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.
From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.
You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.
1. Lake Tyrrell
The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.
2. Nhill Lake
There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.
3. Lake Bringalbert
Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.
Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.
4. Lake Hindmarsh
If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.
5. Pink Lake
The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).
Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)
There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.
6. Lake Lascelles
You can camp at Lake Lascelles.
On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.
