The Ritz-Carlton, one of the world's fastest growing luxury hotel brands, continues to expand at a rapid pace, with the opening of its 111th branch just one quarter after 2023.
The Ritz-Carlton is owned by Hong Kong-based Far East Development and designed by New Zealand-based Cottee Parker.
The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which opened its doors today, is located in the heart of the city, at the corner of Spencer and Lonsdale Streets, and is the flagship hotel of the West Side Place complex.
Located on floors 61-80 of Tower 1, the 268.7m high hotel is the tallest hotel ever built in Australia.
The hotel's interior design was commissioned by BAR Studio, the emerging Australian design firm that created the Park Hyatt Beijing and renovated the Park Hyatt Sydney, and is accessible by lift to the sky lobby on the 80th floor.
At the bottom of the lobby steps are sharp diamond cut edges with a pioneering metallic finish. The scene is softened by a central ceiling light fixture that drops like a wind chime and a marble floor with a watery texture.
The lobby's sofa lounge area is set within a translucent glass screen, with contemporary art paintings and delicate floral arrangements complementing each other to create a soothing and relaxing sense of home.
At check-in, a towering wooden screen separates the front desk from the Ritz-Carlton Lounge (Lobby Lounge) behind it, whose window seats are sure to be coveted in the future.
The hotel's 257 rooms, starting at 46m², are simple and modern. The office is in the centre of the bedroom, while the lounge overlooks the open views of Melbourne city and the Yarra River, with a clever use of mirrored reflections to extend the view outside.
On either side of the bed, a spotlight peeks out from the wall and on the other side of the extended bedside table is a lovely table lamp. The geometric sculptural artwork on the left side of the wall is a finishing touch.
In addition to the Ritz-Carlton Lounge, the hotel has a restaurant and a bar, Atria, which is open around the clock and specialises in new Australian flavours, and Cameo, which has an extensive gin collection.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa is located on the 64th floor and features six treatment rooms, including a double treatment room. The Ritz-Carlton Spa is located on the 64th floor and features six treatment rooms, including a double treatment room, and a heated indoor pool, fitness centre and other facilities.
