The streetscape of Melbourne’s southern CBD fringe is historically a low-rise affair, however a 40-storey spike within the humble skyline marks the arrival of the brand new AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, which has opened in a flurry of paella and churros.
The clue to the Spanish connection is within the initials AC, which stands for Antonio Catalan, the Spanish hotelier who has been collaborating with Marriott since 2011. There are actually 210 AC by Marriott inns worldwide, with one other 122 within the pipeline.
This is the model’s first and, at this stage, solely Australian lodge, with the catchphrase of ‘completely exact,’ promising all you need, nothing you do not want. Such a phrase may threaten austerity: what, no toothbrushes or tea luggage? But, in reality, the 205 visitor rooms are well-planned (with each brushes and luggage) and well-lit by wall-to-ceiling home windows searching over the Melbourne skyline, in a masculine, palette of fifty shades of gray.
Expect a slender infinity pool overhanging Montague St, a sweeping lodge bar with excessive stools pulled as much as the ready bartender and a lodge restaurant led by chef Ryan Flaherty. The chef brings his years of expertise in Spanish meals heartland San Sebastian, in addition to a stint on the revered three-Michelin-starred El Bulli, which topped The World’s 50 Best Restaurants record an unprecedented 5 occasions.
The opening comes forward of the launch of its rival and neighbour, Oakwood Premier – actually on the opposite aspect of Normanby Road and likewise 40 storeys of blended use – which continues to be in delicate opening. And it is scorching on the heels of final November’s launch of the Marriott Docklands, a collaboration with the identical developer. The Marriott, which has 4 Melbourne properties underneath varied manufacturers, has eight extra openings slated for Australia within the subsequent 12 months, together with the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.
AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, 201 Normanby Road. Rooms from $220 an evening. See achotelmelbournesouthbank.com
Source: traveller.com.au