The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne

The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne finally opened its doors in March this year, occupying the top 17 floors of an 80-storey skyscraper in the city’s central business district.  The views here are stellar, stretching from the CBD skyline to historical landmarks such as Queen Victoria Market, rows upon rows of Melbourne’s iconic Victorian-style homes, the winding Yarra River and all the way out to the Dandenong Ranges. 

Cottee Parker Architects took every opportunity to show off the view, whether that’s in the lobby, the 257 guest rooms and suites, the dining outlets and even the pool. Works by indigenous artists adorn the walls alongside oversized photos of everyday life in Melbourne by photographer Fabrice Bigot, and welcoming guests to the spa is a water feature that recalls a black marble water wall that once stood on the corner of Collins and Swanston streets, where people used to pick up leaves and write messages on them to post on the wall—a sweet memory for many locals.

Its fine dining restaurant, Atria, is refreshingly laidback, with blink-and-you’ll-miss-it details including mother-of-pearl tiles that cover the bar and the pillars and terrazzo flooring inspired by Melbourne’s historical shopping arcades. 

A 19-metre bar runs along the restaurant’s outstretched windows, ensuring everyone gets a seat with a view,

Tatler Tip: Be sure to book a room that gives you access to the Ritz-Carlton Club. On top of complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea buffets, The Club Lounge offers around-the-clock refreshments—guests are welcome to help themselves at any time to fresh fruits, yogurts, artisanal meats and cheeses in the well-stocked and meticulously organised, very-satisfying-to-look-at refrigerators.