With new openings announced every other week, Melbourne’s hotel scene is on the up and up – and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. This month, COMO Hotels and Resorts – the family-owned hospitality group behind some of the world’s most elegant stays – has officially announced its east coast debut, with a brand-new hotel set to open on St Kilda Road in early 2028.
The yet-to-be-named property will occupy the first nine levels of the Carter Building, a landmark development by design-led property group Orchard Piper and its partner, the Carter Group. It marks COMO’s second Australian address, following the hugely successful COMO The Treasury in Perth, which opened in 2015 and has since earned a global reputation for its timeless design, award-winning restaurants and impeccable service. In fact, the Perth outpost was one of two Western Australian properties to be recognised in Michelin’s first Australian hotel guide, and was recently featured on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
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Founded 34 years ago by Singaporean businesswoman Christina Ong, COMO Hotels and Resorts is synonymous with refined, design-forward hospitality – exemplifying the “quiet luxury” trend before Succession made it cool. From a 12th-century castle in Tuscany (COMO Castello Del Nero) to a soon-to-open estate above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez (COMO Le Beauvallon), each property embodies the brand’s unique balance of meticulous service, holistic wellness and exceptional cuisine. And soon, Melbourne will get its own slice of the COMO experience.
“Melbourne is a city celebrated for its design, food and culture, making it the ideal destination for COMO Hotels and Resorts,” said CEO Olivier Jolivet.
The new hotel will feature 102 rooms, including custom-designed family suites, as well as a full-floor COMO Shambhala wellness centre – the brand’s globally acclaimed concept dedicated to mind-body alignment and fostering a sense of inner calm. Expect everything from restorative massages and rejuvenating facials to tailored wellness programs that blend modern science with time-honoured healing traditions.
Guests (and locals) will also be able to dine at COMO’s St Kilda Road restaurant, café and bar, where menus will celebrate the region’s seasonal produce and world-class approach to dining out. A state-of-the-art fitness centre, 20-metre indoor lap pool and thermal experience will complete the line-up of on-site luxuries.
Global design practice Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) – the people responsible for shaping many of the world’s most iconic hotels, including COMO’s own Perth flagship – have been tasked with the design of the hotel. For Melbourne, KHA has envisioned a bluestone façade that nods to the city’s architectural heritage, with interiors that channel serenity and sophistication.
“Partnering with COMO aligns perfectly with our vision to deliver a hotel that redefines Melbourne’s hospitality landscape,” said Orchard Piper Director Luke McKie. “Melbourne has seen an influx of new hotels in recent years, but few are in truly great locations. This property will mark a return to a more understated and timeless luxury – one that’s not influenced by trends.”
The sense of calm and craftsmanship will extend beyond hotel guests to include the 54 private residences within the Carter Building. Residents will enjoy access to COMO’s services and its global recognition program, Comoclub – bringing the brand’s signature hospitality home.
Construction is already underway, with doors expected to open in early 2028. You can learn more about the project here, and stay up to date via the Como Hotels website.
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