This elegant hotel is bringing Art Deco glamour to the city.
There’s tough competition for hotels in Melbourne. The 2023 openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and the re-opening of The Royce solidified Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s best city for hotels, a status further strengthened by recent openings such as 1 Hotel and Hannah St Hotel. But The Royce’s convenient location, size and storied past put it in a unique position in the market.
I recently checked into the elegant stay with low expectations, but was delighted to find it was nothing short of immaculate. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is The Royce?
The Royce sits on the edge of the CBD and South Yarra.
The Royce sits on St Kilda Road and is a perfect base for those wanting the city at their doorstep without the noise. Sitting on the edge of the CBD and South Yarra, it’s a short walk to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Albert Park and National Gallery of Victoria and iconic local eateries such as The Kettle Black and Brick Lane. The nearest tram stop sits conveniently opposite the hotel, linking travellers to everything from Federation Square and the NGV to St Kilda Beach without changing lines.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is an approximate 30-40 minute drive away, while Avalon Airport is 50 minutes away.
What is the style and character of The Royce?
The hotel exudes Art Deco glamour
A huge marble fireplace anchors the Showroom Bar.
I often find that in an attempt to capture the glamorous Art Deco aesthetic, hospitality venues can tip into feeling gimmicky and outdated. The Royce doesn’t have that problem.
The building, which was originally designed in 1928 by Art Deco architect Harry Norris, has a rich motor history that has been celebrated in both its name and design. Once the home of Rolls-Royce in Melbourne, the now accommodation received a refresh by renowned design firm SJB, which they completed in 2023.
The hotel’s latest iteration pays homage to its Art Deco heritage and the prestigious showroom via tiered chandeliers, a huge marble fireplace, a sweeping staircase, chrome ballroom panels, the loft mechanic workshops and the illuminated porte-cochère. The six two-storey lofts also feature the original cornicing from the Royce mechanic workshop.
A palette of grey, royal blue and deep plum sets the tone against white Italian Carrara marble and chrome accents. Botanical and bird-print wallpaper across the dining spaces and rooms adds character.
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AI Prompt
What are the rooms like at The Royce?
The elegant Boulevard Suite.
The Boulevard Suite features a separate living area.
Relax in the freestanding bath,
The King room opens up to lush views.
The Royce Suite's luxe living area.
Loft suites are spread across two storeys.
There are 94 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at The Royce, which range from intimate King Rooms to the ultra-luxe The Royce Suite. I’m staying in a Boulevard Suite, which features a separate living room and balcony. It’s spacious, impeccably presented and feels more like a high-end apartment rather than a hotel room. Some details I appreciate are the plush robe and bed, large bath and Dyson hair dryer. A trio of sweets on arrival and Molton Brown products in the bathroom reaffirm the hotel’s considered detail.
What facilities does The Royce have?
Indulge in a lavish breakfast at The Terrace.
No swimming pool or spa is the most notable gap for this 5-star stay. There is a gym fitted with state of the art equipments, as well as a library and ballroom (how fitting) available for private events. On-site dining venues Showroom Bar and The Terrace make for a delightful offering.
What is the dining like at The Royce?
Indulge in elevated bites and cocktails.
Tuck into smoked beef tartare.
A beautifully plated dessert at The Royce Melbourne.
Melbourne is widely regarded as the foodie capital of Australia, so staying in to eat might feel sacrilegious, but The Royce has fantastic food offerings to entertain. For starters, Executive Chef Pawan Dutta of onsite Showroom Bar was crowned Chef of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence. His menu covers bar snacks, entrées, mains, comfort dishes, dessert and caviar options.
Tuck into indulgent dishes such as Moreton Bay bug with Brussels sprouts, purple potato, leeks, turnips, achiote oil, black bean aioli; hibachi grilled duck breast with confit leg croquette, liver parfait and port wine poached figs, Swiss chard and cherry jus; and Grand Cru Cuvée chocolate soufflé with bellini sorbet and gianduja.
For a post or pre-dinner tipple, unwind in a sink-in club chair next to the fireplace and work your way through the cocktail menu of signature and classic drinks like the ‘Berries in the City’ with strawberry infused JJ Whitley vodka, Pierre Ferrand, cranberry, lime and gin aged orange bitters and the Negroni with Whitley gin, Campari and Unico yuzu sweet vermouth.
A continental buffet on weekdays and a full buffet on weekends is served in leafy The Terrace.
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Does The Royce have access for guests with disabilities?
The Royce King Accessible rooms feature accessible friendly features such as automated doors, handrails, extra space and assistance.
Is The Royce family-friendly?
The Royce caters for discerning travellers.
The Royce doesn’t position itself as a family-oriented hotel, and its opulent atmosphere lends itself more to business, solo travellers and couples.
The details
Best for: Business travellers and those looking for a bit of indulgence.
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.
Theatres have always been a cornerstone of regional Victoria, reflecting the character and history of their local communities.
From grand, gold rush-era masterpieces to Art Deco wonders to repurposed prisons, we’ve rounded up four of Victoria’s best regional theatres to catch a show at next time you’re travelling through.
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat
Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat has been standing for 150 years. (Image: Michael Pham)
A monument to the immense gold rush wealth flooding through Ballarat in the second half of the 19th century, Her Majesty’s Theatre (‘Her Maj’ to locals) celebrates its 150th anniversary as the city’s premier performing arts venue this year.
Built in a classical style and immaculately preserved (thanks largely to a recent $16-million restoration), this Lydiard Street landmark is the oldest continuously operating theatre in mainland Australia, notable for its double balcony and a stage that slopes towards the front, making it one of the most audience-friendly venues in the country to see a show.
The Capital, Bendigo
The Capital in Bendigo was built in 1873 as a Masonic Hall. (Image: Michael Pham)
Denoted by its distinctive Corinthian columns, more reminiscent of ancient Greece than regional Victoria, The Capital theatre in Bendigo has been through several iterations since the first stone was laid in 1873.
Originally a Masonic hall, the renaissance revival-style building became a theatre in the 1890s, falling into disrepair for a time during the 1970s, before being restored and reopened (as the Bendigo Regional Arts Centre) in 1991. Today, the 480-seat venue hosts everything from comedy to cabaret to traditional theatre, dance, opera and live music.
Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
Inside Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre, a former prison. (Image: Michael Pham)
Bendigo has busted out as a regional performing arts hotspot, so it’s fitting that one of its newest venues is housed within a former prison. Meaning ‘meeting place’ or ‘gather together’ in the language of the local Dja Dja Wurrung people, the $26-million, 950-seat auditorium rose from within the red brick walls of the historic Sandhurst Gaol in 2015.
It’s an eerie feeling as you approach the imposing granite facade, pass beneath the old gallows and pick up your ticket from the box office occupying a repurposed cell block. With the building playing a main character in the show, this is performative architecture at its finest.
Rex Theatre, Charlton
The 1938-built Rex Theatre in Charlton is an Art Deco gem. (Image: Jenny Pollard)
Regional theatres don’t come more romantic than this Art Deco gem in the river town of Charlton, in north-central Victoria. Built in 1938, the 350-seat community-owned theatre provides an essential entertainment outlet for residents in the Wimmera Mallee region, as well as visitors making the trip up the Calder Highway from Melbourne.
The volunteer-run venue is the last remaining purpose-built cinema in regional Victoria, and hosts the Charlton Film Festival every February, plus three weekly film screenings (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday).
