Welcome to Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worthy of your wishlist.
Pulling up to The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, someone is already waiting for me. “Rachael?" he asks as the driver grabs my bags. I’m taken aback by the promptness and personal recognition – a level of service I may never get used to. The tone is set for the rest of my stay, which people have told me to expect will be exceptional.
It’s exciting that a wave of design-forward hotels has opened in Melbourne in recent years, from the cool 1 Hotel to the stylish Hannah St Hotel, raising the bar for established properties. It’s no longer enough to simply exist as a luxury hotel – you really need to impress. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne opened its doors in March 2023 in the heart of the city’s central business district, near the Yarra River and Southbank arts precinct, and immediately asserted itself as the tallest hotel in Australia.
The glamorous entry level features a striking gold staircase.
Melbourne-based architecture firm Cottee Park and Melbourne interior design firm BAR Studio were called upon to create this sleek hotel, featuring a quilted facade of glass and metal and a contemporary interior with a distinctly Melbourne feel that nods to the city’s architectural heritage and cosmopolitan spirit. While the entrance is at ground level, the main Sky Lobby and reception are on Level 80 – a layout common in Japanese hotels, ensuring every guest begins their stay on a high note. The journey from the ground floor showcases a golden spiral staircase, a Swarovski chandelier and a curated mix of Indigenous and contemporary artworks.
The main Sky Lobby and reception are on Level 80.
My ears pop as we ascend to reception for a seamless check-in. I head to the high-end, apartment-style Club Lounge for a glass of bubbles and nibbles. Where many hotel lounges feel stuffy and underwhelming, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne’s outpost shines. For starters, the view is incredible. On the 79th floor, it offers 180 -degree vistas of Melbourne’s east coast. Design-wise, it’s sleek, modern and flooded with natural light. As per usual, (see: my review of The Tasman), I order my obligatory cheese plate. It’s so generously portioned, I wish I had a +1 to share it with me. I overhear a conversation between staff and the couple sitting next to me, who are travelling from overseas – their favourite thing about their stay has been the quality of the food.
The Club Lounge has the feel of a high-end apartment.
The Club Lounge offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, evening hors d’oeuvres with drinks, and desserts.
I make my way to my Victoria Harbour King Room, which exudes understated luxury elevated by gold accents. I’m delighted to find a bottle of Moreau-Naudet Chablis and another cheese plate (my needs were definitely anticipated) waiting for me on the table. Part of the brand’s service philosophy is going above and beyond to impress guests (see: the “$2,000 Rule"). The bathroom is spacious, with a bath, large double vanity and it’s stocked with Diptique products. In true Ritz-Carlton fashion, there’s a walk-in wardrobe which adds to the feeling of luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows that make way for the east-facing view make the room nice and bright.
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East-facing rooms boast spectacular views out to the ocean.
Bathroom's are designed to take advantage of the view.
Melbourne is renowned for its hospitality scene, so staying in a hotel to dine feels almost sacrilegious. But someone’s got to do the hard work, and I willingly oblige, heading to dinner at the onsite modern Australian restaurant, Atria. Dining alone (especially without a book) can sometimes feel awkward, but staff are intuitive and ask if I’d like to sit at the Chef’s table so I can observe the quiet choreography of the kitchen. Again, the views are incredible (we’re looking out to the Dandenong Ranges now), which I enjoy while working through an indulgent seafood medley.
The spectacular The Ritz-Carlton Suite.
It begins with a scallop and caviar tartlet paired with Suenen Champagne (the sommelier’s choice, and a good one at that), followed by tuna with pickled citrus, river mint, tuna bone cream and shiitake oil. But it’s the paperbark baked half rock lobster with mandarin, heirloom tomato vinaigrette and finger lime that makes me take out my phone to show my family. At $170 a pop, it’s not the cheapest item on the menu, but it’s a dish I’m unlikely to forget anytime soon. The sommelier guides me through a tasting of Chablis and Sancerre, cementing this as one of my favourite hotel meals I’ve ever had.
I collapse into my room’s plush bed and surrender to a luxurious, uninterrupted sleep before being woken up by the sun rising over the water.
Paperbark baked half rock lobster with mandarin, heirloom tomato vinaigrette and finger lime.
The next morning, I head to the wellness area for a quick dip in the indoor, heated infinity pool. The modern design and skyline views make me feel like I’m in Tokyo. There is also a sauna, steam rooms and vitality pools to round out the wellness offerings, or for a more indulgent experience, you can book a treatment at the spa.
I’m warmly welcomed back to the Club Lounge for breakfast. There’s a mix of small buffet bites and an à la carte menu spanning a pulled pork bun, caramelised honey toast and salmon benedict.
I’m feeling sky high after this stay and reluctant to descend down the lift and back to reality.
The heated infinity pool is the ultimate place to unwind.
Details
Best for: Business travellers, hotel aficionados, couples and those looking for a stylish staycay.
Highlights: Service, views and dining.
Address: 650 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Accessibility: Accessible rooms with roll-in showers, lowered hooks, and space for wheelchairs are available. All venues offer accessibility.
Price: From $650 per night
Club Lounge access: Only open to guests who book a room or suite that specifically includes Club Lounge access
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.
Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.
Exploring the Murray River
1. The Crossing Place Trail
Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.
Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.
Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2. Canoe The Murray
Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.
What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.
Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.
3. Noreuil Park Foreshore
Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.
4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works
Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)
Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.
It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.
Adventuring on Lake Hume
1. Walk the dam wall
Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)
The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.
A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.
A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.
2. The High Country Rail Trail
This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.
3. Water sports
Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.
Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.
Sip and Savour
1. Dux Albury
Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.
Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.
2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.
Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.
Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.
3. Temperance and General
Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.
4. BeanStation Cafe
Dine on a modern Australian menu.
Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.
5. River Deck Cafe
Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.
Museums, murals and more
1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail
Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.
2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)
MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.
3. HotHouse Theatre
Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.
