When friends visit from out of town, one of the first areas I take them treasure hunting is Fitzroy. From cute retro secondhand shops and buzzing cafés to vibey artist markets, pubs and bars (midday pint at Black Cat, anyone?), the array of things to see and do in this vibrant suburb just screams Melbourne. And it’s only getting better thanks to the recent re-opening of iconic gig destination Punters Club and fun newcomers to the bar scene like Lola Belle and Enoteca Zingara – perfect reasons why global hotel brand the Standard couldn’t have picked a more energetic neighbourhood for its very first Aussie concept.
Beyond having the best of Fitzroy and the CBD on its doorstep, the StandardX also boasts plenty to love within its walls. As soon as you enter, you’re led through a bright red cocoon-like revolving door (one of the more interesting hotel entrances you’ll have the pleasure to walk through), and into a plant-filled foyer that playfully straddles the line between boho and industrial-chic.
It’s bougie, for sure, but still artsy enough to feel like it belongs to the Northside. The designers have taken inspiration from Fitzroy’s post-punk 'Little Band' scene of the late 1970s and early 1980s, paying homage to its music venues, street art and café culture – historic pulse points of this vibrant ’hood.
Onsite Thai restaurant Bang is a highlight, offering a relaxed share-style tasting menu of Thai-leaning fusion eats from breakfast to dinnertime. Think blue swimmer crab pa thong ko doughnuts, prawn har gao dumplings and a selection of grilled meats, salads and curries (plus the most addictive starter rice crackers, on the house).
Our som tum Thai papaya salad is a lot of fun, the juicy Skull Island king prawns served separately – the dressing’s spice level is not as hot as what you’d get in Thailand, but hot enough to fire up your taste buds. Warning: your hands will get messy!
The roti with banana and toasted coconut ice cream is a beautifully presented dessert to end your meal on a sweet note, and we were lucky that our server was kind enough to help us avoid over-ordering (the eternal challenge).
With its cosy fireplace and caramel leather couches, the hotel’s intimate cocktail lounge is a super romantic place on the ground floor to nestle with a loved one – but if you’re visiting the StandardX in the warmer months, you’ll want to hop in the lift and head up to the rooftop terrace instead.
This umbrella-shaded haven is an idyllic spot for sipping and snacking during happy hour, with a Mexican menu inspired by the flavours of Mexico City’s Mercado Medellin. You’re welcome to bring any cocktails you order downstairs up to the rooftop, but we recommend letting staff know beforehand. That way, you’ll avoid any awkward double-handling with the bill or room charge (whoopsies!).
The rooms are minimalistically designed, yet contain everything you need for your stay. A big, white king-sized bed is the perfect cloud to sink into after a long day out exploring, while a private bathroom, bathrobe hoodie, slippers, flat-screen TV, fridge, room service menu, Industry Beans coffee, Smeg kettle and Frank Green French press provide all the creature comforts for a luxurious sleep-in. The city views from our upper-storey Cozy King room were particularly lovely at dusk.
And when it’s time to check-out? You’ll be sad to say goodbye, but fortunately, there’s ‘the Box’, a unique gift shop that showcases a small selection of artisan goodies so you can take a piece of the StandardX home with you.
With friendly 24/7 service, loads of comfy spaces woven throughout and an unbeatable location just a short walk from the main strip, this brand new accommodation in Fitzroy is cool and fancy without being frosty – and best of all, utterly convenient.
Time Out tip:
Opt for a late dinner booking so that you can maximise your time spent on the rooftop at dusk beforehand. We arranged our evening the other way around, and the rooftop later at night is chillier and less busy.
Lauren Dinse stayed as a guest of the StandardX Fitzroy. Bookings can be made online at the website and rooms start at $229 per night.