The streetscape of Melbourne’s southern CBD fringe is historically a low-rise affair, however a 40-storey spike within the humble skyline marks the arrival of the brand new AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, which has opened in a flurry of paella and churros.
The clue to the Spanish connection is within the initials AC, which stands for Antonio Catalan, the Spanish hotelier who has been collaborating with Marriott since 2011. There at the moment are 210 AC by Marriott inns worldwide, with one other 122 within the pipeline.
That is the model’s first and, at this stage, solely Australian resort, with the catchphrase of ‘completely exact,’ promising all you need, nothing you do not want. Such a phrase may threaten austerity: what, no toothbrushes or tea luggage? However, in truth, the 205 visitor rooms are well-planned (with each brushes and luggage) and well-lit by wall-to-ceiling home windows looking over the Melbourne skyline, in a masculine, palette of fifty shades of gray.
Count on a slender infinity pool overhanging Montague Road, a sweeping resort bar with excessive stools pulled as much as the ready bartender and a resort restaurant led by chef Ryan Flaherty. The chef brings his years of expertise in Spanish meals heartland San Sebastian, in addition to a stint on the revered three-Michelin-starred El Bulli, which topped The World’s 50 Greatest Eating places checklist an unprecedented 5 instances.
The opening comes forward of the launch of its rival and neighbour, Oakwood Premier – actually on the opposite facet of Normanby Highway and in addition 40 storeys of blended use – which remains to be in comfortable opening. And it is sizzling on the heels of final November’s launch of the Marriott Docklands, a collaboration with the identical developer.
The Marriott, which has 4 Melbourne properties underneath varied manufacturers, has 9 extra openings slated for Australia within the subsequent 12 months, together with the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne.
AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank, 201 Normanby Highway. Rooms from $220 an evening. See achotelmelbournesouthbank.com
