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, albeit with low expectations, but was pleased 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, taking travellers everywhere from Federation Square and the NGV to St Kilda Beach, without having to change lines.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is approximately 30-40 minute’s 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.
When trying to encapsulate the glamorous Art Deco aesthetic and ambience, I feel it can be easy for venues to tip into looking a bit gimmicky. 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 an elegant 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 high-end apartmentthan 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 make this room feel even more considered.
What facilities does The Royce have?
Indulge in a lavish breakfast at The Terrace.
The gap in this 5-star stay is the lack of swimming pool or spa. 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 I recommend considering. 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 design 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 feels more in line with business, solo travellers and couples.
The details
Best for: Business travellers and those looking for a bit of indulgence.
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. 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 is Lord Howe Island.
Just over an hour from Melbourne, spectacular walking and hiking trails encompass ancient landscapes, forested ridgelines and volcanic peaks.
Just a short drive from the city, the urban sprawl gives way to rolling hills, mineral springs, and lush forests that will have you feeling like you’re in the bucolic countryside of France. Encompassing Daylesford, the Macedon Ranges, Castlemaine and the Central Goldfields, this pocket of Victoria is a region where nature, art, and wellness intertwine. Heritage towns hum with creativity, good food and wine, and welcoming locals. While Daylesford hikes, and those nearby, offer the chance to take a pause and reconnect with nature.
1. Hanging Rock Summit Walk
Take in views across the Macedon Ranges.
Etched into folklore, few places in Australia carry as much mystique as Hanging Rock. Rising dramatically from the plains near Woodend, this volcanic mamelon offers a beautiful nature walk. The walk begins at a gentle pace, weaving through shaded woodland before it gets a little steeper as the path starts to climb and twist to the summit. From here, you’ll have views that stretch across the Macedon Ranges. The walk is roughly 1.8 kilometres return, but the real reward lies in standing among the weathered boulders, feeling the age and energy of the earth beneath your feet.
2. Macedon Ranges Walking Trail
Walk to Camel’s Hump. (Image: Clair Derwort)
The Macedon Ranges Walking Trail traverses around 19 kilometres of forest and mountain landscapes. The full trail is a six-hour circuit, with most of the walk being a grade three; however, you don’t have to tackle it all at once. There are shorter walks that will take you through the tall mountain ash forests, to tranquil picnic areas, and sweeping views from Camels Hump and the Memorial Cross. The best times of year to head out are autumn, when the mountain turns into a tapestry of crimson and gold, and spring, when wildflowers brighten the trail.
3. Mount Alexander Traverse
Take in the serenity.
Towering above the goldfields near Castlemaine, Mount Alexander is a granite giant that offers some great bushwalking trails. The Mount Alexander Traverse winds along the mountain’s rocky spine through dry eucalypt forest that opens up in sections to reveal beautiful panoramas across Loddon Valley and all the way to the distant Grampians. Once a site of ancient volcanic activity (and later a gathering place for the Dja Dja Wurrung people), the mountain’s granite tors are now quiet and create a beautiful, serene atmosphere for a moment of reflection while walking.
4. Murmuring Walk
Circle the picturesque Sanatorium Lake.
Located an easy drive from Daylesford, Murmuring Walk offers something a little different. Circling Sanatorium Lake, this free audio-guided walk aims to immerse you in the rhythms of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country by blending the sounds of nature with a multi-layered soundtrack. There are two routes to explore while you listen: a shorter loop around the lake itself and a longer circuit that extends deeper into the woodland.
5. La Gerche Forest Walk
Walk into history on the La Gerche Forest trail.
Located in Creswick, the La Gerche Forest Walk honours the legacy of John La Gerche, a 19th-century forester who championed the regeneration of the then gold-rush-ravaged land. Today, over 100 years later, his replanting efforts have grown into a living cathedral of towering pines, oaks, and native gums. As you meander along the 2.2-kilometre circuit, you’ll find interpretive panels along the way that help tell the story of La Gerche’s vision, so you can learn as you wander.
6. Sailors Falls Loop
See these spectacular falls. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Just outside Daylesford, Sailors Falls tumbles through a fern-lined gorge, fed by mineral springs. Thought to be named after the sailors who jumped ship to seek gold in the area during the 1850s gold rush, the loop walk begins at the car park and descends through a cool, shaded gully to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll make the climb back via the mineral springs. It’s a short but enchanting walk – about 1.5 kilometres in total, so make a day of it by packing a picnic to sit by the springs; you’ll feel worlds away from the city.
7. Paddys Ranges Loop Walk
Further north, the Paddys Ranges State Park loop reveals a different side of Victoria’s Heartland – dry forest, golden light and hints of a gold-rush past. This protected reserve is a stronghold of box-ironbark woodland, providing vital refuge for endangered species. In spring, the forest floor is awash with the colour of over 230 species of wildflowers, so a springtime walk is a must-do. As you walk the 4.5-kilometre loop trail, keep an eye out for remnants of old mine shafts and rusted relics from the prospectors who once sought their fortunes here.
8. Mount Franklin Summit Walk
Take in forests and waterfalls along the way to the top of Mount Franklin.
An extinct volcano turned picnic ground, Mount Franklin (known as Lalgambook to the Dja Dja Wurrung people) is one of the region’s quiet marvels. The summit walk follows a narrow, winding path through native forest to the crater’s rim, where you’ll get glimpses of farmland and forest below. It’s a moderate climb – just over an hour return, so it can easily be done if you’re camping in the surrounding reserve for a weekend nature retreat.
