Upon arriving at Le Meridien Melbourne, my eyes were immediately drawn to the Air France Airbus A350 model aircraft sitting in the corner of the hotel’s year-old lobby. Some guests might wonder why the plane was there. After all, Air France doesn’t fly to Australia. But as an avowed aviation nerd, I knew it. Born in Paris, the Le Meridien brand was founded by Air France to provide a hospitality option for its passengers while traveling.
Now part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, the brand’s European roots are evident throughout the property. It is (currently) the only Le Méridien hotel in Australia, part of a wider push by Marriott on the continent. Other recent openings include W Sydney and the Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne.
Melbourne is often described as a very European city, and the large number of immigrants from places like Greece and Italy helps further fuel that vibe. That's why it's only fitting that this brand with European roots chose Melbourne for its Australian debut in 2023.
Art serves as the cornerstone of the brand. Most hotels around the world give guests free entry to famous local art galleries by simply pressing their room key.
The design focus of Melbourne real estate is no different. Melbourne-based artist Stephen Baker was brought in to create a mural on Arrival Porte Cochere. It features renderings of photos he took in his neighborhood.
Once inside, colorful artwork and sculptures fill the lobby. Take a closer look at the Air France travel poster in the corner. A carefully selected soundtrack fills the lobby and elevators, changing the mood from day to evening, while a video art installation illuminates the lobby's grand staircase. Public spaces also feature a French scent designed for the brand.
Clever design touches continue in the accommodations, with abstract maps of the city's downtown grid on guestroom carpets and elevator walls. The overall look is a combination of mid-century design and modern elements.
The guestroom shelves are lined with playful art and books. Janine Marsh’s “How to Be French” seems particularly appropriate for Le Meridien. Photo courtesy of Le Meridien Melbourne
Reviving a landmark building
This historic building in Melbourne’s theatre district is adjacent to one of the city’s most famous theatres and has been home to a number of entertainment venues, including a nightclub (James Brown and the Arctic Monkeys have both performed here) and a cinema. Many of the theatrical touches remain today, including the original Art Deco façade and the Intermission Cafe in the lobby, which is designed to resemble the original refreshment counter. Instead of popcorn and soda, the menu today features Le Meridien’s signature Le Scoop gelato (try the Whispering Angel rosé, available at most hotels worldwide) and local brand Axil Coffee, which serves specialty barista coffees.
The hotel is just steps from Victoria’s Parliament House (tip: free guided tours are available most days of the week), where TV news crews film the steps to interview passing politicians. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a few steps away in the opposite direction, and the Yarra River, bustling riverside shopping and the free National Gallery of Victoria (the country’s most visited museum) are all within walking distance.
Business travelers will find the hotel conveniently located to several corporate offices, while shoppers will find plenty to spend big at the upscale boutiques that line the neighborhood’s streets. Whatever your plans, the city’s free tram network stops right outside the hotel.
The larger suites have a dining table and separate living room. Photo courtesy of Le Meridien Melbourne
Regional design, European elements
There was a lot of attention to detail throughout the hotel, especially in the rooms. I really liked that there was a wireless charging pocket on the wall next to the bed, freeing up bedside table space. My suite had a corner view of the skyline and cathedral with Fitzroy Gardens in the foreground.
This premium property features a small wet bar with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee pods from Axil Coffee.
I also loved the spacious bathroom featuring Malin+Goetz products (another brand essential), minimal stone surfaces, and a large glass shower with separate tub. The large windows also allowed natural light into my bathroom.
A Yamaha 500 turntable containing recordings of many of the artists who once performed here is another example of a subtle nod to the building's rich history.
Another feature of this city hotel is the rooftop pool deck located atop the building's original façade. From this vantage point, guests can spot notable landmarks such as Parliament from one of the only outdoor (heated) swimming pools in the city's central business district. Guests can order drinks, including a selection of local wines hand-selected for the hotel by wine expert Patrick Walsh of CellarHand, and light meals to enjoy amongst the city's towering buildings. During the warmer months, there is a full bar serving drinks and the brand's Le Scoop gelato. A pop-up event such as an outdoor movie theater is also planned in the work.
Intermission Cafe is the main lobby lounge. Photo courtesy of Le Meridien Melbourne
The 1930s-style Dolly restaurant, located one floor below the lobby, serves a European menu designed by executive chef Herve Borghini. In the late afternoon, the adjacent coffee bar turns into a wine bar. This has become a popular spot for locals to stop by for a drink or dinner. Beef Wellington is a crowd pleaser, but it's the Bombe Alaska with salted caramel ice cream and flaming meringue that attracts regulars who love the classics. Do not worry. Next to the pool deck is an impressive fitness center where you can burn some calories.
Given the building’s past as an entertainment hub, it’s no surprise that Le Meridien’s arts, food and beverage program continues this theme.
“This site will continue our legacy of over 100 years as an entertainment playground for Melburnians and visitors,” said Sean Hunt, Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International.
For business travelers, this combination can make a long trip Down Under worth it. I love hotels with personality, especially ones with model airplanes.
