Planning your next vacay but not sure where to go? Grab your travel buddy and make tracks to Melbourne, because we’ve discovered the ultimate hotel escape that combines old-world charm with modern luxury—the stunning Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street. And it has ‘your next holiday’ written all over it.
Located on the corner of buzzing Bourke Street and Little Queen Street, the location alone makes it a must-do. But it’s the iconic building it’s housed in and the jaw-dropping interior that will have you booking in your next visit before you’ve even checked out.
The iconic Equity Chambers building, originally built in 1930, is steeped in history and oozes old-world glamour. With the addition of a new 16-storey tower at the rear—that houses 244 rooms and suites, a fully equipped gym, plus an incredible bar and restaurant—the hotel’s design pays homage to its stylish past whilst injecting that quintessential Melbourne quirk. Think coffered ceilings, ornate columns and carved timber features mixed with a large-scale mural by local graffiti artist Kitt Bennett, bronzed metal and gold. In short, it’s a place infused with timeless moments, making it the ultimate spot to celebrate new memories.
But onto the part you really want to know about—the rooms. Each of the 244 rooms and suites has been meticulously curated to mix 1930s opulence with modern luxury. Expect restored timber panelling, ceiling moulds and decorative metalwork alongside leather wardrobe cabinetry inspired by vintage luggage, prints by Roger Arnall showcasing Melbourne architecture and sweeping city views. Even the carpet designs and bathroom tiles echo patterns found in the Equity Chambers façade. And they haven’t forgotten the mod cons either. There are plush king beds that will make you think you’re sleeping on a cloud, HDTVs with built-in Chromecast, specialty coffee curated by Dukes Coffee Roasters and premium hotel bath products by local maker Hunter Lab.
And if you really want to go all out (you do), there are five Heritage Suites to choose from, all of which are accessed via the beautifully restored original lift cars. The sprawling 55sqm suites boast stylish separate lounge and living areas, huge bathrooms with free-standing ultra-deep bathtubs, separate walk-in rain showers and 300 thread count sheets.
With Melbourne being the epicentre of incredible eats, foodies will want to make a beeline for the Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street’s restaurant, Luci. Situated within the former Main Chamber of the heritage building, the art deco layout is truly breathtaking. With triple-height coffered ceilings, marble columns, ornate plasterwork, custom tables and plush seating, the space gives diners a taste of what life was like during the golden era of travel. The menu, created by celebrated Executive Chef Sam Moore, is contemporary Australia with Italian accents using locally sourced, quality produce. Think goat’s milk ricotta gnocchi with lemon and thyme, striploin with garlic emulsion and dry-aged Macedon duck breast.
Post dinner, you’ll want to carve out some time for a nightcap at The Douglas Club, the hotel’s uber-dapper lounge bar. Split across two rooms, sip your way through their array of cocktails, cognacs, beers and extensive wine list as you sink into emerald green lounges in the moodily lit space. Expert Bar Manager Gee Shanmugan and the team will mix you a delicious cocktail from their impressive list of 'golden age of travel' cocktails—a series of tasty recipes from yesteryear with a modern twist.
They also offer a concise but tasty menu of bar snacks featuring bites like lobster rolls, cheese boards and truffle fries. Pro tip: order the Aviate cocktail (Melbourne Gin Company, Joseph Cartron Violette, yuzu and Luxardo maraschino) and thank us later.
You’re probably already looking at your diary, wondering when you can escape to this slice of luxury but to sweeten your stay, the legends at Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street have got an epic deal for Urban List readers. They’ve just launched the Celebrations Stay Package in honour of their first anniversary. Crafted with local Melbourne producers, it promises to be the ultimate way to max out any occasion. Go on, treat yo'self. Head here to book.
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by Hilton Little Queen Street and proudly endorsed by Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: supplied