This luxurious waterfront hotel started its life as a Hilton back in 2009, but eight years later, it was acquired and underwent a multi-million dollar face-lift by the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. After the nearly ten-month renovation, the hotel reopened its doors as the Pan Pacific Melbourne a fresh, maritime-themed interior to pay homage to its South Wharf location.
If you're looking to explore the city, this hotel's central location can't be beaten. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is just out front, and Crown Casino, the DFO, Melbourne Aquarium and Marvel Stadium are all just a 15 to 20-minute walk away. But be warned that it might be hard to peel yourself away from your room — each one has floor-to-ceiling windows offering unbeatable views of either the city, Port Philip Bay or the Yarra Valley. And if you're up early enough, you might be treated to a sunrise-painted sky full of Global Ballooning's hot air balloons.
All 396 spacious guest rooms have been updated with warm, earthy-toned carpets and paints and chic, walnut-wood furnishings like writing desks, bed frames and coffee tables. The result is modern amenities that still offer the grand, old-world charm that's usually only found at heritage hotels like the Westin, which has a nearly century-long pedigree. Choose between the deluxe or premier king rooms designed for two, family rooms fitted out with a queen bed and a twin bed, or the two-bedroom suites.
If you're keen on taking advantage of the Pacific Club privileges, you can splurge on one of the participating rooms, including the two awe-inducing panoramic suites. The top-floor corner suites offer wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows offering hands-down some of the best, uninterrupted views of any hotel in Melbourne. And with your exclusive privileges, you can enjoy breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening drinks and canapés at the Pacific Club Lounge on the fourth floor, on top of late check-out at 2pm.
Downstairs on the ground floor, you'll find Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen. This massive wood-panelled restaurant serves up Italian-inspired fare and, perhaps most impressively, the wine cellar is suspended above the bar and houses more than 500 wines. If you're the type who would pick a charcuterie board over a main, you'll be thrilled to learn that Dock 37 offers cheeses by That's Amore and a variety of salumi. Embark on a $55 per person salumi per due, a gastronomic journey of cured meats, cheeses, artisan pickles and toasted crostini. Otherwise, the menu also offers classic mains like pizzas, pastas and steaks.
Time Out tip: You'll never find anywhere to stay that's as close to the MCEC as the Pan Pacific, so you should definitely check to see what's on. Join in on expos related to everything from baking and drag queens to dogs and cats. And until the end of August 2022, you can also pop in to see the Lume's immersive Van Gogh exhibition,
Adena Maier stayed as a guest of the Pan Pacific Melbourne.