After a quick 20-minute taxi ride from the airport (about $45–$50 depending on traffic), we pulled up outside the InterContinental Melbourne. Sitting proudly on Collins Street, this heritage-listed beauty immediately made an impression.
The neo-Gothic architecture and soaring glass atrium had me reaching for my phone before we even walked in. Check-in was smooth-ish — polite but a little slow. It was the holidays, so I wasn’t too bothered. Still, first impressions matter.
The Junior Suite
We stayed in the Junior Suite, and it was just lovely. Spacious, stylish, and peaceful — like a quiet retreat above the city. The king bed was heavenly, and the bathroom had a big tub that definitely got used. It’s not ultra-modern, but it’s classy and calm in a way that feels grown-up. It had everything we needed and nothing we didn’t.
The Club Lounge: A Hidden Gem
One of the best parts of our stay was access to the Club Lounge. Breakfast here was more peaceful than the main restaurant, with both buffet and à la carte options. Afternoon tea was light but elegant, and evening drinks with canapés felt like a nice bonus.
Heads up: kids under 12 aren’t allowed during cocktail hour — fine for us, but something families might want to know.
The Architecture: Old-World Charm Meets Modern Ease
The hotel’s biggest wow factor? Its bones. The way they’ve merged two old buildings under a glass atrium is simply stunning. It has that rare kind of charm — historic but polished.
The indoor pool and gym are a nice touch, and while we didn’t try the spa (closed during Christmas), it looked inviting.
READ MORE: Hilton Melbourne LQS Review
The Not-So-Perfect Bits
Not everything was perfect. The main restaurant, Alluvial, was closed on Boxing Day — a letdown since we’d hoped for a relaxed dinner in. We ordered room service instead… the pizza was average, if we’re being generous. Also, a few areas of the hotel looked a little worn — nothing serious, just small things like scuffed hallways that stood out in a five-star setting.
Would I Stay Again?
Despite a few hiccups, we really enjoyed our stay. The Junior Suite felt like a little haven, the Club Lounge was a standout, and the architecture made the whole experience feel special.
It’s not flawless, but it is memorable — and that counts for a lot. Would I stay again? Absolutely. Just maybe skip the pizza and book your dinner plans early. Overall, I’d rate this hotel as 9 out of 10. It’s a fantastic experience, with a few minor drawbacks that didn’t overshadow the many positives.
READ MORE: InterContinental Sydney Hotel Review
