Hotel Review: Element Melbourne Richmond

Sometimes a corporate hotel is just a corporate hotel. Other times, it’s like the Element Melbourne Richmond: a sophisticated, pet-friendly paradise packed with all the amenities.

When Marriott International announced the opening of the new Element Melbourne Richmond, the brand knew it would need key points of difference to stand out from the state’s already saturated hotel market. Turns out, it delivered.

Details

Element Melbourne Richmond
588 Swan Street, Richmond, Melbourne

First Impressions

As a Melburnian, I thought I knew every nook and cranny of Richmond’s bustling Swan Street. However, nestled within the new Botanicca Corporate Park is the Element Melbourne Richmond, in all its grand and vibrant glory.

The location itself was a little further away from the action than I was expecting, but in such an interconnected city, there are plenty of means to get you there in a flash. And hey, who doesn’t like a whole lot of privacy?

The property itself has all the trimmings of a luxe, new build, featuring an abundance of natural light and boutique furnishings. Designed by local architecture firm, Rothelowman, the curved façade is beautifully modern, integrating well with the surrounding industrial landscape.

Check-in was seamless, and the lobby felt both busy and connected, while still retaining an air of relaxation – a combination that is challenging to nail.

One of the drawcards of the Element Melbourne Richmond, aside from the obvious brand recognition and competitive price point is that your furry friends are welcome, too. It’s one of the only pet-friendly hotels in the area, and the property goes above and beyond to welcome your favourite travelling companions.

The rooms

The room was good. Nice. Nothing out of the ordinary here. It was generous in size with a big, comfy bed – a detail that doesn’t go unnoticed. However, the real drawcard of my Balcony King Room was the massive outdoor terrace.

I’d go as far as to say it’s the biggest balcony I’ve encountered in any hotel room. There were sweeping views of Melbourne’s city skyline, alongside a table and chairs that were begging for a sunset Champagne.

If you are in the mood for a little in-room beverage, there is one small catch. The minibar facilities are located in the lobby, meaning you’ll have to venture downstairs if the mood strikes you. This isn’t a super surprising contingency to come across in a new hotel. In fact, a lot of properties have made the decision to cut the minibar altogether. Firstly, they take up space that could be otherwise utilised; secondly, they generate a mere fraction of hotel revenue, cost time and money to monitor inventory and are often just not worth the bother.

Balcony King Room Element Hotel Richmond — The balcony king room featuring an outdoor terrace

The food

The Mint Lane Restaurant and Bar serves contemporary Australian food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The space integrates seamlessly with the rest of the hotel: it’s clean and sophisticated, while the food is also up to scratch. I definitely enjoyed the buffet breakfast, but would probably advocate for shopping around the area for lunch and dinner if time permits.

The amenities

The amenities are the real star of the Element Melbourne Richmond show. For starters, there’s free Wi-Fi for all guests, which is always a nice touch. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, as well as bike hire for you to explore the banks of the surrounding Yarra River. Corporate travellers can take advantage of the 280 square-metre event space, alongside catering and expert planning services, which are on offer, too.

Oh, and there’s also an on-site laundry, electric car charging points and car rental.

Element Hotel Richmond — Boardroom amenities

Sustainability

A recognised industry leader in the longer-stay eco space, it made sense for the hotel brand to lean into its already sustainably conscious ethos with this property. And that is precisely what they did.

Oversized windows provided an abundance of natural light, alongside a number of other eco-conscious touches. The property utilised energy-saving LED lighting, CO2 sensors monitoring air quality as well as water-saving taps in the bathrooms.

The verdict

The Element Melbourne Richmond did very few things wrong during my stay. Everyone I encountered was super friendly and accommodating, while the pet-friendly inclusion really helped to boost brand loyalty for me. Very few complaints.

We rated

You’d be surprised how much a good robe influences my purchasing decisions – and this one was a doozy. I also loved the scale of the outdoor terrace and the plushness of the bed. It felt like they paid attention to my Zen, and made an effort to ensure that, even if you’re there on business, your room is a place to relax.

We’d change

While the bathroom does provide the classic hotel toiletries, the shower was another story, merely offering a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner. This is a disastrous outcome for many travellers. I’d love to see traditionally corporate hotels veer away from catering to an (often male) unfussy, low-maintenance guest, to one that is considered and sophisticated with its bathroom amenities.

Score

4/5

The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach

Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay

The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum

The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum

The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)