I’d walked past the bronze-accented laneway of Little Queen Street plenty of times before, never realising it led into one of Melbourne’s most stylish hotel gems. Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street doesn’t scream for attention—it leans more into quiet confidence. And once you step inside, that blend of historic charm and modern luxury takes over in the best way.
The Entrance – Small, Discreet, but Stylish
The hotel isn’t on a grand boulevard—it’s tucked away just off Bourke Street, behind a chic laneway mural that reflects off those polished bronze panels. Inside, the lobby hits you with a mix of old and new: marble and sandstone from the 1930s, softened by warm timber, plush textures, and a calming hush you don’t usually find right in the CBD.
Room with Character
I stayed in one of their top-floor suites, and it was something special. Clean lines, deep navy tones, textured greys, and subtle lighting gave the room a sophisticated warmth. The bed was cloud-level comfortable and the electric blinds were a nice touch—especially when I wanted to sleep in.
There were a few small things that could’ve been better. The room was a little on the darker side even with all lights on, and housekeeping missed a couple of details like coffee pod refills and bin emptying on one day. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable for a five-star stay.
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Bathroom Details
Bathrooms continued the refined design style, and while compact, they were thoughtfully laid out. I liked the full-length mirror and the soft lighting, but I did feel like the tiles could’ve used a better clean. It wasn’t grimy, just not spotless. Maybe I noticed because the rest of the room was so pristine.
Dining at Luci
Breakfast at Luci was a highlight. The restaurant itself is beautiful—vaulted ceilings, geometric tiles, grand white columns. It’s housed in what used to be an old banking hall, and you can still feel that history in the bones of the space. The buffet was fresh and well-stocked, though I did find it odd that barista-made coffee came at an extra cost. It’s not something I expect at this level, especially not at breakfast.
Dinner at Luci was polished. Not mind-blowing, but very solid. The presentation was elegant, the service professional, and the duck breast was my standout. If you’re after classic flavours with a fancy twist, you’ll be happy here.
The Douglas Club – My Favourite Spot
Now this was the vibe. The Douglas Club is the hotel’s signature cocktail bar and hands down my favourite corner. Think rich velvet, dim lighting, and that speakeasy-meets-glamour feel. It’s the perfect spot to wind down with a cocktail before heading out—or skip the outing altogether.
The Executive Lounge & Facilities
If you’ve got access to the Queen Adelaide Lounge, it’s worth it. Quiet, refined, and with lovely afternoon drinks and canapés between 5 and 7pm. During the day, it’s a great space to work or just chill out with a coffee and a snack. The gym’s small but has everything you’d need—cardio machines, weights, even a rowing machine.
One thing missing? A pool. After spending time at Hilton on the Park years ago, where I loved lounging by the water, I sort of expected it here. Not a huge issue, but it would’ve taken the experience up a notch.
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Location Perfection
The hotel’s location is one of its biggest assets. You’re a five-minute walk from Bourke Street Mall, ten from Southern Cross, and the free city trams are just out the front. If you’re in Melbourne for a show, shopping, or the footy, you’re sorted. Even Marvel Stadium and Queen Vic Market are walkable.
Final Thoughts
Hilton Melbourne LQS feels grown-up. It’s elegant without being flashy, historic without feeling outdated, and relaxed without sacrificing style. Sure, there were a couple of bumps—some patchy housekeeping, a dark room, and no pool—but none of that outweighed the overall quality and atmosphere.
The hotel’s architectural charm, great location, and standout spaces like The Douglas Club made this a memorable stay. I’d come back in a heartbeat—especially for a cocktail in that bar.
