A stay among the Australian clouds: A review of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
Editor's Note
Melbourne is known for its art scene, nightlife and consistently high ranking as one of the most livable places in the world ... with just a little bit of edge. It's no surprise, then, that it invites comparisons to New York City.
Time and again, I've heard Nate, my Australian partner, contextualize Australia to Americans using the following analogy: If Sydney is the Los Angeles of Australia, then Melbourne is New York City. I actually think this is pretty accurate, at least when considering the pace of each city (and sometimes the weather).
Having visited the capital of Victoria four times now, one of the biggest gaps in the accuracy of this comparison (in my mind, at least) is just how authentically unpretentious Melbourne seems to be. It's hard to imagine what a luxury hotel — or luxury anything — would look like in such a down-to-earth metropolis.
For our most recent trip Down Under, I wondered: What does a stay at one of the most lavish hotels available through a points redemption look like in one of the most relaxed cities I've visited? I checked into The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, to find out.
What is The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne?
Opened in March 2023, the Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, towers above the streets with miles-long views of the city skyline and the surrounding suburbs.
It occupies 20 stories of an 80-floor skyscraper — the bottom three as well as the top 17. From the moment you approach the doorman and bellhops at the building's entrance, you become keenly aware that you are crossing over into a world of opulence and exclusivity. The walk to the elevator passes by sculptural novelties like a palatial chandelier with its own reflecting pool and a formation of native tree trunks reminiscent of Stonehenge.
After you zip up 80 stories in the elevator, you arrive at the panoramic Sky Lobby, which offers ample seating to take in the sweeping views of the Dandenong Ranges' peaks and Port Phillip Bay. The views extend on either side of the Sky Lobby, with floor-to-ceiling windows prominently on display in Atria, the hotel restaurant, and Cameo, the hotel bar.
The overall feel of the property — from the exterior facade to touches of artful decor — is one of intentional elegance. Every light fixture, wood grain, pattern of tile and texture of marble works in harmony to create the feeling that you are perched high among the Australian clouds. This will indeed be an elevated experience, both literally and figuratively.
How to book The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, is a part of Marriott Bonvoy. If you're looking to earn or redeem points while working your way toward elite status, your best bet is to book directly and use a Marriott credit card to rack up even more bonus points on eligible charges.
If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive perks like availability-based upgrades; you can earn up to a $100 credit to use on-property during your stay for things like drinks or meals, complimentary daily breakfast for two and guaranteed late checkout.
For my stay, I selected a panoramic king room, which typically starts at about $770 Australian dollars ($520) or 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, offers a variety of room types, however, including a deluxe king room for AU$635 ($430) or 74,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
The location is convenient from the airport
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, sits at the western edge of the bustling Central Business District. It's just steps away from the city's emerging Dockland neighborhood along the Yarra River, as well as attractions like Marvel Stadium (home of the city's premier soccer and rugby teams), Sea Life Aquarium and Flagstaff Gardens.
It's also half a block from Southern Cross Station, a major hub of Melbourne public transportation. Travelers can catch the city metro, hop on an interstate or regional train, or even purchase a bus ticket. Getting to The Ritz-Carlton from Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport (MEL) could not be easier; the SkyBus makes direct trips from Terminal 3 to Southern Cross Station. Round-trip tickets cost AU$40 ($27).
Rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, are the gold standard
Although you can find my colleagues at TPG swapping suite upgrade stories, I personally have never stayed in a hotel room as grand as number 6914 in The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.
Upon entering, I was immediately engulfed in a cocoon of dark wood grains, soothing hues of cream and glossy gray (or "grey," as they'd say down there) marble.
To the left was a walk-in closet with ample storage as well as a thoughtfully placed vanity station where guests can ready for a night on the town. To the right was the expansive bathroom adorned in contrasting white and dark gray marble.
A rainfall shower stocked with Diptyque products and a soaking tub with complimentary bath salts offered equally enticing bathing methods.
Stepping further inside, the room's grandeur became even more apparent. Floor-to-near-ceiling windows formed an entire side of the triangular-shaped room, revealing breathtaking views of the Melbourne skyline. A comfortable king bed was set along the triangle's shortest side — an excellent vantage point for gazing out the windows.
However, it was a less optimal viewing location for the television, which sat atop a set of drawers in the room's center.
There was also a sitting nook opposite the bed with a couch, table and chair, forming an ideal alcove to read the in-room books and magazines or catch up on work. The minibar was also in this area; it was stocked with regional wines, local teas and tasty snacks such as caramelized coconut and truffle potato chips.
Thoughtful moments of delight and surprise awaited around every corner. There was a retro-looking Bluetooth speaker and radio from Tivoli Audio. Smart control panels allowed me to dim the lights, adjust climate settings, and open and close the blackout curtains. Most notable, however, was the retractable wall panel that I could slide from side to side, either concealing the bathroom for total privacy or granting 180-degree city views from the soaking tub.
The highlight of my stay? Enjoying my first bath in years while gazing out at the twinkling city lights below.
The restaurant is a culinary delight
I have no doubt that a table at Atria is an aspirational reservation for residents of Melbourne — both for the appetizing seasonal dishes as well as the heaping visual sides of sunset panoramas.
For our dinner at Atria, we were guided toward the AU$180 ($120) tasting menu, which comprised five courses of gorgeously plated servings that fused local ingredients with international influences. Some highlights included the succulent razorback prawn with wasabi tempura, mentaiko and finger lime kosho; the crab and sea urchin with Beechworth saffron; and the Macedon Ranges duck with daikon, Hakurei turnip and shiso.
With just enough room left for dessert, we indulge in Valrhona Manjari chocolate, passion fruit and Gippsland cultured cream.
Atria also served as the venue for the hotel's breakfast spread, but it was nowhere near your typical buffet experience. Instead, we were invited to pick one dish from each side of the menu (hot and cold) as well as a coffee, tea or juice. For my selections, I went with an iced latte, a pulled ham and Gruyere cheese croissant and scrambled eggs atop whole wheat sourdough.
A best-in-class wellness center
On level 64 of the hotel, I found The Ritz-Carlton Spa and wellness center. Although I did not have time to book an experience myself, guests can indulge in treatments such as anti-aging facials, body-balancing exfoliations, deep tissue massages and mud body wraps; many of these are performed with signature Espa products, thanks to Ritz-Carlton's partnership with the skincare brand.
Two offerings struck me as particularly unique: the Blue Emperor Experience, a 150-minute treatment that lathers the feet in soothing marine mud, and the Indulgent Rose Experience, a 150-minute gua sha massage with rose-infused oil. Each experience will set you back AU$540 ($363).
Neighboring the spa is the fitness center, complete with perhaps the best possible views you've ever seen from a treadmill. There were machines for conditioning, strength training and cardio, as well as devoted spaces for yoga and Pilates.
The focal point, however, was the third guest amenity on floor 64. There are many reasons why you might want to book this hotel, but the infinity pool is undoubtedly at the top of the list. It's one of the most gorgeous pools I have ever seen in my travels.
The water seemed to lap right against the Melbourne skyline over its infinity edge, and lush greenery framed the view from the windows. It felt like I was unwinding at a floating resort in the sky.
And a lesser-known amenity? The spa, fitness center and pool all share locker rooms, complete with jacuzzis, steam rooms and dry saunas that guests can use as they please. You probably already guessed this, but each has an incredible view of the Australian metropolis below.
Reasons why The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, might not be for you
While I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, there are a few reasons this luxury property might not be the right fit for you.
- The high nightly price could be a nonstarter for some travelers, especially if you are in Australia for a "seeing and doing" rather than a "relaxing and unwinding" sort of trip. If you're going to justify such a high nightly rate, whether in cash or points, you should plan to spend lots of time at The Ritz-Carlton in order to make the most of it.
- Travelers who have a fear of heights might want to book elsewhere. This might seem hyperbolic, but there are city views (from more than 70 stories up) everywhere you turn inside this property — from the lobby to the pool to even your room's bathtub.
- While the location is convenient for getting to and from the airport and hopping on public transit, those who are envisioning more of an authentically Aussie stay might consider other more residential neighborhoods, such as Fitzroy, South Yarra or Collingwood.
Accessibility
The hotel's public areas are all accessible via wheelchair thanks to ramps and elevators, which have wheelchair-height buttons. There is also valet parking for vehicles operated by wheelchair users.
Those who would like to use the pool can request the use of a chairlift and water wheelchair.
Accessible rooms are available in several categories and have features such as wheelchair-height door locks and viewports, bathroom vanities and electrical outlets as well as roll-in showers and toilets with grab bars. Hearing-accessible rooms have visual alarms and notification devices for the phone and door.
As always, contact the hotel directly to book a specific accommodation and make sure it meets your requirements.
Checking out
My stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, was nothing short of fantastic.
The property delivered on its promise of luxury and opulence but in a manner that felt authentic to its Melbourne location. Rather than craft an exclusionary oasis above the city, the hotel, through smart design choices and (so many) windows, has made Melbourne the star of the show. As a guest, I didn't feel like I was above the city in the metaphorical sense, only the literal one.
A stay at this caliber of hotel is often well beyond my own personal travel budget. However, experiencing The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, reminded me how points and miles can unlock otherwise hard-to-attain experiences. It's stays like these that truly make the redemption hustle worth it.