649 Bridge Rd, Richmond, Australia | (541) 362-3741
Tranquil location on the banks of the River Yarra
A 10-minute tram ride to the CBD
Free bike rentals for cycling along the river
Cozy, air-conditioned rooms with balconies -- some with river views
Spa Suites and spacious apartments with kitchenettes are available
Restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine; plus breakfast buffet (fee)
Two bars with live music and screened sporting events
Modern meeting rooms and computer station
Wi-Fi and parking is free for loyalty members
In-room massage services
Fees for Wi-Fi and parking
Breakfast not included in room rates and is expensive
No pool, gym, or spa
This three-and-a-half-pearl, 111-room hotel is located in the Richmond area of Melbourne overlooking the banks of the Yarra River, around a 10-minute tram ride to the CBD. The hotel is modern and business-friendly, with cozy rooms that feature furnished balconies with courtyard or river views. Larger spa suites and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes are available. The hotel offers free bike rentals and in-room massages, but there's no fitness center or wellness facilities. Two bars host live music on select evenings and there's a restaurant serving modern Australian cuisine, plus a varied breakfast buffet for a (pricey) fee. The only real downside is the pesky fee for Wi-Fi and parking. As an alternative, the Crown Promenade also has a riverside location but it adds a large gym and free Wi-Fi.
Scene
Modern hotel with a tranquil riverside location
With its pleasantly modern decor and stunning riverside location, the Amora Hotel provides a peaceful respite away from the busy city center. The tall redbrick building is enveloped by well-manicured gardens and leafy riverbanks, while interiors are colorful. The spacious lobby is decorated with glossy parquet floors and oversized green plants, while the glass-roofed atrium allows plenty of natural light to flood in. Vibrant patterned sofas and carpets add a splash of color, providing multiple spots for guests to take a quiet break. The overall vibe is relaxed and not too formal, with many couples staying here for the somewhat away-from-it-all setting. Other guests are mix of families and groups, though corporate travelers often visit owing the hotel's business facilities and reasonable proximity to the CBD.
Location
In Richmond, by the banks of the Yarra River and a 10-minute tram ride to CBD
The Amora Hotel is ideal for any traveler who wants to be near the city center but not right in the heart of it. Located on the tranquil banks of the River Yarra, it's around a 10-minute tram ride to the CBD, with a tram stop less than a block away. It's situated on Bridge Road, a major shopping strip known for its clothing factory outlets, cafes, and restaurants. Melbourne Cricket Ground is five minutes away by cab, while the Crown Casino Entertainment Complex is 25 minutes away by tram. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a 10-minute drive away, and it's a 15-minute drive to St. Kilda Beach. Melbourne Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic.
Rooms
Spacious and simple rooms with furnished balconies and river or courtyard views
Like the rest of the hotel, all 111 rooms are pleasantly modern, but with a comfortable, cozy feel. They're almost identically decorated with simple details that include gray carpets, white walls, and neutral furnishings. Large double beds are dressed in crisp white linens and crowned with dark wooden headboards, while separate living spaces all include pull-out sofa beds. Each room has a furnished balcony, offering lovely views of the river or courtyard. In-room amenities are generous and include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fully-stocked minibars, electric kettles, safes, and phones. All bathrooms are modern and simple, with white tiling, walk-in showers, free toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Spa Suites are larger and add deep-soaking spa baths, while two-bedroom apartments feature kitchenettes and extra dining space. Though the hotel has a quiet location, some guests have complained of noise from other guests on their balconies. For less traffic noise, guests should request a room that doesn't face Bridge Road.
Features
Modern restaurant, two bars, and free bike rentals; but Wi-Fi and parking cost extra
Fresco Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine in a relaxed setting with indoor/outdoor seating. A breakfast buffet includes eggs, cereals, breads, fruits, and yogurt, and is available for a (rather hefty) fee. Options are varied, though, and it gets good reviews from many previous guests. The hotel has two bars serving light snacks and alcoholic beverages, plus there's occasional live jazz and screened sporting events. Guests should be aware that the hotel doesn't have a fitness center or wellness facilities, though bike rentals are free and there are some great cycling paths along the picturesque riverbank. Those preferring to unwind can get an in-room massage for a fee. Business facilities include modern meeting spaces with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, plus a computer station with PCs and printers. Hotel services include 24-hour room service, a concierge, laundry services, luggage storage, and tour assistance. Wi-Fi and parking are only free for loyalty members.