AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank – Hotel Review

Sitting in the Southbank skirt of Melbourne’s CBD, AC Hotel Melbourne South Bank may not be right in the thick of things but it still has perks aplenty. Most notably: a complimentary gin cart happy hour, heated infinity pool and comfy, well-equipped rooms, plus a very quick commute into the CBD. Read on for the full review.

The view from the hotel's sky high, high-tech rooms is a quiet tangle of freeways and sprinkle of skyscrapers and although the hotel's position just back from the city lends it a tranquility, it’s easy enough to quickly immerse yourself: Southbank promenade a flat 10-minute walk away and the CBD’s treasure trove of laneway eateries are all within reach with a 10-minute cab ride.

Where is AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank?

Just south of the CBD, the hotel stands alone on Normanby Road, just past the Yarra Tram Depot. It takes about 20 minutes by car to reach Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

What’s near AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank?

This end of town is close to the Convention Centre, Crown Casino and DFO South Wharf shopping mall and the Southbank pedestrian promenade begins about 10 minutes away on foot. It’s also in the heart of the Arts precinct, near Southbank and Malthouse theatres.

Room types

Layered in slate grey, the simple rooms are sleek and sharp, with black tapware and fixtures, with far-reaching views from generous floor-to-ceiling windows. In the white terrazzo bathrooms, (which are open to bedrooms in Superior suites), there are Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, Korres amenities and super-soft robes. Signature Suites also boast a full lounge area, dining area and spacious desk area in the window-framed corner (complete with binoculars, if procrastinating).

Restaurants and bars

The hotel’s lounge area, where an evening happy hour gin cart is wheeled through egg chairs and low slung couches, has a thoroughfare in Bar Triana, a simple long bar serving snacks and a gin-heavy cocktail menu. At the end of the passage is Sorolla, a Spanish tapas-inspired eatery with pleasingly mismatched plates and wonderful far-off city views. Paprika-sprinkled fries, striploin with chimichurri and macadamia-sprinkled sugarloaf cabbage are standouts.

Travel for work

The lobby’s lounge is a chic and relaxed space to fire off some emails, with lazy chairs and helpful proximity to the hotel bar, but all rooms have either a small dining table or desk (as well as wi-fi) for more private working. The small private media lounge (“Media Salon”) on level seven is ideal for meetings, while three event spaces cater for larger groups and conferences.

Gym and pool

Level six’s compact, heated infinity pool is a nice addition to the city fringe hotel. There’s an attached terrace with sun loungers that sweeps around the corner and collects at Bar de Buceo, a casual pool bar with cocktails and light bites on the menu. The sizable gym, a level below, has all the requisite machines and facilities, with the same impressive city views.

Accessibility

In addition to accessible common areas and rooms with standard features, the pool is also wheelchair friendly.

What you need to know

Hit the lobby between 5pm-7pm and you’ll be in the path of the rolling gin cart, featuring the house gin label and a range of mixers, from elderflower to Indian-style tonics.

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in Melbourne’s CBD