Rydges Melbourne

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Rydges Melbourne on Exhibition Street – you know, right in the heart of the CBD, where the trams rattle by every few minutes and the air smells like fresh coffee from those hidden laneway spots. It’s at 186 Exhibition, smack dab between Little Bourke and Lonsdale, so if you’re coming from the airport via the Tullamarine Freeway, it’s an easy 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic (which, honestly, can be a nightmare during rush hour). I arrived mid-afternoon in spring, when the jacaranda trees are blooming purple all over the city, and check-in was a breeze – the staff were chatty Aussies who tossed in tips about dodging the crowds at nearby Chinatown for dumplings. No long waits or stuffy formalities; they even upgraded my room without me asking because I’d mentioned it was my first time back in Melbourne post-lockdown. The lobby’s got this modern vibe with plush couches and a faint scent of eucalyptus from the diffusers – sort of calming after the bustle outside.

What really won me over, though, was how the place balances city energy with actual comfort. My room on the higher floors overlooked the skyline toward the Yarra River – well, glimpses of it anyway, through the mix of old Victorian buildings and shiny high-rises. The bed was ridiculously soft, like sinking into a cloud after trekking around Federation Square or catching a show at the nearby Princess Theatre (just a five-minute stroll down the street). There’s a rooftop pool that’s a godsend in summer – I mean, dipping in while watching the sunset over the city? Priceless, especially since it’s heated for those cooler evenings. Breakfast at their in-house restaurant, Locanda, was solid with fresh avo on toast and decent coffee, though it gets packed around 8 AM on weekdays with business folks rushing off to Collins Street meetings. Oh, and parking’s available onsite for about $40 a night, which is steep but beats circling the block forever – trust me, Exhibition Street isn’t forgiving for street spots. One minor gripe: the street noise filters in a bit if you’re a light sleeper, but the double-glazed windows help, and earplugs are in the amenity kit if needed. I wandered out to Queen Victoria Market one morning (a quick 10-minute walk up Elizabeth Street), grabbed some fresh produce, and felt like a local – that’s the beauty of this spot; it’s embedded in the real Melbourne rhythm without feeling touristy.

All in all, if you’re after a 4.5-star stay that’s got that effortless Aussie charm and a killer location for exploring – think easy access to the free tram zone or hopping on a bike share to the Botanic Gardens – Rydges is a smart pick. It’s not flawless (breakfast portions could be bigger for the price), but with an 8.9 rating, it’s earned its stripes. I left feeling recharged, already plotting my next visit – maybe during the Australian Open when the city’s buzzing even more. You’d be hard-pressed to find better value in this part of town, especially if you’re mixing work trips with some leisure downtime.

Rooms

• King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Twin Room with 2 single beds for 2 adults, 1 child
• Superior King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Accessible Suite with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Corner King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Corner King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Twin King Suite with 2 extra-large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Apartment with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Amanda from Australia (9/10)

  Rydges melbourne was absolutely gorgeous hotel with a warmth but modern feel. The room and lounge areas are comfy and inviting. The buffet breakfast was amazing too. The location is exceptional, especially if you wanting to go to a show as only a 5 minute walk from the theaters.

• Simone from Australia (9/10)

  Very easy check in, spacious room, very clean, modern rooms.

• Mizuki from Australia (9/10)

  Beautiful and well maintained

• Gavin from Australia (9/10)

  Perfect hotel, very comfortable beds…

• Patra from Australia (9/10)

  Great location, close to free tram network, Woollies Metro, 24/7 room service

• Cath from New Zealand (9/10)

  Location fantastic, Hotel amenities modern, stylish and comfortable. Staff excellent, Self check in easy with plenty of staff around to assist, Hotel bar/restaurant very good, Room service was good too, Requests for additional tea/coffee met with speedy response. We had a corner King Suite and it was spacious and comfortable. We were there for the Grand Prix so price was peak – but all hotels in Melbourne increase pricing for this weekend. Bed comfortable and I have read prior reviews mention uncomfortable pillows. We didnt find this the case. Highly recommend this hotel and would most definitely stay again.

• Harish from Australia (9/10)

  Everything!

• Robert from Australia (9/10)

  GREAT LOCATION , GREAT STAFF , AND ROOM WAS FANTASTIC

• Shannon from Australia (9/10)

  Very central, well presented and clean

• Kelly from Australia (8/10)

  Great location, lovely beds and the best bathroom! It was huge, great for a family of 4 .

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities