Hotel Review: Voco Melbourne Central in the heart of Melbourne

Are you looking to book a boutique hotel in the heart of Melbourne?

Read on to get all the insights on Voco Melbourne Central! At the end, you'll be able to decide if this hotel could be your hotel pick for your next trip to Australia's second biggest city.

Voco Hotels is a global hotel brand under the ownership of the InterContinental Hotels Group. Since its inception in 2018, Voco has successfully opened lifestyle properties across various countries, including the UK, Australia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

I have actually stayed at the Voco Gold Coast just after they opened, so I was curious to check out what the brand offers in Australia's hub for everything stylish and delicious.

I arrived in an Uber from Melbourne Airport (which takes about 30 minutes and costs A$50) just before the check-in time. Walking along the narrow laneway to the entrance of the building, I felt like I had truly arrived in Melbourne.

I found the bright reception on level 6 and was greeted by the typical Voco colours of deep blue and yellow, which made it feel familiar instantly.

The staff was friendly, the check-in was a breeze, and I opened the door to my room on the 20th floor in no time.

My stay: Standard King Room on the 20th Floor

Entering the King Room, I stood in the small hallway leading into the bedroom and a bathroom with a walk-in shower and separate toilet going off from there.

While the hallway was rather small and felt cramped at times with our luggage, the big bed and more spacious seating area by the window made up for it.

Overall, the room was bright, had a modern feel and luxe design, just like you would expect from a boutique hotel.

The views are definitely what made my entire stay extra special. From the 20th floor, you get a real bird's eye view of Melbourne City Centre, from both the bedroom and bathroom.

Being so high, there are no balconies, but the windows open to a decent slot to get some fresh air. Usually, when staying in a big hotel tower like this, I don't like that there is no way to get a breath of fresh air. Luckily, I travelled to Melbourne in the middle of winter, so I kept the windows mostly closed anyways.

Voco Melbourne Central Room Types & Facilities

At the Voco Melbourne Central, you can choose from Standard, Twin or King Rooms, as well as Premium Room options, some come with a tub. There are no larger rooms, so if you're planning on staying in Melbourne CBD as a family with smaller kids, this hotel might not be the best choice for you.

I also highly suggest booking on a higher floor to guarantee waking up to endless city views, it's just a great way to start the day!

You can check availability & room rates here.

There's a heated outdoor swimming pool located on the same floor as the restaurant and it has spectacular city views as well. I usually love working out and then doing a few laps in the morning, even when I travel. However, I didn't take a dip as the air was pretty crisp in early August (5 degrees, brrr).

But I can see how the infinity pool is an added bonus in summer for a quick drip after a day of exploring the city.

There is a small fitness center with a handful of machines too, which is just sufficient for a quick workout and despite small, it's better than not having a gym area at all.

Next door to the reception, you find a small hidden room that serves as a library. I liked the room with its wooden furnishings and warm lighting, it had more coffee-table-style books and overall, I probably wouldn't come and hang out here for long since the sofas in the reception seemed a little more comfortable.

The restaurant at Voco Melbourne Central

The Voco houses a restaurant called Blacksmith Bar & Grill, where we had a buffet-style breakfast every morning.

The selection was large, with a bread and pastry station, muesli, yogurt and fresh fruit as well as an egg station and waffles and, of course, a barista-made Melbourne coffee.

On Friday evening, we indulged in a delightful dinner at Blacksmith Bar & Grill. What I like about the restaurant are the expansive windows overlooking the twinkling city lights and in summer, you can sit out on the terrace, which would've been absolutely delightful if the temperatures had been warmer.

The attentive staff at the restaurant kept bringing out one fusion of flavours after the other and the dimmed lights and cozy ambiance made for real date night vibes over the rooftops of Melbourne.

Our culinary journey commenced with crafted cocktails and an array of starters, including the kingfish crudo, smoked duck breast salad, and tiger prawns which were my favourite. With the main course, our table was filled with succulent lamb shanks and a perfectly cooked rib eye fillet, complete with a glass of Pinot Noir, the restaurant's sommelier had suggested.

Accompanied by sides of grilled broccolini and honey-roasted carrots, the overall dinner experience at Blacksmith Bar & Grill was a perfect blend of atmosphere and gastronomic delight.

Voco Melbourne Central location in the heart of Melbourne CBD

Voco Melbourne Central is in an enviable location that puts the city's pulse right at your doorstep.

Being located on Timothy Lane, a small laneway just off Lonsdale Street, two blocks away from Bourke Street Mall, the hotel truly offers unparalleled convenience for exploring Melbourne's attractions, dining hotspots, and shopping.

From its prime position, you can easily walk to Melbourne Central Shoping Centre, which is almost right across the road, Queen Victoria Markets are less than a 10-minute walk, and you can reach Fed Square in just under 20 minutes walk. And being in such a great location, I truly walked everywhere around the CBD, even all the way to Southbank.

Of course, the tram is always an option as well to get to Fitzroy, Collingwood or South Yarra.

Best things to do in Melbourne CBD on a weekend

There's lots to do in Melbourne, from iconic landmarks like Federation Square to the charming lanes covered in street art, rooftop bars and the hipster vibes of Fitzroy.

Here are some of the things I've done on the weekend:

Stroll through Queen Victoria Market: Discover a world of fresh produce, unique crafts, and delicious food stalls at Queen Victoria Market. It's an iconic Melbourne experience that offers a taste of local life.

Wander along the Yarra River: Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to enjoy the scenic Yarra River. The picturesque riverbanks are perfect for relaxation and enjoying the city's skyline. I recommend you make a stop at Ponyfish Island, a floating bar in the middle of the river that's great for a drink.

Explore Federation Square: Immerse yourself in Melbourne's cultural scene by visiting Federation Square. It's a hub of art galleries, museums, and cultural events.

Visiting Flinders Street Station: Iconic Flinders Street Station is not just a transportation hub but a historic landmark in Melbourne. Its architecture makes it a must-see, and the bustling streets around it offer lots of shopping and dining options.

Stoll Melbourne's Laneways: Get lost in Melbourne's famous laneways, like Hosier Lane and Degraves Street. These hidden gems are adorned with street art, cafes, boutiques, and unique shops, making them perfect for a weekend wander. Don't miss Hardware Lane right nearby the Voco!

These activities offer a blend of culture, relaxation, and exploration, making your weekend in Melbourne CBD truly memorable.

Voco Melbourne Central – Final Words

Overall, the Voco Melbourne Central is an affordable gem in the heart of Melbourne's bustling CBD. The hotel's prime location, coupled with luxurious comfort and boutique amenities, makes for a great stay for both business and leisure travellers.

The seamless blend of convenience and style, along with the myriad of attractions within easy reach, makes Voco Melbourne Central a wonderful choice for anyone seeking a well-equipped room, delectable dining options, and breathtaking city views.