Review : The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne | Marriott Bonvoy

The second Ritz-Carlton hotel in Australia, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne opened its doors in March 2023. After staying at the W Melbourne, I decided to check out this hotel perched on the 80th floor, offering 180-degree views of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.

To stay at The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne with points, you’ll need between 52,000 and 84,000 points depending on the period. In cash, an overnight stay costs between 551 and 732 AUD (500 and 660 CAD).

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. And each year, you’ll earn a free hotel night certificate (35,000 point value) as well as 15 Elite nights towards your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Here is some information about the hotel:

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the valet who took our luggage and brought it to our room. The concierge in the lobby then escorted us to the elevator to the reception area on the 80th floor.

The entrance hall is packed with over 1,000 works of art by some 40 artists. The concierge is just outside the entrance, and can help you find a restaurant or plan a route around the city. To our great surprise, he spoke French!

Once you reach the 80th floor, you’re immediately captivated by the 180-degree view over Melbourne. At sunset, the effect of infinity and luminosity is just incredible!

Check-in was quick and we were upgraded to a Premier Ritz-Carlton Club room, however we did not have access to the lounge.

Access to the Ritz-Carlton Club is only available when paying for a Club room. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and Superior status does not include lounge access at Ritz-Carlton hotels.

Measuring 484 square feet, the Premier Ritz-Carlton Club room offers a beautiful living space. The main room features a lounge area with a beautiful velvet chaise longue, a small table and an armchair.

A very large table seats six, but there are only two chairs. It takes up space, but doesn’t really add value.

A mini bar and Nespresso coffee machine are located to one side.

A well-designed closet integrates harmoniously into the hallway: it offers a dedicated space for your suitcase, a rod for your clothes and an elegant dressing table in its center. Functional, refined equipment that’s uncommon in bedrooms.

The toilet is located at the entrance to the room. We appreciated that they were separate from the bathroom. However, the sink is aesthetically pleasing, but not at all practical. It’s so small that it’s virtually impossible to wash your hands without getting water everywhere.

A timelessly elegant bathroom, clad in black and white marble, opens onto the hallway. The walk-in shower and bathtub offer optimal relaxation space, while a sliding panel provides flexible privacy. Dyptique Paris products and Frette bathrobes add an extra touch of refinement.

The Panoramic Room offers a visual escape over Port Phillip Bay. Its compact size in no way detracts from its comfort, thanks to an ingenious layout. It has the same layout as the Premier bedroom, with its separate toilet and closet.

A cosy lounge area with a round table invites you to relax. Subdued lighting and the soft light of sunset create a very pleasant atmosphere. As for the breathtaking view from the large bay window, it’s simply unreal, so breathtaking.

The bathroom is identical to that of the Premier room, though slightly smaller.

The infinity pool is open 24 hours a day. It is heated all year round to 28 degrees and offers a breathtaking view of the city. Maximum pool depth is 1m20. It’s as pleasant to go there during the day to enjoy the view as it is at night, with its subdued lighting and lanterns.

The Ritz-Carlton SPA is located on the same floor as the swimming pool. Open from 10am to 6pm.

Each men’s and women’s changing room features a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. However, during our stay, the temperature of the Jacuzzi was not very high, which was not very pleasant.

The fitness room, open 24 hours a day, offers a magnificent view of the city. The gym is equipped with Technogym brand equipment, including free weights, strength training and cardiovascular equipment. A yoga room is also available.

From the moment you walk through the doors of The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, you’re overwhelmed by its grandeur and refined luxury. This majestic hotel, perched atop the central business district, offers breathtaking views of the city, making it an exceptional address.

Despite its location in the heart of the urban hustle and bustle, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne offers an oasis of calm and serenity. We particularly enjoyed relaxing in the heated pool, a true haven of peace, and taking advantage of the vitality area in the changing room for a moment of absolute relaxation. Every detail has been meticulously thought out to ensure an unforgettable stay.

While our stay was marked by excellent service and impeccable comfort, a few minor cleanliness details (fingerprints on the mirrors) slightly tarnished our experience. However, the staff reacted with professionalism and promptness in changing our room, demonstrating their attention to customer satisfaction.

Despite these minor inconveniences, we had an excellent stay at the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and will definitely return on our next trip. We look forward to discovering the hotel’s refined gastronomy, which will undoubtedly perfectly complement the experience of this luxury haven.