Voco Melbourne Central is a surprise. I've spent plenty of time in Melbourne and I didn’t even know Timothy Lane existed, but when I walk down this tiny pedestrians-only path off busy Lonsdale Street and enter the elegant ground-floor lobby, it’s all happy surprises from there. The Voco is a fairly affordable hotel, yet reception (on level 6) is stylish, my room is surprisingly stylish, too, the pool is cool, and the view – well, hello, Melbourne! Granted, my room is on the 25th floor. It all feels fairly boutique, so I’m also shocked to learn it’s a 252-room hotel.
Why stay at voco Melbourne Central?
Voco Melbourne Central is a fairly affordable, yet stylish and very comfortable hotel right in Melbourne’s CBD – just off Lonsdale Street, very centrally located near Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Station, The Emporium and also near Hardware Lane with its great restaurants, cafés and bars.
Voco is built for looking out over Melbourne city. The high-rise’s clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and well-placed rooftop terrace and pool let the city in, making it a great spot for sunset. The Voco brand promises originality, and this hotel delivers – it feels modern without being pretentious, and the staff are super friendly.
What are the rooms like?
Look, I stayed in a King Bed Premium Bathtub Room (36sqm), so I was basically in the lap of luxury. It had a king bed, a big bathroom with large shower and deep free-standing bathtub (with bath salts and views out the floor-to-ceiling windows), a great view and a desk.
Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows, automated privacy curtains, fast free WIFI, in-room coffee machines, flat-screen TVs, windows that open to fresh air. What’s the room style like? I’d call it clean, modern and elegant. White linen, neutral furnishings, with pops of colour from artworks.
Where to eat and drink at Voco Melbourne Central
On level 7 there’s an onsite restaurant (and terrace bar) called Blacksmith Bar & Grill, which serves a range of different cuisines. The indoor dining room overlooks the outdoor terrace and offers 18-degree city skyline views. They’re open for a buffet breakfast every day, and lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday – and you can also just go for a cocktail or drink. There’s also room service, 24 hours a day.
What’s the service like?
Super friendly – from the moment I walked in on the ground floor, the concierge greeted me warmly, then check in was quick and fuss-free. Parking is available via valet with a nightly fee of $70 (or you can arrange your own parking nearby).
You can check in to Voco Melbourne Central from 3pm, and check-out time is 11am.
What facilities does Voco Melbourne Central have?
There’s an outdoor plunge pool on the rooftop, with skyline views. They have a gym open from early morning to late evening. There’s free high-speed WIFI throughout guest rooms and common areas. There’s a business centre as well as meeting and event spaces for various sizes of events.
What’s the area like around the hotel?
Stepping outside onto Timothy Lane and then busy Lonsdale Street, you’re right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Melbourne Central itself is close by, and so are major shopping precincts (Bourke Street Mall, Emporium), restaurants, cafés and bars. We like nearby Hardware Lane for restaurants and bars (one of our favourites is Italian spot Hardware Club).
Why you should book a stay at voco Melbourne Central
If you want a hotel that balances style and convenience, offering modern design, solid amenities including an outdoor pool and terrace bar, city views, and a central location – not something ultra-luxury but definitely upscale enough to suit picky people – this is a great option. The value for location plus facilities is very good.
Address: 18 Timothy Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000
Price per night: From around $200 – but it depends on your room type and dates
Closest transport link: Melbourne Central Station (plus trams)
Book now: Click here
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