Hotel Review: Shadow Play by Peppers, Southbank

When it comes to the age-old Sydney v Melbourne rivalry, I’ve always had my feet firmly fixed in Sydney’s camp. Being born and raised in Australia’s best city (sorry, Melburnians!) means that my loyalty has never wavered… until now.

What I’ve found is that where you lay your head at night can actually deeply impact the experience you have when you travel, because let me tell you – I’ve been to Melbourne at least 10 times, and I’ve never been quite so taken with it until my stay at Shadow Play by Peppers.

It probably sounds cheesy – okay, I know it does. But it’s true. Opened for the first time in April 2019, the hotel I’m branding Melbourne’s newest ‘edgy luxe’ hotel is still very much establishing itself – but you wouldn’t know it. It’s operating as though it’s as established and mysterious as one of the city’s famous hidden laneways. Okay, enough fan-girling; let’s get down to the nitty gritty.

Details

Shadow Play by Peppers, Southbank
308-320 City Rd, Southbank VIC

The rooms

You’d be forgiven for thinking Shadow Play by Peppers was more of a serviced apartment than a hotel in layout if it wasn’t for the major giveaway: the beds were made every day! We had a kitchen, but not just the standard sink, kettle and mini fridge – oh no. This one had a full-sized fringe, around 10 cupboards, microwave, coffee machine, as well as incredible lounge room and hallway – with more storage. It was better than my own apartment; I could have stayed for six months.

The beds were also super comfortable, and my request for a cot for my five-month-old was met with a smile and a timely assembly. The curved windows showed an impressive view of the bustling city streets below, and while the bathrooms were also modern and roomy – the real winner was the addition of a winter garden. The enclosed balcony space was the perfect area for a pre-dinner vino, minus the winter Melbourne chill.

The apartment style rooms make for optimum luxe living

Comfort and design – what more could you want?

The restaurant

Edwin. Woah. If you’re on the hunt for proper Victorian cuisine (and I get it, Melbourne isn’t short of a good spot to eat), then you can’t go past Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar. Like the hotel it belongs to, it’s still establishing itself, but it won’t need to for long. The menu featured only the best Victorian produce, minus the oysters – they were from Tassie – but don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone.

After going through the menu with our waiter, we settled on oysters drizzled with champagne melon and prosecco, burrata, zucchini flowers, kingfish dressed in passionfruit, charred cauliflower and slow-cooked melt-in-your-mouth lamb. It could well have been the most impressive meal I’ve devoured in at least a year – maybe even two.

The sommelier also presented us with an exclusive Victorian-focused wine list, and we sipped on what I can only describe as the finest riesling I’ve ever tasted. Then came the red… also ‘wow’! But I have to admit, by this point things were a little fuzzy. Smooth and delicious – but fuzzy.

The amenities

You might think Melbourne is no place for an outdoor pool, especially in winter. But it is at Shadow Play. Level nine features an outdoor lap pool heated to a comfortable swimming temperature, even in Melbourne’s infamous ‘four seasons in a day’. As long as you’re game enough to make the few steps from the pool to the sauna, it’s well worth going in for a dip. For those who aren’t, the state-of-the-art gym or sauna and steam room might be more your speed. They were certainly mine.

Level nine features an outdoor lap pool heated to a comfortable swimming temperature

The location and the staff

During our stay we visited The Crown, which was only a short seven-minute walk away. We even crossed the Yarra and headed into Bourke Street Mall. No need for public transport, everything you need is within a 20-minute walk; easy peasy.

If you didn’t take up the delicious buffet breakfast at Shadow Play, ST ALi South Melbourne is a five-minute stroll away. I know this, because as soon as I arrived at Shadow Play to check in, I was handed a list of staff picks in and out of the area, covering restaurants, shopping and cafes. It was the kind of welcome surprise that’s about 10,000 times more useful than a mint on your pillow.

Simplicity at its best

Delivering subdued decadence in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is a pragmatic choice for inner city relaxation and exploring.

Swiss culinary brand Mövenpick – yes, the ice-cream people – opened its Melbourne CBD hotel in 2021. Suited to city explorers, the four-star Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is a simple, stylish choice for groups or families looking to be near the action at Marvel Stadium, or within walking distance to the city’s buzzing culinary and events scene.

Location

the exterior of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is set in the heart of the CBD.

Melbourne’s CBD is well-known for having a ‘Paris end’ to its east, chock-full of luxury European fashion boutiques, and a ‘Docklands end’ to its west, which culminates in the city’s banking district, Southern Cross rail station and the impressive Marvel Stadium. Choosing to part from its European roots, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer is situated at the Docklands end.

Opened in late 2021 and housed in the glittering Premier Tower, it is ideal for guests who are visiting for events at Marvel, who plan to enjoy some city exploration, or who travel regionally by train or by public transport from Melbourne International Airport.

Accommodation that’s a 3-minute walk from rail and Skybus depots means you won’t lose any time caught in traffic. Plus, if you are in town for a Marvel sports game or iconic music experience at the stadium (Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey and Oasis are all slotted for upcoming concerts), being an 8-minute walk from the action means your journey home, or onto a late-night cocktail, is straightforward: No Uber queues or jam-packed trams.

Style & Character

a look inside the suite living area at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The rooms are tastefully furnished with plush seating.

Part of the Accor group, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer comes with the expected high-quality finishes of a 4-star hotel – plush velveteen seating, acoustic dampening in its rooms, sparkling water on tap, and lashings of space, so you can kick back and relax.

The curved building’s silhouette is famously inspired by Beyoncé’s silhouette and once inside, contemporary references continue. Rooms are bright and airy with warm brass tones, luxurious bedding and expanses of glass.

Individual hotel rooms are designed for relaxing rather than business (most don’t have a desk), instead being kitted out with a sofa, coffee table and all the amenities needed for some stay-in indulgence – great for families with kids, or trips with friends staying in neighbouring rooms.

Facilities

the daily chocolate hour at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Indulge in daily complimentary chocolates.

The stand-out difference between Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer and its local competition is the venue’s daily chocolate hour. Running from 2pm-3pm each day, the hotel’s cocktail bar is turned into a pop-up chocolaterie, offering complimentary bite-sized cakes, chocolates and nibbles for guests. Whether you have been busy sightseeing, shopping or exploring the nearby riverbank, it’s the perfect excuse to relax with a cuppa and a handful of Swiss chocolate-covered pretzels.

the outdoor heated lap pool at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Relax in the heated lap pool.

If you find yourself hitting the chocolate hour a little too frequently, the on-site gym, 25-metre lap pool and sauna are a convenient palate cleanser. Functional rather than luxurious, the facilities are perhaps the least luxurious area of the hotel. On a windy day, the partly open-air lap pool area can be briskly cool; however, the adjoining hot tub makes warming up a breeze

Rooms

a look inside the Deluxe King Room, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The Deluxe King Room offers a cosy place to retreat to in the CBD.

There are 172 rooms and suites at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer, ranging from family rooms, twin rooms and suites – most of which offer more room than the average city-centre hotel. All are equipped with coffee/tea making facilities, mini bars and robes.

Being in the heart of the CBD does mean noise, city lights and tramlines, so added details like heavy blackout curtains and soundproof glazing come in handy.

Food & Drink

dining at Onsite restaurant Miss Mi, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

Dine on upscale south-east Asian fare.

Onsite restaurant Miss Mi is the crown jewel of this hotel. Specialising in south-east Asian fare, the menu combines rich Indian and Malaysian flavours with fragrant Thai and Vietnamese influences.

Executive chef Migo Razon’s take on local favourites such as kingfish ceviche – dressed in lemongrass, fresh herbs, desert lime preserve and persimmon – and baked scallops topped with black bean, aromatics and lardo makes for an intriguingly successful twist.

food on the table at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer

The menu marries rich Asian flavours. (Image: Clare Acheson)

As for south-east Asian classics, the Filipino kaldereta beef short rib melts in the mouth. Beef rendang and Penang duck curry fill out the warming spice offerings, accompanied by the puffed phulka roti (don’t be surprised when it arrives like an inflated pastry soccer-ball, not a pancake!). The dessert offerings also take cues from Asia and includes a warm ube mochi, served with a rich caramelised ube compote, crispy pinipig toasted rice grains and paper-like white chocolate shards.

Our recommendation: Order the DIY sisig bao accompanied by the Miss Mi Thai bitters martini, especially if you are dining with friends. The twice-cooked pork comes served with a glistening egg yolk and several soft, fluffy bao, so you can each adjust your own chilli, mint and coriander to taste. As for the martini, it tastes like nothing else in Melbourne thanks to Miss Mi’s spirits collaboration with nearby gin producer Little Lon Distillery, delivering a citrusy, herbaceous kick.

It’s open weekdays for lunch and evening sittings, seven days a week.

Does Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer have access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, including accessible restaurant and cafe areas.

Is Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne On Spencer family-friendly?

Undoubtedly, yes.

With free ice-cream for the kids for the duration of their stay, a pool that’s big enough for them to splash in while you relax in the spa, and rooms that are designed for lounging and gaming, it’s a fantastic city spot for family trips.

The Details

Best for: Families, city visitors who want to be near the action at Marvel Stadium

Address: 160 Spencer St, Melbourne

Price: From $258 per night