Hotel Windsor Melbourne

Whilst I was in Melbourne recently, I stayed at the Hotel Windsor. The Hotel Windsor is a 5 star hotel and well known as one of Australia’s grand luxury hotels. Built in 1883 it has stunning victorian architecture with 180 rooms. The Hotel Windsor kindly upgraded me to a superior room. If you think this is spacious, you should see their multi-room suites!  The bed was really comfortable and I loved having a desk in my room – makes working holidays much more pleasant. The Hotel Windsor have a pillow menu (so many options!!) and I really recommend that you use it – I forgot to order my pillow the first two nights and the ones that are in the room are pretty ordinary.  I really loved the Hotel’s architecture but I think it would benefit from a new colour scheme. Being a heritage listed building however I daresay they are trying to (or have to) keep the old style patterns and colours. This is just a personal taste matter however.  The service was certainly 5 star, I was really impressed that the front desk always greeted me by name following my first introduction – kudos to Joe! 

This was the view from the marble bathroom. I loved that the windows were still a roll-out style. The bathrooms were always cleaned beautifully (which is a task when there are two girls and lots of makeup!) so thank you Hotel Windsor staff.
The complimentary bathroom toiletries had the most beautiful fragrance. Unfortunately, the floor of the bath had chipped and it was definitely time to upgrade the 1990’s style phone on the wall (too ugly for the blog).

What I did love was the detail on the ceiling, the paintings on the walls (which would be worth a small mint), the leather chairs and the hand crafted led light doors on some of the suites. 

This was the stunning view from the gym, just after the sun had risen. The gym has most things you need – weights and a few cardio machines (bike, stepper and two cross trainers). It could be improved by a treadmill, speakers with music, a TV that dates beyond a 1990 fat box, fresh coat of paint (preferably off white) and new flooring to give the gym a more crisp and inviting atmosphere. 

Across the road from the Hotel Windsor (pictured above) is the State Parliament (pictured below). 

Much of the interior is still as it was from 1883. Look at the tiles, led light, signs, architraves and the chandelier! It is refreshing to see such detail and colour in a hotel – it feels much more homely than the more modern hotels (see some of our pictures from Melbourne Hilton South Wharf).

The grand staircase lives up to its name. I felt as though I needed a ball gown to float down the stairs in. If you do have a formal event on this would be an excellent place to stay as there are lots of great nearby spots for photographs. The grand staircase, the foyer near the grand piano or in one of the many luxurious leather chairs; then across to the park and of course the stairs of Parliament House (below). 

I ordered room service as it was too late to go out anywhere on my own and I was so surprised with the quality of the food and service. I hadn’t had fish and chips in a long time! It was a lovely treat.

Mum flew in from Sydney and stayed a few days with me for some mother-daughter time. It was bliss! We ate out at lots of different places (including the famous Brunettis Cafe), went to Strictly Ballroom (a must see!! coming to Brisbane soon) and then went shopping. You can see more of our trip here on the Eat Pray Workout instagram.

Where is your favourite place to stay in Melbourne? Do you prefer grand old hotels or a more modern style?

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