Review: W Melbourne | Prince of Travel

During my second night in Melbourne, I had the pleasure of staying at the W Melbourne. This W property officially debuted in February 2021 as the second W property in Australia, following in the footsteps of the W Brisbane.

As someone with an appreciation for the W brand, I didn’t think twice about taking advantage of this opportunity, and I was looking forward to checking out one of the newer additions to the W portfolio.

W Melbourne – Booking

I booked this stay using a Free Night Award worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which I topped up with an additional 12,000 Bonvoy points, for a total redemption cost of 47,000 points.

When redeeming points at this property, you can generally expect to pay 48,000–66,000 Bonvoy points per night.

On the other hand, cash rates fall within the range of $300–480 AUD ($200–320 USD, $260–420 CAD), but can climb to $700 AUD ($460 USD, $615 CAD) during periods of high demand.

Considering our valuation of Bonvoy points at 0.6 cents per point (USD) / 0.8 cents per point (CAD), the W Melbourne is an excellent candidate for redeeming a Free Night Award, especially if cash rates are high.

However, if you’re planning to book a cash rate at the W Melbourne, be sure to get in touch with an authorized travel advisor with access to Marriott Luminous, a preferred partner program that the W Melbourne participates in.

You’ll pay the same as the best available flexible rate, but you’ll benefit from a lot of extra perks, including a $100 (AUD) property credit, free breakfast for two at Lollo, a room upgrade (subject to availability), and more.

W Melbourne – Location

The W Melbourne is nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, situated on the vibrant and historic Flinders Lane. The hotel is well-situated within walking distance of many of Melbourne’s key attractions.

The immediate vicinity of the W Melbourne is a lively artsy district, brimming with high-end shops, charming café, trendy bars, and a multitude of fashion studios and art galleries.

A short five-minute stroll east from the hotel brings you to the bustling cultural precinct of Federation Square, known for hosting various events, exhibitions, and festivals. Additionally, the National Gallery of Victoria is within a 10-minute walk from the W Melbourne.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens, just a leisurely 20-minute stroll from the W Melbourne.

Flinders Street Railway Station is just a five-minute stroll from the hotel. This iconic transportation hub grants access to Melbourne’s public transit network, making it easy to traverse the city and explore its neighbourhoods.

For those arriving or departing Melbourne, Tullamarine Airport is about 25 minutes away from the W by car.

W Melbourne – Check-in

The hotel sits directly on the corner of Flinders Lane and Market Street, housed within a sleek, modern glass structure. The façade draws inspiration from the spirit of New York, and appears as a contemporary arch when viewed from afar.

Upon my arrival at W Melbourne, I was greeted by a captivating porte-cochère, with an alluring and moody ambiance that unequivocally echoes the W brand.

The hotel also has a vehicle entrance, which is brought to life by a uniquely designed set of LED lights. These lights weave a magical transformation of the hotel’s logo, seamlessly shifting from the letter “W” to an elegant “M”, symbolizing Melbourne.

Additionally, the lower and upper ground floors are connected by an interesting set of outdoor hallway-like spaces, reflecting the laneways that Melbourne is famous for. 

Stepping inside, I found myself immersed in a fusion of W elements and creative flair. The space was dark with a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours, which came in the form of a soaring art installation above the reception desks, crafted by Melbourne artist Rus Kitchin.

Prior to checking in, I had confirmed a Suite Night Award into a Fantastic Suite. I had then been upgraded to a Marvelous Suite by “suite-talking” before my arrival.

However, there were some issues at check-in, and it turns out that I was given a Mega Room instead. I spoke to the associates, and after a bit of a wait, they happily returned me to a Fantastic Suite that I had originally been assigned.

I then headed over to the elevator lobby and made my way upstairs, taking note of the vibrant walls and graffiti-inspired light fixtures of the hotel’s elevator banks. 

W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite

The hallways leading to the guest rooms are in keeping with the rest of the hotel, in that they’re dark and dramatic with strategic lighting.

As I entered the suite, I found a generously sized living room, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The interiors are playful, with many elements that reflect Melbourne.

Nestled in the right-hand corner is a cozy seating area featuring a comfortable sofa and a chic coffee table. Positioned in front of the window, a sleek flat-screen TV is mounted on a pole, for entertainment with a view.

On the wall, playful interiors continue to impress. A fairy wren, a bird native to Australia, is “peeling back the layers” of fabric to reveal a colourful Melbourne scene – a graphic that pays homage to Melbourne’s multilayered identity.

Nearby, a well-stocked minibar plays host to the W’s signature Mix Bar and newsstand-inspired pantry. The bar includes a cocktail station complete with all the essential tools and a selection of liquor.

Additionally, this area is home to a Nespresso machine, while below lie drawers stocked with an array of refreshing beverages, snacks, and Nespresso pods.

To the left of the living area, a tasteful table and two comfortable chairs await those in need of a workspace or a spot to enjoy a quiet moment.

As you enter the bedroom, you’re greeted by a funky plaid carpet that adds a touch of personality to the space.

The central focus is the king bed, where typically, a throw pillow on the bed signifies something special about the hotel’s location. Instead, the W Melbourne provides a decorative helmet, designed to evoke the spirit of bushranger Ned Kelly.

A flat-screen TV and floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct views into nearby office buildings.

A small closet in the left-hand corner of the bedroom provides ample space for storage, along with a charming inscription on the wall.

The bathroom is lengthy and makes a striking impression with its opulent marble walls and floors. A novel oval double vanity is beautifully illuminated with LED lights around its edges.

The bathroom is outfitted with a generous walk-in shower, featuring both a rain showerhead and a handheld option, as well as a deep soaker bathtub.

In a unique arrangement, a smart toilet is placed within its own separate enclosure, which is oddly shared between the powder room and the main bathroom.

Lastly, the suite is equipped with a high-tech tablet mounted on the wall, allowing for the fine-tuning of lighting and temperature in both the living room and bedroom.

All in all, the suite left me with a positive impression with its chic and tasteful décor, brimming with authentic Melbourne touches. The room layout was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of room to move around and relax comfortably.

W Melbourne – Wonderful Room

During my stay, I had the opportunity to tour some other room types at the hotel.

The Wonderful Room at the W Melbourne is a base-level accommodation option offering 398 square feet of space, which is slightly more generous than the base-level Cozy Rooms in the hotel.

The interior design of the Wonderful Room is eclectic and funky, reminiscent of the stylish Fantastic Suite.

Inside the room, you’ll find a comfortable king bed, a cozy corner armchair, and the iconic W Mix Bar, featuring a Nespresso coffee maker and pantry. A flat-screen TV adorns the opposite wall for entertainment.

The room is equipped with modern metal-covered wardrobes. These are inspired by the cylindrical kiosks that used to function as newspaper stands on Melbourne’s Swanston Street.

The bathroom is elegantly adorned with dark marble, featuring a coupled wet room with a shower and bathtub. The toilet is in a separate compartment, and a creative touch can be found with the phrase “More People Wonder” above the bathtub.

Additionally, there is a convenient vanity area outside the bathroom, offering a two-piece LED mirror, circular counter, and vessel sink.

For solo travellers or couples seeking a trendy and relaxing space with a blend of modern touches and functionality, the Wonderful Room would certainly serve as an ideal choice.

W Melbourne – Fabulous Room

The Fabulous Room, which is one room-type above the Wonderful Room, offers a more generous 452 square feet of space.

As you step into the Fabulous Room, a narrow foyer guides you to the bedroom.

The room that I toured was furnished with two twin beds, perfect for friends or a family travelling together.

A small seating area is provided, as well as the signature W Mix Bar, and a flat-screen TV.

A modern metal-covered wardrobe, again reminiscent of Melbourne’s iconic cylindrical kiosks, offers ample storage space while maintaining the room’s contemporary and trendy ambiance.

Moreover, the sleek black marble bathroom features a combined wet room featuring a shower and bathtub, along with the separate toilet compartment.

Overall, the Fabulous Room at W Melbourne undoubtedly lives up to its name by offering a step up in size and comfort compared to the Wonderful Room. If you desire more space to relax and unwind during your stay, this room would meet your needs.

W Melbourne – Breakfast

Breakfast is served at Lollo, located on the ground floor of the W Melbourne, from 7–10:30am on weekdays, and from 7–11am on weekends.

The restaurant offers a luxurious and spacious ambiance, with beautiful details throughout, and an expansive open kitchen.

At check-in, the front desk had advised me of an elite breakfast credit of $80 AUD per room. However, I later discovered that the elite breakfast credit is actually $40 AUD per person, so I ended up still getting billed for having gone over $40 as a solo breakfast eater. 

Still, because the front desk had advised me of an $80 credit originally, I asked to get this adjusted at check-out. 

The menu at Lollo highlights Australia’s local fresh produce, and breakfast is served à la carte, offering a fairly comprehensive selection with some interesting highlights.

In the end, I settled on a tantalizing combination of bacon, smashed avocado, quinoa, and black rice porridge.

Breakfast certainly exceeded my expectations, and with the elite credit set at $40 per person, it’s a wise decision to book your stay for two adults, even if you’re only staying solo.

W Melbourne – Dining

In addition to Lollo, there are three other venues situated directly within the W Melbourne.

One of these options is Culprit, a deli-style café located on the ground level of the W Melbourne. Culprit offers a diverse range of options including breakfasts, house-made pastries, salads, and sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients.

Plus, the deli transforms into a European-style wine bar, serving an extensive wine list that strikes a balance between new and classic varietal wines.

Meanwhile, Warabi is the signature Japanese restaurant at the W Melbourne, paying homage to traditional Japanese culture through a nine-course degustation menu in an omakase setting.

The true highlight here at the W Melbourne is the Curious Bar, a famous cocktail bar on the basement level of W Melbourne. Ws are known for their attractive bars, but this is one of the best examples I’ve encountered to date.

Accessing the bar is an adventure in itself, as you enter through a secret laneway entrance on Market Street and descend down a spiral staircase.

Upon entering the dimly lit and intimate space, you’re greeted by a captivating design adorned with a sequence of dark-timber beams, which creates a cocoon-like ambiance. The rich design palette, featuring dark tones and earthy materials, makes it a perfect spot for a chic, speakeasy-inspired night out.

During my visit, a Melbourne-based Prince of Travel team member and his spouse joined me here for drinks in the evening, and we had a great time.

W Melbourne – Other Facilities

The W Melbourne has excellent facilities, located on the uppermost floor of the hotel.

The fitness centre, officially known as the FIT gym, is fully-equipped and well-maintained. There’s a good range of cardio equipment, strength training machines, and free weights available, and ample space to move about freely.

Additionally, the fitness centre’s colourful mural added a splash of energy to the space, and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a refreshing view of the city.

The pool at the W Melbourne is equally as fantastic, with a glamorous gold-adorned indoor lap pool inspired by the curves of the Yarra River, with opulent gold curved roofing and walls. The pool deck is dotted with plenty of lounge chairs available for relaxation.

Its top-floor location provides sweeping views of the city, and also happens to be next to the WET Bar, where you can enjoy cosmopolitan cocktails while taking in the view.

Moreover, there’s a charming public lounge area here, ideal for getting work done on your laptop. There’s a wonderful balcony to enjoy, as well.

Conclusion

The W Melbourne serves as a true gem within the city, a remarkable W hotel that masterfully captures the very essence of Melbourne’s laneway culture. 

Nestled in the very heartbeat of Melbourne’s CBD, the W has a prime location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. What’s more, for guests who value trendy interiors and energetic vibes, the W Melbourne’s bold public spaces and creative rooms are sure to impress.

Beyond the design elements, the W Melbourne also offers fantastic fitness and pool facilities, as well as strong dining facilities – most notably the striking Curious Bar.

In sum, the W Melbourne is an enjoyable experience that’s relatively good value on cash or points, and I’m sure I’ll be back for another visit in the future.