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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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