The Royce Hotel

Set along Melbourne’s grand St Kilda Road, The Royce Hotel begins with a story few hotels can claim. Built in 1928 as a Rolls Royce showroom, the building was conceived as a stage for objects of desire. That intention still shapes the experience today. The entrance unfolds with a sense of ceremony, ceilings rise generously, and spaces feel designed to present rather than simply accommodate.

The recent transformation understands this perfectly. Instead of overwriting the past, it amplifies it. Velvet seating, polished timber, and warm brass details sit comfortably within the original volumes, giving the interiors a club like atmosphere with a hint of theatre. At its best, particularly in the bar, the hotel feels composed and confident, a place where time slows without becoming static.

Rooms are refined and consistent, with marble bathrooms and a clear focus on comfort. They follow the tone of the building rather than redefining it, which means elegance over experimentation. Dining is polished and enjoyable, though it rarely pulls you away from the city’s stronger culinary scene.

The location works quietly in its favour. Positioned between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Southbank’s cultural axis, it offers space and calm while keeping Melbourne within easy reach.