The W Melbourne is one of a host of new Marriott hotels in the Victorian capital.

It has all the ingredients to be a great addition to the Melbourne accommodation scene and UCT was looking forward to our stay.

The hotel has great design features, a good location, and some groovy W elements.

Ultimately though the hotel is let down by the little things and UCT’s stay was disappointing.

Hotel 

The W Brisbane is housed within a spectacular Collins Arch mixed-use development that resembles a pair of trousers.

The lobby is small for a hotel of this standard and on the day of UCT’s arrival was subject to an unpleasant smell that seemed to come from outside the hotel.

Reception was friendly but not that efficient and seemed to take a long time to deal with the small number of guests.

The lobby leads into the lift bank which takes you up to the rooms and other amenities.

Location

The hotel is located on the business end of Collins Street which is being significantly revitalized by new developments that blend commercial, retail, and residential.

It is on a couple of tram routes, is a short walk to Flinders Street Station, and provides easy access to the delights of the centre of Melbourne.

High-end retail is close by if shopping takes your fancy.

Room

UCT stayed in a Fabulous Room which was a good size and felt modern and trendy.

The room presents in shades of charcoal with black and gold dominating the bathroom.

The room contained a king-sized bed and contained a small amount of storage.

The room contained two comfortable chairs around a small coffee table.

The room was fine but there were a few disappointments.

The bed in particular was dressed in linens that would be more at home at a Holiday Inn than a 5-star hotel.

The bathroom only has one sink and does not seem to have been designed with people in mind.

Food and Drink

The W has a good selection of restaurants and UCT got to try out two of the venues.

Lollo for breakfast presented beautifully but the food was disappointing.

Curious, the hotel’s underground cocktail bar, was a glorious experience with amazing decor and excellent signature cocktails.

Although UCT did not get an opportunity to try them, the hotel has a signature Japanese restaurant called Warabi and a deli-style cafe called Culprit.

Amenities

The hotel has a modern functional gym and a fantastic indoor swimming pool.

You can enjoy a cocktail and snacks at the pool.

Final Word

The W Melbourne should be a great hotel.

Luxury is all about the small details and sadly some of these small things are lacking at the W which detracts from the overall luxury experience.

UCT’s stay was fine but unmemorable because of the details the hotel missed.

The service was hit-and-miss and the breakfast at Lollo was middling.

The room looks great but low-quality sheets and a less-than-functional bathroom were some of the small items that detracted from the experience.

The W Melbourne should look to its sister property in Brisbane to learn what a truly great hotel experience is all about.

Review: W Brisbane

Guide: Marriott

Guide: Marriott Bonvoy

The post Review: W Melbourne appeared first on Upper Class Traveller.

Overview

The W Brisbane opened in 2018 and it immediately lifted the standard of hospitability in South East Queensland.

The hotel does everything well and is the best option in Brisbane at this price point.

The property is especially welcoming of Platinum or above Bonvoy members with upgrades, exceptional breakfast and free drinks and snacks every evening.

Hotel 

Marriott’s W brand can be a little hit-and-miss in UCTs experience, with some hotels feeling trendy, but cheap.

The W Brisbane is nothing like that always feeling beautifully constructed and luxurious.

The hotel feels special as soon as you arrive and the valets introduce you to the high levels of service you can expect when interacting with staff.

Check-in is friendly and for high level Bonvoy members very accommodating of their preferences.

Location

The hotel is located by Brisbane River on North Quay.

This is a great location for exploring Brisbane providing easy access to the shopping of the mall areas through to South Bank for an alfresco dinner.

Many rooms have great river views.

Room

UCT stayed in a River View Marvelous Suite.

This is the size of two normal rooms with a large bedroom with a separate large bathroom and then a large living area that also contains a powder room.

The room is massive, the size an apartment, and contains everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The bed is quality and the linens are befitting of a luxury property (take note W Melbourne which has very scratchy bedsheets).

The decor is trendy but still feels well put together.

The bathroom contains a huge double shower and double vanity, as well as a large bathtub.

Food and Drink

The hotel’s main restaurant is Three Blue Ducks.

UCT had the chance to sample breakfast which was excellent.

There is a buffet or ala carte selection with freshly made barista coffee.

The setting open air with views over the Brisbane River.

Three Blue Ducks also serves lunch and dinner.

You can also enjoy a drink and a small selection of meals at the Living Room bar on level one and the pool bar – or Wet Deck – in W parlance.

Amenities

The hotel has a modern functional gym and an outdoor pool.

You can enjoy a cocktail and snacks at the pool via the Wet Deck.

The hotel also hosts a signature W Away Spa which it describes as an urban oasis.

Final Word

UCT has stayed at the W Brisbane on many occasions and the hotel always delivers on its luxury promise.

Service is great and Marriott Bonvoy recognition is proactive and genuine.

This really is the best hospitality experience in Australia at this price point.

Guide: Marriott Bonvoy

Guide: Marriott

To book the W Brisbane click below.

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