This elegant hotel is bringing Art Deco glamour to the city.
There’s tough competition for hotels in Melbourne. The 2023 openings of The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne and the re-opening of The Royce solidified Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s best city for hotels, a status further strengthened by recent openings such as 1 Hotel and Hannah St Hotel. But The Royce’s convenient location, size and storied past put it in a unique position in the market.
I recently checked into the elegant stay, albeit with low expectations, but was pleased to find it was nothing short of immaculate. Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is The Royce?
The Royce sits on the edge of the CBD and South Yarra.
The Royce sits on St Kilda Road and is a perfect base for those wanting the city at their doorstep without the noise. Sitting on the edge of the CBD and South Yarra, it’s a short walk to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Albert Park and National Gallery of Victoria and iconic local eateries such as The Kettle Black and Brick Lane. The nearest tram stop sits conveniently opposite the hotel, taking travellers everywhere from Federation Square and the NGV to St Kilda Beach, without having to change lines.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is approximately 30-40 minute’s drive away, while Avalon Airport is 50 minutes away.
What is the style and character of The Royce?
The hotel exudes Art Deco glamour
A huge marble fireplace anchors the Showroom Bar.
When trying to encapsulate the glamorous Art Deco aesthetic and ambience, I feel it can be easy for venues to tip into looking a bit gimmicky. The Royce doesn’t have that problem.
The building, which was originally designed in 1928 by Art Deco architect Harry Norris, has a rich motor history that has been celebrated in both its name and design. Once the home of Rolls-Royce in Melbourne, the now accommodation received a refresh by renowned design firm SJB, which they completed in 2023.
The hotel’s latest iteration pays homage to its Art Deco heritage and the prestigious showroom via tiered chandeliers, a huge marble fireplace, a sweeping staircase, chrome ballroom panels, the loft mechanic workshops and the illuminated porte-cochère. The six two-storey lofts also feature the original cornicing from the Royce mechanic workshop.
A palette of grey, royal blue and deep plum sets an elegant tone against white Italian Carrara marble and chrome accents. Botanical and bird-print wallpaper across the dining spaces and rooms adds character.
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AI Prompt
What are the rooms like at The Royce?
The elegant Boulevard Suite.
The Boulevard Suite features a separate living area.
Relax in the freestanding bath,
The King room opens up to lush views.
The Royce Suite's luxe living area.
Loft suites are spread across two storeys.
There are 94 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites at The Royce, which range from intimate King Rooms to the ultra-luxe The Royce Suite. I’m staying in a Boulevard Suite, which features a separate living room and balcony. It’s spacious, impeccably presented and feels more high-end apartmentthan hotel room. Some details I appreciate are the plush robe and bed, large bath and Dyson hair dryer. A trio of sweets on arrival and Molton Brown products in the bathroom make this room feel even more considered.
What facilities does The Royce have?
Indulge in a lavish breakfast at The Terrace.
The gap in this 5-star stay is the lack of swimming pool or spa. There is a gym fitted with state of the art equipments, as well as a library and ballroom (how fitting) available for private events. On-site dining venues Showroom Bar and The Terrace make for a delightful offering.
What is the dining like at The Royce?
Indulge in elevated bites and cocktails.
Tuck into smoked beef tartare.
A beautifully plated dessert at The Royce Melbourne.
Melbourne is widely regarded as the foodie capital of Australia, so staying in to eat might feel sacrilegious, but The Royce has fantastic food offerings I recommend considering. For starters, Executive Chef Pawan Dutta of onsite Showroom Bar was crowned Chef of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence. His menu covers bar snacks, entrées, mains, comfort dishes, dessert and caviar options.
Tuck into indulgent dishes such as Moreton Bay bug with Brussels sprouts, purple potato, leeks, turnips, achiote oil, black bean aioli; hibachi grilled duck breast with confit leg croquette, liver parfait and port wine poached figs, Swiss chard and cherry jus; and Grand Cru Cuvée chocolate soufflé with bellini sorbet and gianduja.
For a post- or pre-dinner tipple, unwind in a sink-in club chair next to the fireplace and work your way through the cocktail menu of signature and classic drinks like the ‘Berries in the City’ with strawberry-infused JJ Whitley vodka, Pierre Ferrand, cranberry, lime and gin aged orange bitters and the Negroni with Whitley gin, Campari and Unico yuzu sweet vermouth.
A continental buffet on weekdays and a full buffet on weekends is served in leafy The Terrace.
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Does The Royce have access for guests with disabilities?
The Royce King Accessible rooms feature accessible-friendly design features such as automated doors, handrails, extra space and assistance.
Is The Royce family-friendly?
The Royce caters for discerning travellers.
The Royce doesn’t position itself as a family-oriented hotel, and its opulent atmosphere feels more in line with business, solo travellers and couples.
The details
Best for: Business travellers and those looking for a bit of indulgence.
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.
There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.
The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.
From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.
1. Warburton
Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.
The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.
If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.
2. Yarra Glen
Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.
A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.
Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.
If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.
3. Healesville
Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.
To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.
Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.
4. Olinda
Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.
The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.
The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.
Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.
5. Emerald
Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.
You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.
The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.
