MELBOURNE | Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands is the first new Marriott hotel to open in Australia in 20 years. The five star hotel is targeted towards business and leisure looking for a modern, sophisticated hotel, with a full range of amenities. It’s home to Australia’s only outdoor heated rooftop infinity pool and bar, and Australia’s first Marriott M Club Lounge. I recently stayed overnight, as a guest of the hotel.
Location
The hotel is located on Waterfront Way, directly next to shopping and dining precinct ‘The District’. It’s walking distance from Marvel Stadium, and a short, free tram ride from the heart of the CBD. Being close to the the Tullamarine Freeway means that there’s easy access to and from the airport.
Rooms
Located on levels one through six of Melbourne’s new Premier Tower, each level and room features art from local photographers Steve Scalone and Sean Mcdonald, showcasing the city’s sights and buzz. The hotel features 172 rooms and suites, with premium linens, your choice of pillow, and blackout curtains for a good night’s sleep. Modern bathrooms features a large rainwater shower, and natural Yuni bath and body amenities. There’s a fully stocked mini bar featuring local food and drink, couch and desk, and a large television.
I stayed in an M Club room on the eight floor, one of the more premium rooms available. Being a new hotel, everything is very modern. There’s floor-to-ceiling windows, timber floors, shades of grey and a big blue rug. The bed is firm and very comfortable, with large, plush pillows. Well located power points with USB outlets, and wireless charging are very handy.
The modern bathroom is medium sized and functional, with both regular and waterfall showerheads. Amenities are provided by Thann. A 55 inch LCD TV has all the main channels and an interactive hotel guide. It also supports Chromecast and HDMI for all of your connection and streaming needs. There’s also a coffee pod machine, complimentary bottled water, and iron and ironing board.
Amenities
The hotel features an onsite gym with smart Technogym cardio equipment and weights. On level 15, you’ll find the heated outdoor infinity pool and jacuzzi, with with views to the city and Bolte Bridge. It’s adjacent to the rooftop bar, Sunset Lounge.
If you’re staying in an M Club room, or have Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium or Ambassador Elite status, you’ll be granted access to the 24/7 M Club Lounge. It’s Marriott’s flagship lounge category, and is reminiscent of a premium airport lounge (this is by design). Ample seating, tables, and couches, and outdoor space, and a meeting room. The lounge offers breakfast in the morning and canapes at night. There’s a well stocked bar, offering local wines and beers, spirits, and cocktails.
Eat & Drink
There are four main food and drink options at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, overseen by established caterer and hospitality group Peter Rowland. In the lobby, you’ll see Ada’s, a glamorous bar named after the Savoy London’s first female bartender in 1903, Ada Coleman.
On the rooftop you’ll find the Sunset Lounge, a casual space offering local wine and craft beer, and classic and modern cocktails. Try the refreshing signature ‘Sunset Spritz’. If you’re hungry, it’s a snack menu of things like Sashimi tuna with green chilli sambal, Moreton Bay bug brioche rolls, and salt and vinegar rosti with shaved wagyu and whipped roe.
Just past the check in counter is Corsia cafe. It offers St Ali coffee, assorted pastries, yoghurt and fruit cups, for breakfast. Later in the day, there’s cafe options like paninis, sandwiches, salads, and desserts to-go.
Across from Corsica, you’ll find the hotel restaurant, Archer’s. It’s a classy space, with low lighting, a dark, grey and black colour scheme, and a feature curved ceiling to create an intimate space, inspired by the classy hotel dining rooms of 1960s New York.
Head chef Head Chef Alex Drobysz (Maze London, Lumiere Vancouver, Epocha) has put together a modern European menu that focuses on local produce and artisans. It’s open for a la carte breakfast, and a two or three course menu with several options, as well as a tasting menu, at dinner. You can find my full write up of Archer’s dinner offering here.
Room service is available 24/7, with a simple menu that covers all of the bases. Peter Rowland’s signature chicken sandwiches feature, which is much appreciated.
Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands
15 Waterfront Way
Docklands
Victoria 3008
Australia
Telephone: (03) 8638 6000
E-mail: n/a
Website