Stunning transformation of iconic Rydges Melbourne
The transformation of landmark Melbourne hotel Rydges Melbourne is striking, featuring a full scale refit, local art, stylish design with warm and earthy tones, top notch facilities including a fitness studio and rooftop pool, stunning Bossley dining and bar, and large conference and event spaces. We were invited to enjoy a staycation at Rydges Melbourne and experience it's delights.
You feel refreshed just entering the foyer.
Part of my epic apartment accomodation.
Stylish foyer with a local touch.
Excellent Signature cocktails.
Having stayed at Rydges Melbourne during the pandemic I was impressed, but now with all the changes that have recently taken place to this heritage listed property, I'm frankly blown away.
At Rydges Melbourne reception desk queues are a thing of the past - we received a pre-arrival option to check in online (although friendly Rydges Hosts were on hand to make my check-in seamless). When I opened the door to my room I was wowed by the extensive well-appointed and stylish apartment. It was A grade to say the least, more than meeting my needs.
Exceptional Rooftop Pool with sweeping views.
View from my room.
In-hotel experiences include:
- Take a dip in the rooftop pool (such a stunning area to relax with breathtaking views)
- Head to the Fitness Studio (impressive with everything you need, particularly cardio)
- Stream your favourite show on your in-room TV (I must admit to watching some Ashes cricket)
- Take a nap on the Rydges DreamBed (sleep like a baby)
- Find a place to work in one of their many work zones throughout the lobby or in the comfort of your room (well appointed for the business traveller)
We were able to meet with hotel management and some of the design, food and architectural key players behind the transformation of this hotel. It was clearly a labor of love for those involved, and the results show.
Impressive Bossley.
There were a series of activations on our staycation to explore the hotel further, then it was time for the Official Launch Dinner - an incredibly special evening to mark the transformation and official opening of this iconic property in the spacious Centre Stage.
Highlights of the dinner included an elevated food and drinks offering of Duck parfait and Hiramasa Kingfish ceviche entrees, Gippsland eye fillet and Confit salmon mains, exceptional sides of Roasted potato and Charred broccolini, and first class desserts of Pina colada lamington and Chocolate textures. I can honestly say that the dinner exceeded expectations, in terms of quality, taste and presentation, and the hospitality of staff.
Dishes were paired with top notch local wines such as Hentley Farm, Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Tar & Roses, and Chalmers Wine (we welcome decent wines served with quality dishes).
Rydges Melbourne has taken a refreshingly local approach to the hotel experience in Australia’s biggest city.
We enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea in an apartment similar to the one I was staying in.
I was impressed by the hotel’s warm and welcoming style, excellent bar and dining offerings, first-class technology for a seamless online check-in and chic in-room streaming service, its world-class facilities and events spaces, and apartments that rival the best views in Melbourne.
Buffet breakfast at Bossley Restaurant & Bar was another highlight with both hot and cold buffet options, fresh pastries, and several healthy style offerings.
I concluded my staycation with lunch at Bossley Restaurant & Bar - Melbourne’s newest home for pre-theatre dining and sure to be a local favourite.
Once again I was highly impressed with the dishes including 350g Gippsland Ribe eye steak cooked to perfection with condiments. Starters were also epic with a smart and tasty Eye fillet tartare, Fried with garlic aioli, and Baby Octopus. The Bossley Snickers dessert is a must order.
Fabulous spaces on level 2.
What a transformation! Thank you to Karena, Anthony, Lee, and Charlotte and the whole Rydges team. Highly recommended.