The Royce Melbourne Review | Dream by Luxury Escapes

Melbourne loves a clever reinvention, and The Royce is one of its finest. Once a glittering 1920s car showroom, it now stands as a boutique hotel that swaps engine roar for glamour straight from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Step inside and the city’s cacophony fades, replaced by high ceilings, polished chrome and nods to the building’s origins. This hotel is a confident blend of past and present that makes a strong first impression that keeps delivering after check-in.

What’s the hotel like?

The Royce stands on St Kilda Road with the confidence of a grand dame freshly reborn. Renovated two years ago, the former Rolls-Royce showroom shines as if it has just rolled off the production line – every corner as polished as its namesake. Chrome accents and a polished gleam recall the famous car grilles without ever feeling kitsch.

We’re greeted by Sam upon pulling into the hotel guest/valet parking berth. There’s a car-shaped pin on his lapel, a small wink to the building’s heritage. Stanley also waits in the lobby to welcome us; he is the resident taxidermy peacock, surveying the scene with imperious calm. He’s not the only feathery fancy at the hotel: bird-print wallpaper reappears like a motif throughout the hotel.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

The location balances convenience with calm. St Kilda Road is just outside the CBD, but the centre of the city is only ten minutes’ away. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the National Gallery of Victoria are within walking distance, and Southbank’s dining scene is a quick tram ride away. More tram connections put South Melbourne, South Yarra and even Fitzroy within easy reach.

Where am I sleeping?

My favourite, slightly undignified, metric for judging a hotel’s calibre is the hallway carpet: the plusher it is, the harder the suitcase is to wheel. Reaching the door to our Boulevard Suite on the third floor took two hands and a little oomph, which bodes well.

The Suite itself delivers space and style in equal measure. A private hallway opens to a generous living area dressed in jewel tones and brushed gold accents. The bedroom has a king bed with what feels like a double mattress topper for extra cloud-like snoozing. Linens are crisp, storage is plentiful, and I entertain myself for a few minutes by becoming acquainted with the panel of buttons by the bedside (blackout blinds, gauzy shades, lighting on, lighting dimmed and so on). Our balcony looks out over St Kilda Road but soundproofing keeps the boulevard hum firmly outside and I only hear the dings of the tram in the wee hours of the morning.  

The bathroom is a highlight: marble surfaces, double basins, a freestanding bath and a rainfall shower with decent water pressure. Molton Brown toiletries and thick towels complete the picture. To my vapid delight there are mirrors everywhere for hair fixing and last-minute outfit checks before heading out.  

The Showroom Bar is the hotel’s social centre. A vast marble counter and velvet stools set the scene for mixed cocktails; classic recipes and signature riffs, like Charlie Chaplin Spritz (gin, apricot brandy, sparkling wine) and The Mac (dark rum, Mac liqueur, lemon juice, dark chocolate). The wine list is heavy on Victorian producers. Service was friendly, if not in a rush. 

Overseen by chef Pawan Dutta, the menu criss-crosses from Europe to Japan and is as extensive as it is diverse – bar snacks, entrees, mains, comfort dishes and even caviar options. Diners susceptible to menu indecision take note: it’s worth scouting options ahead of time. 

Our beef rib croquettes are a delicious bite, and hibachi-flamed ocean trout is blush pink atop a crisp-edged slice of housemade crumpet. There’s no shortage of truffle on the Wagyu toastie; it comes as a breaded patty, rich and soft between buttery pan-pressed bread. A tender octopus tentacle pairs well with punchy harissa, and my partner proclaims the seafood linguini – packed with baby squid, mussels, bottarga and prawn tartare – as one of the best he’s ever had. We skip the dining room for dessert, ordering it to our suite instead. Not a single crumb of my warm apple tart makes it onto the duvet as I eat cross-legged on the bed, robe and all.  

Breakfast is served in the light-filled Terrace, a conservatory-like space that could be in Paris. Cushioned rattan chairs, striped awnings and that bird wallpaper again create a gentle, bright atmosphere. On a blue-sky morning the outdoor patio is the obvious choice for brunch. The menu favours quality over quantity: eggs your way, seasonal fruit, French toast and pastries baked to order replace the usual buffet sprawl. 

Amenities are streamlined. A compact gym with modern equipment suits a quick workout. Valet parking is efficient; limited street parking is available for those willing to look. 

What sets The Royce apart?

Marble floors and a sweeping staircase hint at the building’s glamorous past, while velvet seating, brass detailing and warm lighting give it contemporary polish. The atmosphere is sophisticated but never stiff. 

Who will love The Royce?

Travellers who value design and comfort as much as location, this is a confident, finely tuned stay – every bit as smooth as a Rolls-Royce ride.

 The writer was a guest of the hotel.