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It’s been a cinema, a nightclub, a live theatre and even a Pentecostal church, but nowadays, this historic institution on 20 Bourke Street glistens as the glamorous Le Méridien Melbourne. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s, the venue has long been a keystone of the city’s cultural scene as the former site of the Palace Theatre and Metro Nightclub, where live music once reverberated wall-to-wall.
Like the iterations that came before, Le Méridien Melbourne invites visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of the city. Riffing on its Art Deco facade, the 235-room hotel is where contemporary chic meets Mid Century elegance. Walking into the lobby of the hotel, you’ll clock a cinematic-style lobby café and wine bar, where you can enjoy a coffee, cocktail or a cone of Le Scoop gelato. There’s also a striking mural by local artist Stephen Baker, a large-scale sculptural installation by Marta Figueiredo and projected video art by Wendy Yu.
All of the rooms are spacious and exquisitely furnished, but it’s the Palace Suite you’ll really want to splurge on. Located on level 12 with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for panoramic views stretching over Parliament House, the MCG and beyond to the Dandenong Ranges, it offers a tantalising taste of sky-high luxury.
Delivering more of an elegant private apartment vibe than a standard hotel room, it boasts two bedrooms, a living and dining space, a well-appointed kitchen and two bathrooms – one with a gorgeous, deep-set bath you’ll want to soak in immediately. But it’s the considered design elements that really elevate the suite – think stunning lighting options (the modern piece above the dining table was my favourite) and cool, quirky artwork.
There’s also a vinyl record player, SMEG appliances, a full-size fridge, an assortment of books and boardgames, lush Malin and Goetz toiletries and a polaroid camera. Whatever your occasion for staying – family getaway, gals’ trip, romantic escape or work retreat – just be prepared to drag yourself away come check-out time. This is truly a move-in-and-never-want-to-leave type of accommodation.
But if you do find yourself emerging in search of food, head down to the subterranean level of the hotel which houses the low-lit and glamorous Dolly. Michelin-trained executive chef Hervé Borghini is in charge of the kitchen, which serves up Euro-inspired bistro dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients.
Menu highlights include the confit duck leg and barramundi, but I couldn’t go past the Wednesday night steak special: a modern take on steak frites featuring a 250g MB2 grass-fed porterhouse with double-cooked fries and house-whipped café de Paris butter, all for just $32. Yum! And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The signature flaming bombe Alaska with salted caramel ice cream and rum-touched meringue is sinfully delicious.
And then there’s Le Splash, the showpiece 18-metre rooftop pool and terrace – aka the place you want to be come summer. Here, you can let time slip away and kick back with a cocktail from the open-air bar and poolside snacks including more of that irresistible ice cream. As far as Melbourne hotel pools go, this is one of our absolute faves. If you want to work up an appetite first, adjacent to the pool deck is a 24-hour TechnoGym with virtual personal trainers and an electric sauna.
With its prime CBD location, excellent on-site dining and a Palace Suite that will make you swoon, Le Méridien Melbourne is the ideal base for travellers wanting immerse themselves in the magic of the city, without missing out on any luxury touches.
Time Out tip: Don’t sleep through breakfast. Every morning, Dolly transforms into the buffet brekky of your dreams – I’m talking fresh fruit and French pastries, fluffy scrambled eggs, a yummy selection of Asian dishes like dumplings and noodles, and Axil-brewed coffee.
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