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I’ve spent plenty of time in Melbourne, but somehow I’d never noticed Timothy Lane, a tiny pedestrian-only laneway tucked just off Lonsdale Street. This is where I found voco Melbourne Central, and stepping through its doors felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem.
There are plenty of hotels in Melbourne’s CBD, but the service at voco feels different – less like I’m checking into a room and more like I’m being welcomed by someone who intimately knows the hotel and the neighbourhood and wants you to enjoy it, too.
This is where the concept of the ‘voco Host’ comes in: a team member who knows the hotel, knows the city and can point guests towards experiences that are genuinely worth their time. It’s a nice idea, particularly in a city like Melbourne, where knowing which laneway to wander down or where to settle in for a drink can make all the difference.
This hotel, voco Melbourne Central, is one of eight voco hotels across Australia and New Zealand, including some fresh additions, voco Darwin Suites and voco Queenstown, plus Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Hunter Valley, Gosford and Auckland.
When I head up to my room, I’m greeted with some welcome treats, in a room with plush bedding, a CBD view, and an incredible free-standing bath with luxe toiletries. (The hotel’s ‘Come on in’ philosophy is all about making guests feel comfortable from the outset, with thoughtful touches.)
It’s a big, 37sqm ‘Premium Room’ with king bed, which is on a high floor, features 180-degree city views – even better, the windows open so you can get fresh air! Every room at this hotel has a view, because all rooms occupy the upper floors of the high-rise – levels 18 to 26.
I’d happily just plant myself here, but I really should head out and enjoy the city – the hotel is based in between Lonsdale Street and Little Lonsdale Street, right near the restaurant-lined Hardware Lane, Bourke Street Mall and Emporium – and, of course, Melbourne Central is very close by.
After a wander through street art-filled laneways and a drink at Kirk’s Wine Bar on Hardware Lane, I head back to the hotel restaurant, Blacksmith Bar & Grill, for dinner. The level-seven restaurant is elegantly designed, with an outdoor terrace that looks out over Melbourne. It specialises in steak as well as a range of modern Australian-style dishes. (We loved the ricotta-stuffed garlic bread.)
The venue serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it's also somewhere to settle in for a cocktail or a drink on the terrace, whether you're easing into the evening or looking for a central place to meet before heading out into the city.
The ‘voco life’ philosophy is about these social moments: the places where guests want to spend time, share a meal or discover a good drink.
After dinner, I head back upstairs to a robe, some slippers – and that bath. Another voco focus: ‘Me time’. It's a good reminder that sometimes the best part of a city break is having permission to do nada.
Next morning, I’m feeling rejuvenated after a great sleep – and a good brew from the in-room coffee machine – so I head down to the fitness centre for a wellness-focused start to the day. And, next, to the heated plunge pool, which is on the outdoor terrace, overlooking the city skyline.
voco is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, which is IHG’s fastest growing premium brand, with almost 150 open hotels across the globe. Despite being part of a big, global network, each property has its own character, and voco Melbourne feels very Melbourne.
Character comes through in the tucked-away laneway entrance, the elevated city views, the elegant furnishings and the easy access to Melbourne’s dining and shopping precincts. But the broader idea around voco is that, wherever you check in, you can expect a thoughtful welcoming, plenty of opportunities to unwind, and spaces designed to make you want to stay in as well as go out.
Find out more about or book voco Melbourne Central here or other voco Hotels over here.
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