suite and there’s a standalone bathtub, lounge space and a leafy outdoor corner terrace with views across the treetops.
Food & drink
The lobby area is home to two restaurants: the sun-drenched Terrace, which feels like a grand European conservatory thanks to its bright natural light and greenery. The Champagne Breakfast, which includes a glass of Taittinger and a decadent gravlax and poached egg main course, is a terribly civilised way to start the day. The Showroom Bar is a showstopper, especially if you enter from Level Two and descend the sweeping carpeted staircase. Sink into a club chair and order a Caesar salad or lobster roll along with a Tom Collins or Vesper Martini for a taste of Old Hollywood. Both menus are available via room service.
The service
The front desk sits directly in front of the entryway, so there is always a member of the gun team right there to greet you as you enter or leave, or help with booking transport or beauty or laundering services.
Ideal for: Discerning, grown-up travellers with glamorous tastes
Why we love it:
- The location. Melbourne certainly has more central hotels, but the Royce’s position on St Kilda Road puts you equidistant to some of the city’s best areas: the CBD, of course, along with South Yarra and South Melbourne (for those South Melbourne Market dim sims!). You’re also an easy tram ride to the NGV.
- The beds. Could this be Melbourne’s most comfortable bed? The Royce Hotel has specially commissioned Sealy beds with not one but two mattress toppers so you slip into the most supported slumber the second your head hits the pillow..
- The bathroom lighting. If you’ve ever tried to apply makeup in a poorly designed hotel bathroom, where the overhead lighting plunges your face into a mess of ugly shadows, you’ll know the thrill when a hotel gets it right. The Royce bathrooms have front-lit LED borders as well as magnifying makeup mirrors, which means you are lit like an actress going in for her close-up, and you walk into the day or evening looking immaculate.
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