Marriott’s stylish Le Méridien brand is set to make its return to the Australian market with the opening of Le Méridien Melbourne in the first quarter of 2023.

The CBD hotel, located at 20 Bourke St, will feature 235 guestrooms and suites, a ground floor café and bar, restaurant, rooftop pool deck, and a dedicated meetings and events floor.

The property was originally built as a hotel in the 1850s and the site has since served as a theatre, cinema, nightclub, and live performance venue, thanks to its prime location in Melbourne’s theatre district.

Retaining its historical art deco façade, architects Peddle Thorp have paid tribute to the “contemporary local culture” and “mid-century modernism” in the design of this 12-storey building.

“With its premium CBD location, showpiece rooftop pool deck, and immersive arts and culinary programme, the property will continue the century-long legacy the site has held as an entertainment playground for Melburnians and visitors,” said Marriott International Area Vice President – Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Sean Hunt.

Described as having a distinctly European spirit, Melbourne is the “ideal home” for the Australian relaunch, according to Hunt.

“Le Méridien is a distinctive, one-of-a-kind brand with a very special origin story: it was founded by Air France in the 1960’s, with the first hotel opening in Paris in 1972, inspired by the glamorous era of air travel,” he told HM exclusively.  

“Known for its chic mid-century design and effervescent European flair, Le Méridien’s reintroduction to Australia marries the brand’s global DNA with Melbourne’s unique local culture. Celebrating French passions for art, culture, and cuisine, Le Méridien is beautifully aligned with the spirit of Melbourne: home to world-class art, coffee, dining, and fine wine.”

Peter Minatsis was appointed General Manager of Le Méridien Melbourne earlier this year and has been busy preparing for the opening.

“As a Paris-born brand, Le Méridien has a classic sensibility connected back to centuries of European hospitality yet also embraces a modern interpretation of guest service,” said Minatsis.

“We look forward to ‘drawing back the curtain’ on Melbourne’s glamourous new visitor offering this summer and connecting guests with the city’s rich history, art, and culture.”

Le Méridien Melbourne is Marriott Bonvoy’s tenth hotel in Melbourne, and follows the openings of W Melbourne, Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands, Courtyard by Marriott Flagstaff Gardens and AC by Marriott Melbourne Southbank over the last couple of years.