Rydges Melbourne

In the elegant, trendy lobby, color is everywhere — there are lime green chairs, a purple quilted wall surrounding a fireplace, and a colorful patterned rug. The reception desk is made of marble and an ornate chandelier hangs from the ceiling. There’s also a large, mirrored column in the middle of the room. The lounge feeling is ideal for people looking to work or relax together. The high-quality conference facilities (including an event space with a beach-themed, nightclub vibe) make this popular with business travelers, but there's plenty for tourists to appreciate, too, including the central location and the heated rooftop pool. 

The Rydges is situated in Melbourne's Theatre District, right in the heart of the Central Business District, or CBD. It’s a quick five-minute walk to shopping, restaurants, and many of Melbourne’s famous attractions. Popular shopping options in the area include the exclusive boutiques on Collins Street, the famous Bourke Street Mall, and Chinatown. Trams and cabs are easily accessible. There’s a bus stop on Exhibition Street, the Parliament Railway Station is on Spring Street and there’s a tram stop on Bourke Street, all a few minutes away on foot. The airport is a half-hour drive away. 

The 363 rooms at the Rudges offer luxurious lodgings and come with comfortable Rydges Dream Beds created by Australia’s oldest bed manufacturer, A.H Beard. The decor is sophisticated yet current. Glass desks, marble bathrooms, and muted grays are seen throughout. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, irons and ironing boards, and safes. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers.

The rooms come in a variety of layouts; one-bedroom apartments have divider walls that separate the bedrooms from the separate living and dining areas (which have small kitchenettes). There are also suites, some of which have whirlpool hot tubs in the bedrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

One of the highlights of the Rydges Melbourne Hotel is its heated rooftop pool, which is surrounded by lounge chairs and tables and has breathtaking views of the city. Although the hotel doesn't have a fitness center, a few cardio machines are up on the roof by the pool. Guests also receive free access to Genesis Fitness, located a block from the hotel. The entire first floor of the hotel is filled with elegant conference rooms, including a Mad Men-inspired meeting room with modern technology and sleek, sophisticated decor. Guests can dine at the upscale Locanda Italian Steakhouse, a classic steakhouse in an Italian style that serves a menu reliant on local produce in environs with dramatic, contemporary decor. Just off the bar, Bellabar is a dramatic red circular bar with a unique cocktail menu. There's also a beach-themed lounge, Bobby McGee's, that's used for special events.