Oakwood Premier Melbourne – Hotel Review

Every room in this $150 million, 40-storey hotel has a view, whether it’s down onto the Yarra River, across to the bright lights of the city skyline or beyond to the serenity of Port Phillip Bay. One of Melbourne’s best hotels for business travellers and executives looking for a longer-term stay, the Oakwood Premier Melbourne is also a good option for families, offering a mix of hotel rooms and serviced apartments. Read on for the full review.

Design enthusiasts will appreciate the striking chandeliers in the lobby, created by Mika Utzon Popov, grandson of Sydney Opera House architect Jorn Utzon, while those in the know head straight for the rooftop and the 360-degree views of the appropriately named Sky Bar.

Where is Oakwood Premier Melbourne?

It’s close to the CBD but its location in Southbank means that the restaurants and bars of Docklands are on its doorstep and the Melbourne Convention Centre is just a five-minute walk away.

What’s near Oakwood Premier Melbourne?

You can be in the city and its laneways of restaurants, bars and graffiti in 15 minutes if you catch a cab. And a 15-minute stroll will take you to the beloved South Melbourne Market, the oldest continually running market that features more than 150 stalls selling everything from artisan cheese to independent fashion.

Room types

It’s a hotel but not as you know it. Yes, there are luxurious hotel rooms but most of the property’s 392 rooms are serviced apartments, offering studio, one and two bedroom options, all with fully equipped kitchens. Book a room on floors 36 to 39 and you’ll get access to the Executive Lounge, as well as canapes and beer, wine and selected cocktails.

Restaurants and bars

Fifth is a light, bright restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows to catch those incredible views. Breakfast can be as light (fruit and pastries) or as decadent (coconut buttermilk pancakes with finger lime syrup) as you desire. For a Big Night Out, head to the rooftop – on level 40 – for the glittering views at Strato (the fine-dining degustation restaurant) and Sky Bar (the cocktail bar where it’s a crime not to order the Sky High Martini).

Travel for work

There’s a roomy desky in the rooms but if you want to get a bit more atmosphere, the Hub is a co-working space that is available for guests (and clued-in locals) to use. There are five meeting spaces, including a boardroom for 14 with a private outdoor area, and the Southbank Ballroom seats 80 for events.

Spa, gym and pool

At 170 square metres, the fitness centre is one of the biggest in the city. Want wellness of a different kind? The games room offers arcade games and a full-size snooker table. There are outdoor areas on levels five and six if it’s fresh air you’re craving.

Sustainability

An electronic car charging station is on site and there is a 23kW solar PV system on the property’s roof, which the hotel says will reduce its reliance on city grid electricity by between 10 and 15 per cent. Lifts have a “destination control system” to reduce energy.

Accessibility

The entrance, foyer and lift area are all accessible and many of the one-bedroom apartments have been specifically designed for wheelchairs.

What you need to know

Want to stay in? A mixologist will create a cocktail in your room as part of the “mobile bar experience”.  

SEE ALSO: The Best Hotels in Melbourne’s CBD