Arriving at Le Meridien Melbourne, my eyes went immediately to the Air France Airbus A350 model aircraft sitting in the corner of the lobby at the year-old hotel. Some guests may wonder why the plane is there -- Air France doesn't even fly to Australia, after all -- but as a professed aviation nerd, I knew. The Paris-born Le Meridien brand was founded by Air France to provide hospitality options to its passengers during their travels.
Now part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, the brand's European roots are notable throughout the hotel. This is the only Le Meridien in Australia (for now), and it is part of wider momentum that Marriott has going on the continent. Other recent openings include the W Sydney and the Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne.
Melbourne is often described as a very European city, and the large number of immigrants from places like Greece and Italy help to further that vibe. That's why it's so fitting that this brand with European roots would choose Melbourne for its 2023 debut in Australia.
Art plays a cornerstone role for the brand, with most of its hotels around the world giving guests free access to a notable, local art museum simply by flashing their room key.
The Melbourne property's design focus is no different, having tapped Melbourne-based artist Stephen Baker to create a mural in the arrival porte-cochere. It features renderings of photographs he has taken around the neighborhood.
Once inside, colorful art pieces and sculptures fill the lobby (look closely to spot the Air France travel poster in the corner). A curated soundtrack fills the lobby and elevators, switching moods from day to evening, and a video art installation illuminates the grand staircase in the lobby. There's even a French scent designed for the brand in public spaces.
Clever design touches continue in the accommodations, with abstract maps of the city's downtown grid on in-room carpeting and elevator walls. The entire look blends midcentury design with modern elements quite well.
Playful art and books line the shelves in a guestroom. "How to Be French" by Janine Marsh seemed especially fitting for Le Meridien. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Le Meridien Melbourne
Reviving a landmark building
This historical building, within Melbourne's theater district, is adjacent to one of the city's famous theaters and has been home to numerous entertainment venues, notably a nightclub (James Brown and the Arctic Monkeys both played here) and cinema. Many theatrical touches continue today, like the original art deco facade and at the Intermission Cafe in the lobby, designed to look like the original refreshments counter. Instead of popcorn and sodas, today the menu serves Le Meridien's signature Le Scoop gelato (try the Whispering Angel rose flavor available at most properties around the world) and Axil Coffee, a local brand serving specialty barista coffee.
The hotel is just steps from Victoria's Parliament House (tip: there are free guided tours most days of the week), with TV news crews filming segments on the steps to interview the politicians that come and go. St. Patrick's Cathedral is steps in the other direction, while the Yarra River, bustling riverfront shopping and the free National Gallery of Victoria (the country's most visited museum) are all within walking distance.
Business travelers will find this hotel convenient to numerous corporate offices, and shoppers can drop some major cash in the rows of high-end luxury boutiques that line the streets of this neighborhood). No matter what your plans, the city's free tram network makes a stop just in front of the hotel.
The larger suites have dining tables and separate living rooms. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Le Meridien Melbourne
Local design, European elements
I noticed many thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, especially in my guestroom. I really appreciated the wireless charging pocket on the wall next to the bed that freed up space on the nightstand. My suite had corner views featuring skyline and cathedral views, with Fitzroy Gardens in the foreground.
In these premium accommodations, there is a small wet bar with microwave and fridge plus coffee pods, again from Axil Coffee.
I also liked the sizable bathroom with Malin+Goetz products (another brand staple), minimalist stone surfaces and large, glass shower areas with separate soaking tubs. Natural light also streamed into my bathroom via a large window.
The Yamaha 500 turntables with records representing many of the artists who once performed here was another subtle throwback to the building's rich history.
There's another star feature of this urban hotel: a rooftop pool deck, which sits atop the original facade of the building. From this vantage point, guests can spot notable sites like Parliament from one of the only outdoor (and heated) pools in the city's central business district. Guests can order drinks, including a long list of local wines hand-selected for the hotel by wine expert Patrick Walsh of CellarHand, as well as light meals to enjoy surrounded by the city's towering buildings. During warmer months, there is a pool bar serving drinks and the brand's Le Scoop gelato. In the works are pop-up events like an outdoor cinema.
The Intermission Cafe is the main lobby lounge. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Le Meridien Melbourne
One level below the lobby, the 1930s-inspired Dolly restaurant features a European menu designed by executive chef Herve Borghini. An adjacent coffee bar becomes a wine bar by late afternoon; this has become a popular spot for locals to swing by for drinks or dinner. The beef Wellington is a crowd pleaser, but it is the bombe Alaska with salted caramel ice cream and flaming meringue that brings in weekly regulars with a sweet tooth. Don't worry, there's an impressive fitness center next to the pool deck to burn those calories.
Given the building's past as a hub for entertainment, it is no surprise that the art, food and beverage programs from Le Meridien will keep that theme going.
"The property will continue the centurylong legacy the site has held as an entertainment playground for Melburnians and visitors," said Sean Hunt, Marriott International area vice president, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific.
For business travelers, that combination could make the long journey Down Under entirely worth it. I like a hotel with lots of character, especially if it has a model airplane.