Situated on the famous Collins street right in central Melbourne is the luxury 5 Star hotel called Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto. This stunning hotel with its Venetian Gothic facade is one of Melbourne’s oldest building. From the moment I turned up, I felt I was back in Europe. Melbourne has always been known for a city with a European inspired atmosphere.
It was my final two days regarding eighteen days of luxury travel throughout Victoria Australia. Driving through Melbourne is very easy but parking outside a hotel can be challenging regarding dropping off the Jaguar F-PACE. So it was lovely to be able to have a dedicated parking space just outside the hotel, allowing me plenty of time to park and get my family comfortably out of the car. For those wanting to book a business meeting here, the hotel offers a secluded dedicated parking area and it is a fabulous hotel to show off your luxury car too.
Reception
This has to be one of the most spectacular receptions I have entered in a hotel. It was just stunning and I loved sitting in this area both day and night to just take in this amazing architecture. Do take the time to explore this area, also don’t forget to look up as the view is amazing.
High Tea
High tea is only available over the weekends and is very popular amongst the ladies who want to treat themselves. The atmosphere and surroundings is why I recommend to book in advanced as it is very popular.
The experience of sitting for a couple of hours and soaking up Melbourne’s luxury lifestyle was fabulous. Many ladies dressed up and I chose to wear a Batwing jumpsuit by Country Road Australia. For those guys who are looking for a lady let alone treating your girlfriend or your mum, this place ticks all the posh boxes and is certainly a brilliant way to impress.
For the guys who want to treat your mates, don’t hold back regarding the high tea trend. It is certainly an event where you can showcase your latest personal style. The trending beverage I noticed that everyone was drinking was the espresso martini, which I was told is very popular in Melbourne.
The buffet options at the high tea were a combination of dream delights and healthy options. I loved the carrot cake and chocolate fondue with strawberries. To top this high tea treat I was given a nice glass of champagne. All in all, this was a wonderful way to catch up with friends that I had not seen for many years.
Alluvial Breakfast
Breakfast is served at the stunning Alluvial restaurant and the buffet option offers many cuisines that cater to everyone. I liked the gluten-free dedicated area alongside the freshly squeezed juices that I could create my own mix of juice blends. This is not common in most hotels and one that I thought was fabulous. Once again the layout, presentation is why I would encourage anyone to enjoy breakfast before business or sightseeing Melbourne. The staff were very prompt and more than willing to feed my coffee addiction.
Standard Room
I stayed in the standard room and my favourite part of this room was the private balcony from which I could see other parts of this fabulous hotel. I had friends visit me here and it was the perfect area to drink prosecco and just soak up the hotel’s ambience. The room itself was very clean and the king-size bed was super comfortable. The overall feel to this room was lovely and the dedicated working desk with a super comfortable chair just completed what I would define as the most luxurious experiences within Australia so far.
Swimming Pool
From the indoor swimming pool, the views of the CBD and the city buildings were brilliant and even if you’re not keen to swim let alone gym, do make the effort to explore this area. The ambience and views were just fabulous.
Conclusion
The Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto is a very unique luxury hotel offering so many options regarding dining and soaking up Melbourne’s unique delights. I loved how they have transformed this stunning 253-room luxury accommodation with all the modern interior features that allow me to feel like I am the 21st century.
The location is fabulous and as I was departing back to Asia, the close proximity to the train station was brilliant regarding public transport to the airport. Even if you’re continuing your stay here in Victoria the train station has many options to cater to the next destination.
Regarding business adventures, this hotel is certainly the place to impress and give your clients a real treat. Colin Street itself is worth walking up and down for access to both Australian designers and also European fashion. The trams are a stone throw away which was convenient for me heading out to South Yarra to explore the famous chapel street. Do take the time to explore the city on a tram and soak up Melbourne. There was a free city loop for me to explore and get my bearings again. For me the city right now has never looked so good.
Details
- Room reviewed: Standard room
- Website: www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/melbourne/melha/hoteldetail
- Address: 495 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Phone: +61 3 8627 1400
