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.
A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.
Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.
Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.
1. The Monty, Anglesea
Settle into The Monty’s unique style.
Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.
A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.
Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.
2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy
Discover this new adults-only retreat.
Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines . The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.
See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.
Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.
The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.
3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac
Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.
Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.
Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.
Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)
Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.
4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve
Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.
Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.
Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.
A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).
Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.
Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.
Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.
