One of the first hotels in Melbourne, The Victoria opened in 1880 as the Victoria Coffee Palace. In a boxy, beige building, much of the original lobby structure remains, but a skylight dome was taken out during WWII when forced blackouts were often the norm. Today, the grand staircase with its brass banister still twirls up to the second story under a pretty chandelier. Seating and tables can be found on the second level and a white, mod reception area greets guests coming through the spacious ground floor.

The hotel is located on Little Collins Street -- which is parallel to Collins Street, bustling with boutiques and restaurants -- and manages to feel both tucked away and lively. Some of Melbourne's most fashion-forward stores are along this stretch of road, as well as a number of excellent mid-range restaurants and cafes. It's also an easy walk from the hotel to most of central Melbourne's attractions, including the aquarium. The huge open-air Queen Victoria Market is a 20-minute stroll north. Trams are plentiful on Collins Street as well as on nearby Flinders and Swanston Streets. The Melbourne Airport is about a 25-minute drive northwest.

Ironically, the Victoria's 370 Heritage Rooms have no trace of the hotel's historic past, offering a bland decor similar to that found in many budget hotels. The walls are painted in an earth-tone palate with few adornments save token pieces of framed art and handy reading lights fixed over a variety of bed configurations. Most units have sitting chairs with small wooden tables and work desks. Bathrooms are more modern, with polished chrome details and walk-in rainfall showers. All rooms also provide mini-fridges and electric tea pots, but no dedicated coffeemakers.

At one point in its history, the hotel became known simply as The Vic, a name its second floor bar now pays homage to. The venue has a classy wood billiards table to go along with libations and lounge space. Alice's Thai Restaurant does a traditional buffet breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fruit before switching over to a mix of Australian and Thai cuisine for lunch and dinner. An indoor pool and hot tub are upstairs in a space with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Central Business District. An adjacent fitness center has all the standard cardio machines and weight trainers, though there are only a few of each. There are also a pair of flexible event rooms, the largest of which can host up to 250 people.