You’re walking down Collins Street, the "Paris end" of Melbourne, and you see it. That massive, moody Victorian Gothic facade. It looks more like a set from a Sherlock Holmes flick than a place where you'd crash for the night. This is the InterContinental Melbourne An IHG Hotel, or as locals just call it, The Rialto.
Most people think this is just one big old building. It's actually a Frankenstein's monster of two separate 1891 landmarks—the Rialto and the Winfield—stitched together by a soaring glass atrium that wasn't even there until the 1980s. Honestly, if you’re staying here, you’re basically sleeping inside a piece of Melbourne’s Gold Rush history that almost got knocked down by developers who wanted more boring office space.
Why the Vibe Here is Different
Walking into the lobby isn't like walking into a modern Marriott or a sleek Hilton. It’s got this weirdly satisfying mix of exposed brick and cold bluestone cobbles. You’ve basically stepped into what used to be a delivery laneway for horse-drawn carts.
The atrium is the star. It stretches up nine stories, letting in this soft, diffused light that makes the whole place feel like an indoor city. It's kinda trippy. One side of the hotel used to be the Wool Exchange (the Winfield building), and the other was high-end offices (the Rialto).
The rooms? They’re tucked into the original wings. Because they’re heritage-listed, the layouts can be a bit... creative. You might get a room that feels like a cozy loft or one with a massive marble bathroom that seems bigger than the sleeping area. If you're looking for cookie-cutter, 45th-floor glass walls, go somewhere else. Here, it’s about the heavy drapes, the thick walls, and the feeling that the building has seen things.
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The Real Talk on Rooms
- Classic Rooms: Usually around 30 square meters. Decent for a solo business trip, but maybe a bit tight if you're traveling with three suitcases and a partner.
- The Junior Suites: This is where it gets good. You often get a view of the "Secret Laneway" filled with graffiti, which is peak Melbourne.
- Club InterContinental: If you can swing the upgrade, do it. The lounge isn't just for free coffee; the evening canapés and drinks are a legitimate meal replacement. Plus, sitting in those leather chairs makes you feel like a 19th-century tycoon planning a railway.
Eating Your Way Through the Atrium
Don't just order a club sandwich and call it a day. The InterContinental Melbourne An IHG Hotel is sitting on some of the best real estate for foodies.
Alluvial Restaurant is the one right under the glass roof. It’s where you get breakfast. They do this international buffet that’s actually worth the $48. They’ve got a "Greenspace Microfarm" on-site, so the herbs on your eggs were likely growing ten feet away from your table twenty minutes ago.
Then there’s Ronnie’s. It’s casual Italian. Think handmade pasta and a vibe that says "I'm here for a good time, not a long time." If you want something moodier, Bluestone Wine Lounge is tucked away in the shadows of the original brickwork. It’s perfect for a glass of Victorian Shiraz after a long flight.
And look, you’re right next to the Rialto Tower. That means Vue de monde is literally a thirty-second walk away. It’s one of the most famous restaurants in Australia. If you want to drop a few hundred bucks on a 55th-floor dinner that feels like art, that’s your spot.
What People Complain About
Let’s be real. No hotel is perfect. Because this place is old, some guests find the rooms a bit dark. Those Victorian windows weren't exactly designed for "floor-to-ceiling" light. Also, the rooftop pool is cool—it’s got great views—but it can get a bit chilly in the winter even though it’s heated.
Parking is also a nightmare. It’s expensive, and the CBD traffic around Collins and King Streets will make you want to pull your hair out. Use the trams. There’s a stop right outside.
The Rooftop and Wellness Situation
Most people forget there’s a whole wellness level. The Botanica Wellness Spa is legit. They use Elemis products and do these "spa journeys" that actually knock you out.
The gym is... okay. It’s functional. But if you're a hardcore lifter, it might feel a bit cramped. The real draw is the jacuzzi and sauna. There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting in a hot tub on a rooftop while watching the Melbourne rain hit the glass.
How to Actually Do The Rialto Right
If you're booking, here’s the insider track.
- Ask for a room in the Rialto Wing. It generally feels a bit more "grand" than the Winfield side.
- Join IHG One Rewards. Even the base level gets you free Wi-Fi, and they’re pretty good with late check-outs if they aren't slammed.
- Don't skip the "Secret Laneway" tour. The concierge can point you toward the best graffiti spots right behind the hotel.
- The Breakfast Move. If you aren't a big eater, skip the full buffet and just grab a pastry and coffee at Rosso Coffee on the Flinders Lane side. It’s way cheaper and the coffee is better (because it’s Melbourne).
Is it Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Yeah. But only if you like character. If you want a brand-new building where everything smells like "new car" and the elevators are made of LED screens, you might find it a bit dusty.
But if you like the idea of staying in a place that survived the 1890s depression, two world wars, and a bunch of developers trying to turn it into a parking lot, the InterContinental Melbourne An IHG Hotel is one of the few places left that actually feels like Melbourne.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the "Stay Longer, Pay Less" deals: IHG often has 3-night minimum stays that drop the price by 20%.
- Book a "Premium Room": These usually include the Club access, which pays for itself in cocktails and breakfast.
- Map out the 58 or 96 tram routes: These stop right outside and will take you to Southbank or the Casino in under five minutes.
Avoid the valet parking if you can. Park at a nearby public garage like Secure Parking on Flinders Lane to save about thirty bucks a day. You'll thank me later.