My friend texts me asking where I’m staying the night. “Mövenpick,” I reply. “Isn’t that an ice-cream brand?” they reply. And they’re right. Although many associate the Swiss company with scoops of creamy, icy goodness, Mövenpick actually began as a restaurant in 1948. The standalone ice-cream brand came next in the 1960s, before Swiss hotelier Ueli Prager opened two hotels near Zürich in 1973. The rest, as they say, is history. In 2018, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts was acquired by Accor, and these days there are more than 80 hotels dotted across Australia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia – including the one I’m at right now: Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer. And you know what? The hotel – just like the ice cream – slaps. (Love you, pistachio.)
Why stay at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne was the second property to open in Australia when it first welcomed guests in June 2021, following Mövenpick Hotel Hobart. Situated within the six-level podium of Melbourne's Premier Tower at the corner of Spencer and Bourke Streets (and just across the street from Southern Cross Station) Mövenpick is an ace place to stay for those keen on exploring the city and beyond. Sports fans will be pleased to know it’s also 500 metres away from Marvel Stadium. Plus, the stylish hotel is home to a 24-hour gym, glistening pool, modern Asian-inspired restaurant Miss Mi, and perhaps the best thing of all: a daily complimentary chocolate hour. How sweet’s that?
What are the rooms like at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is home to 172 rooms and suites, spanning the classic king room to the family suite. You can forget about boring, sand-coloured rooms. Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is all about quirk and personality. Tonight, I’m staying in the superior suite with a king-sized bed; the space accentuated with sea-green carpet, rust and deep purple pillows, and a velvet forest-green couch lit up by dappled sunlight. Spacious is an understatement – I reckon you could fit about 20 people in here and still have room for activities. And even though I’m in the hustle and bustle, the room is quiet and peaceful.
My favourite thing, though, is the bathroom, which features a massive free-standing tub coupled with a small table – perfect for a soak with a bottle of vino. If baths aren't really your thing, each bathroom also comes with a rain shower stocked with Yuni Beauty products. Plus, you can expect white robes, good-quality linen, a massive flat-screen TV, blockout curtains, a Nespresso machine and more.
I’m also a fan of the hallways, which are filled with colourful works by local artists and photographers, like Steve Scalone and Sean McDonald.
Where can you eat at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
On the ground floor of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is where you’ll find modern Asian-inspired restaurant Miss Mi, which serves up flavours from Bangkok to Borneo in a light-filled space. The team makes its own sauces, spices, curries and sambals in-house, pairing them with produce from Victoria and around Australia. Menu highlights include charred kangaroo skewers with candlenut and coconut; chilli crab and prawn dumplings with sea vegetables and Yarra Valley caviar; beef rendang with cucumber and pickled shallots; and Panang curry featuring Moorabool Valley duck, lychee, longan and aromats. Miss Mi is open for dinner daily, and lunch Tuesday to Friday. Coming with your gang? Kids under 6 eat free, and those aged 7 to 12 can enjoy 50 per cent off the kids’ menu (or rather, their parents will). Head here in the morning for a buffet brekkie with all your favourite morning suspects.
Feel like just a snack and a drink? Take a seat at Miss Mi Bar and enjoy a holiday-coded cocktail featuring the flavours of Asia, like the Pandan Colada, made with pineapple rum, pineapple, pandan syrup, lime juice and coconut cream.
The lobby is also where guests can partake in the daily chocolate happy hour from 2 to 3pm. Indulge in the chef's complimentary chocolate-themed creations, with a rotating selection of treats. For serious sweet tooths, you can elevate your experience with a dessert from the café. The menu is loaded with options, such as a molten-centred chocolate fondant, light-as-air soufflé or brownie ice cream sandwich. Yum.
What is the service like at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
From my initial greeting at the hotel lobby to the warm welcome when I went to the bar for an afternoon Margarita, the staff at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne were friendly and happy to help.
Is there a pool and gym at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
On the second floor of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is where you’ll find all of the guest amenities, including a 25-metre swimming pool, a heated pool with jets, a sauna and a 24-hour gym. Bonus: the pool stays open until 10pm, making the Mövenpick one of the few hotels in Melbourne where guests can swim at night. Late-night laps, anyone?
What’s the area like around Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne is in the beating heart of Melbourne’s CBD, making it an ideal option if you’re visiting for work or play. The hotel is directly opposite Southern Cross Station, Melbourne's major transport hub, providing easy access to trains, trams and the SkyBus to Melbourne Airport. My tip? Chuck on some comfy shoes and explore Melbourne by foot (you can find out our favourite things to do here), including heading to Queen Victoria Market.
Why should you book a stay at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne?
Do you like chocolate, staying among the fun, and colourful, stylish rooms? Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne delivers all that and more.
Address: 160 Spencer St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Price per night: Prices start at $278 per night
Closest transport link: You’ll be staying right across from Southern Cross Station
Book now: You can book a stay at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne here.