A fresher-faced stay on Melbourne's CBD hotel scene that is more than just the city's next big thing.
Melbourne loves hidden things, and Next Hotel Melbourne is one of the more recent additions to the city’s blink-and-you-miss-it ranks. This sleek 255-room bolthole has city-slicker good looks, courtesy of architecture, design and fit out from Woods Bagot, that wouldn’t look out of place in Tokyo, Hong Kong or New York City. Add a drawcard restaurant, moody drinking den and smart service for a stay that has you bidding farewell with a ‘Until next time’.
What’s the neighbourhood like?
Next Hotel sits in the ‘Paris’ or ‘top’ end of Melbourne, within the swanky 80 Collins precinct, which in a previous life was the city’s original horse bazaar. From the hotel, it is only a few well-heeled steps to the fine boutiques of Collins Street, as well as China Town, Spring Street and Parliament House.
Where am I sleeping?
My Next Level King (from A$569 for two nights) room is bedecked in mid-century fashion and comes with an outlook across the city plus a peek of the water near Docklands. If you have space in your budget, it may be worth booking Club rooms. These digs have better city views and access to the Next Club on Level 2.
Bose sound systems, Hunter Lab amenities and Dyson hairdryer round out my room's functional kit, and a minibar includes bottles from the hotel’s in-house barrel-ageing program. The room is generous in its proportions and guests here for longer stays have a good amount of storage to keep bigger pieces of luggage without any – figurative or literal – dirty laundry taking up floor space. A full-length well-lit mirror (rarer than you may think) is also appreciated.
My super king bed is wonderfully comfortable, and I’m only mildly disappointed the pillow is exactly to my liking – so I have no reason to order a new one from the pillow menu. In keeping with the hotel’s ‘the devil is in the details’ approach, it’s supremely helpful to see that all light switches are labelled; I naturally press all of them, experimenting with lighting design like I am a curator, and the room is my gallery.
What's on the menu?
La Madonna is the hotel’s spotlight-stealing restaurant, helmed by Paul Turner (ex Donovans and Cutler & Co), and located on the hotel’s third level. When it’s time for dinner though, I purposefully take the elevator to Level 2 just so I can swan up the marble sweeping staircase, passed a chandelier of golden chains, I eyed off at check in. Salt and vinegar zucchini fritto are hot, tasty and lip-smackingly good; ribbons of folded zucchini dunked in light batter and fried before being dusted with salt and vinegar powder. Pan-seared scallops come served in-shell, delicate and slightly sweet which makes a lovely contrast to an intensely savoury miso and chicken glaze. The almost jammy smoked fennel, on the side of my swordfish steak, is excellent and I would happily buy it by the jar to spread on toast at home.
La Madonna Bar serves a good selection of snacks and small plates too – croquettes and topped fried polenta through steak frites and linguini primavera. There are also snacks to be had in the Next Club and aperitivo hour happens every day from 5pm – 7.30pm. On my visit to the club, a spread of cured meats and cheese, golden-fried calamari and fresh oysters were out. A well-stocked bar is at your pouring pleasure. There is a giant jar of chocolate freckles; I impress myself when I only take two.
Breakfast is also served in La Madonna; the hotel does away with a traditional buffet and offers a solid yet compact a la carte selection. I wolf down a flaky croissant with a delicious, spiced berry jam, and my long black is just how I like it – strong, hot and robust. There is coffee and pastries available to-go from Ingresso, the hotel’s pitstop cafe.
And how about drinks?
This is a hotel serious about its sips. It has its own barrel-ageing program, which is the first of its kind for any hotel in Australia. The spirits, cocktails and herbal liqueurs then feature in guest room minibars or cocktails served at La Madonna Bar, which shares level 3 with the restaurant. There are ample perches to choose from: a brown Chesterfield, lounge chair or at the bar all ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif, nightcap or knock off drink. Those truly dedicated to their drops can arrange an immersive experience in The Barrel Room to learn more about the program.
What are the extras like?
Guests have access to a 24/7 fitness centre; one of the most spacious inner city hotel gyms I have come across. There is a good range of equipment and ample floor space, a seemingly considered move that reinforces the hotel’s on-the-move clientele. Personal trainers are available.
What sets Next Hotel Melbourne apart?
From the lobby to the restaurant, Next Hotel feels cosier and more intimate than some other city stays, like it’s as much for Melburnians as it is guests.
Who will love Next Hotel Melbourne?
Travellers with a penchant for good drops, discreet designer details and stand-out service, who take their stays as the perfect middle-ground between the city hustle and urban hideaway.
The writer was a guest of the hotel.
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