As someone with an appreciation for the W brand, I didn’t think twice about taking advantage of this opportunity, and I was looking forward to checking out one of the newer additions to the W portfolio.
W Melbourne – Booking
I booked this stay using a Free Night Award worth 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which I topped up with an additional 12,000 Bonvoy points, for a total redemption cost of 47,000 points.
When redeeming points at this property, you can generally expect to pay 48,000–66,000 Bonvoy points per night.
On the other hand, cash rates fall within the range of $300–480 AUD ($200–320 USD, $260–420 CAD), but can climb to $ 700 AUD ($460 USD, $615 CAD) during periods of high demand.
Considering our valuation of Bonvoy points at 0.6 cents per point (USD) / 0.8 cents per point (CAD), the W Melbourne is an excellent candidate for redeeming a Free Night Award, especially if cash rates are high.
However, if you’re planning to book a cash rate at the W Melbourne, be sure to get in touch with an authorized travel advisor with access to Marriott Luminous , a preferred partner program that the W Melbourne participates in.
You’ll pay the same as the best available flexible rate, but you’ll benefit from a lot of extra perks, including a $100 (AUD) property credit, free breakfast for two at Lollo, a room upgrade (subject to availability), and more.
Book with Prince of Travel and Marriott Luminous
Book a hotel stay with Prince of Travel through Marriott Luminous and enjoy exclusive additional benefits at no cost to you, including:
Daily breakfast for two guests
Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
Welcome amenity
$100 (USD) property credit at select properties
Third, Fourth, or Fifth Night Free at select properties
Book W Melbourne
W Melbourne – Location
The W Melbourne is nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s central business district, situated on the vibrant and historic Flinders Lane. The hotel is well-situated within walking distance of many of Melbourne’s key attractions.
More Melbourne Hotels
Review: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Review: Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Review: Grand Hyatt Melbourne
The immediate vicinity of the W Melbourne is a lively artsy district, brimming with high-end shops, charming café, trendy bars, and a multitude of fashion studios and art galleries.
A short five-minute stroll east from the hotel brings you to the bustling cultural precinct of Federation Square, known for hosting various events, exhibitions, and festivals. Additionally, the National Gallery of Victoria is within a 10-minute walk from the W Melbourne.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens, just a leisurely 20-minute stroll from the W Melbourne.
Flinders Street Railway Station is just a five-minute stroll from the hotel. This iconic transportation hub grants access to Melbourne’s public transit network, making it easy to traverse the city and explore its neighbourhoods.
For those arriving or departing Melbourne, Tullamarine Airport is about 25 minutes away from the W by car.
W Melbourne – Check-in
The hotel sits directly on the corner of Flinders Lane and Market Street, housed within a sleek, modern glass structure. The façade draws inspiration from the spirit of New York, and appears as a contemporary arch when viewed from afar.
W Melbourne – Exterior
W Melbourne – Entrance
Upon my arrival at W Melbourne, I was greeted by a captivating porte-cochère, with an alluring and moody ambiance that unequivocally echoes the W brand.
W Melbourne – Entrance
W Melbourne – W logo
The hotel also has a vehicle entrance, which is brought to life by a uniquely designed set of LED lights. These lights weave a magical transformation of the hotel’s logo, seamlessly shifting from the letter “W” to an elegant “M”, symbolizing Melbourne.
W Melbourne – W display
W Melbourne – W display
W Melbourne – Vehicle entrance
Additionally, the lower and upper ground floors are connected by an interesting set of outdoor hallway-like spaces, reflecting the laneways that Melbourne is famous for.
W Melbourne – Outdoor laneways
Stepping inside, I found myself immersed in a fusion of W elements and creative flair. The space was dark with a vibrant kaleidoscope of colours, which came in the form of a soaring art installation above the reception desks, crafted by Melbourne artist Rus Kitchin.
W Melbourne – Check-in desks
W Melbourne – Check-in desks
Prior to checking in, I had confirmed a Suite Night Award into a Fantastic Suite. I had then been upgraded to a Marvelous Suite by “ suite-talking ” before my arrival.
However, there were some issues at check-in, and it turns out that I was given a Mega Room instead. I spoke to the associates, and after a bit of a wait, they happily returned me to a Fantastic Suite that I had originally been assigned.
I then headed over to the elevator lobby and made my way upstairs, taking note of the vibrant walls and graffiti-inspired light fixtures of the hotel’s elevator banks.
W Melbourne – Elevators
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite
The hallways leading to the guest rooms are in keeping with the rest of the hotel, in that they’re dark and dramatic with strategic lighting.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite doorway
As I entered the suite, I found a generously sized living room, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light. The interiors are playful, with many elements that reflect Melbourne.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite living room
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite living room
Nestled in the right-hand corner is a cozy seating area featuring a comfortable sofa and a chic coffee table. Positioned in front of the window, a sleek flat-screen TV is mounted on a pole, for entertainment with a view.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite living room
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite seating area
On the wall, playful interiors continue to impress. A fairy wren, a bird native to Australia, is “peeling back the layers” of fabric to reveal a colourful Melbourne scene – a graphic that pays homage to Melbourne’s multilayered identity.
Nearby, a well-stocked minibar plays host to the W’s signature Mix Bar and newsstand-inspired pantry. The bar includes a cocktail station complete with all the essential tools and a selection of liquor.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite minibar
Additionally, this area is home to a Nespresso machine, while below lie drawers stocked with an array of refreshing beverages, snacks, and Nespresso pods.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite pantry
To the left of the living area, a tasteful table and two comfortable chairs await those in need of a workspace or a spot to enjoy a quiet moment.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite table & armchairs
As you enter the bedroom, you’re greeted by a funky plaid carpet that adds a touch of personality to the space.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite bedroom
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite bedroom
The central focus is the king bed, where typically, a throw pillow on the bed signifies something special about the hotel’s location. Instead, the W Melbourne provides a decorative helmet, designed to evoke the spirit of bushranger Ned Kelly.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite bed
A flat-screen TV and floor-to-ceiling windows offer direct views into nearby office buildings.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite view
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite view
A small closet in the left-hand corner of the bedroom provides ample space for storage, along with a charming inscription on the wall.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite closet
The bathroom is lengthy and makes a striking impression with its opulent marble walls and floors. A novel oval double vanity is beautifully illuminated with LED lights around its edges.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite bathroom
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite dual vanity
The bathroom is outfitted with a generous walk-in shower, featuring both a rain showerhead and a handheld option, as well as a deep soaker bathtub.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite shower
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite bathtub
In a unique arrangement, a smart toilet is placed within its own separate enclosure, which is oddly shared between the powder room and the main bathroom.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite toilet
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite powder room
Lastly, the suite is equipped with a high-tech tablet mounted on the wall, allowing for the fine-tuning of lighting and temperature in both the living room and bedroom.
W Melbourne – Fantastic Suite tablet
All in all, the suite left me with a positive impression with its chic and tasteful décor, brimming with authentic Melbourne touches. The room layout was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of room to move around and relax comfortably.
W Melbourne – Wonderful Room
During my stay, I had the opportunity to tour some other room types at the hotel.
The Wonderful Room at the W Melbourne is a base-level accommodation option offering 398 square feet of space, which is slightly more generous than the base-level Cozy Rooms in the hotel.
The interior design of the Wonderful Room is eclectic and funky, reminiscent of the stylish Fantastic Suite.
W Melbourne – Wonderful Room bedroom
Inside the room, you’ll find a comfortable king bed, a cozy corner armchair, and the iconic W Mix Bar, featuring a Nespresso coffee maker and pantry. A flat-screen TV adorns the opposite wall for entertainment.
W Melbourne – Wonderful Room bed
W Melbourne – Wonderful Room seating area
