Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands is one of Melbourne’s most impressive five-star hotels, a fact that’s hard to miss when you take in the luxurious, ultra-modern facilities. The hotel is located just outside the CBD and a short walk from Marvel Stadium, making it the perfect central (but not too central) launching pad for your next staycation. Although, with so much to experience inside the hotel, you’d be forgiven for staying indoors. Here’s how to have a fabulous staycation at Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands.
The secret to a relaxing staycation is staying in the Goldilocks zone – a hotel close enough to enjoy the best of the city’s food, culture and activities, yet far enough away for peace and quiet at the end of the day. At Marriott Docklands, you’re still close enough to utilise the city’s free tram zone, or the hotel’s Audi house car that will drop you door to door.
When it comes to five-star hotels in Melbourne, Marriott Docklands certainly stands out from the crowd. Why? The 28-metre outdoor infinity pool on the fifteenth floor does the trick. If you’re planning a winter stay, fear not, because this expansive pool is heated to a blissful 28 degrees all year round. Wade through the shallows enjoying the expansive view of the city, Port Phillip Bay and the Bolte Bridge, or wind down with a stint in the jacuzzi or sauna.
With four restaurants and bars and an impressive café, Marriott Docklands is a culinary paradise. For a romantic evening dinner, you can’t go wrong with Archer’s Restaurant. Ride down to the ground floor and slide into a booth under the grand vaulted ceiling, before you peruse the sophisticated yet approachable menu from executive chef Ryan Flaherty.
The baby snapper fillet with confit fennel salad is a chef’s recommendation, as is the delicate Mayura Station Wagyu beef, shaved paper thin and topped with freshly grated parmesan and 10-year aged balsamic vinegar at your table.
When the morning rolls around it’s time to warm up from the inside out with a local St. Ali coffee at Corsia Laneway Café. They also serve up classic pastries, handmade cakes and Italian breads in a space inspired by Melbourne’s famous back streets. Come for the espresso and stay for the baby banana loaf with whipped maple butter. If you’re lucky, you might even get your hands on the first lemon curd tart of the day. Alternatively, pay a visit to the elevated full buffet breakfast and load up your plate with a constellation of delicious dishes.
Venture into the lobby and you’ll find an old-world cocktail haven named after London’s first female mixologist, Ada Colemen. Ada’s Cocktail Bar is a hive of activity from day to night, with classic cocktails, local Victorian whiskies and an extensive non-alcoholic range. Whether you’re craving a creative bar snack or a drink that’s not on the menu, the expert bartenders have you covered.
For a true urban resort experience, you can’t go past Sunset House. This sky-high cocktail bar is the perfect place to – you guessed it – watch the sunset. Enjoy the panoramic views with an Italian Spritz in hand as you make friends with other staycationers.
Be sure to make time for a stop at the complimentary nightly Whisky Cart. This cheeky pitstop showcases top-notch local distilleries including Timboon Distillery, Morris Whisky and Chief’s Son. Whisky lovers should also keep their eyes out for Archer’s next Whisky Dinner, but you’d best be quick because they tend to sell out.
Crisp white linen, a plush signature bed and water views? It’s the stuff of dreams, and you’ll be having a lot of those in one of Marriott Docklands’ ultra-comfortable rooms. Breakfast in bed is the cherry on top, if you so desire.
Return to your elegant room at the tail end of the day to unwind with a glass of Champagne and a warm bath. When you’re done, you can Netflix and chill to your heart’s content with the easy to use in-room Chromecast.
Elevate your experience with access to a private lounge serving complimentary drinks, canapés and daily gourmet buffet breakfast. Marriott Docklands is home to Australia’s first M Club members lounge, for Platinum and Titanium Marriott Bonvoy Members and guests who book an M Club Room. This luxe upgrade is great for those who love to stay in style – you’ll even get VIP check-in and check-out to make your experience even more seamless.