Imagery: IHG Hotels & Resorts
The new voco hotel is now welcoming its first guests in a central Melbourne location overlooking the skyline and surrounded by this city’s famous laneways.
The first new-build voco property in Australia, voco Melbourne Central is a part of the new 380 Melbourne skyscraper development.
Reflecting its location
The 252-room voco Melbourne Central is designed to represent the city through its striking architecture and intriguing interiors, which embrace the hospitality brand’s sustainable ‘tread lightly’ philosophy.
“We have taken the voco vision to interweave these hotels into the fabric of the city,” said the hotel’s general manager, Erik Stuebe. “We’ve really made that part of our DNA in everything we do at voco Melbourne Central.”
“From the moment our guests enter the striking Sky Lobby on the sixth floor, they will feel like they are in an exciting urban enclave. Not only will they experience amazing city skyline views from our floor-to-ceiling windows, but will also be surrounded by design pieces from local creators, as well as enjoying local produce and ingredients in our restaurant and bar.”
“This will be underpinned by the features that guests are looking for from a leading-edge city hotel such as seamless guest service technology – including fast and free Wi-Fi and state-of-the art Smart TVs – and hotel amenities such as a rooftop plunge pool and 24/7 gym. Having worked with hotel groups across the world, this property is a true original.”
A new social hub
The hotel’s 252 guest rooms and accompanying public areas were designed by Elenberg Fraser and Suede Interior Design to provide a refined but informal upscale experience. Smokey blues, dove greys and honey gold are paired with a multitude of textures and golden bird-cages representing the brand’s bird theme, which is also seen in the hotel’s artwork.
Lush landscaping is integrated into its design with plant life brought into the hotel’s public spaces through a partnership with local ecological garden specialist, Fytogreen. A herb garden adds to the greenery of the seventh-floor terrace.
Initiatives heightening the hotel’s sustainability range from highlighting local sourced ingredients and having an eco-friendly lighting system to using recycled linen for bedding.
Highlights of the new property include Blacksmith Brasserie & Bar, which pays homage to the hotel’s location at the former site of the 1800s Cobb & Co stables. Led by award-winning South Korean executive chef Ian Lee, the restaurant has an open kitchen and rotisserie for slow roasted specialities.
The restaurant overlooks an outdoor terrace and has seven-metre-high ceilings providing 180-degree views of the sky and rooftops, as well as an outdoor dining space and two private dining areas. The glamorous bar then overlooks the property’s pool terrace.
Events are hosted in event space across three floors encompassing a boardroom, flexible three-in-one space with breakout rooms and a pool terrace.
Voco combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand.
