Guests at the Westin Melbourne are greeted by a stylish, sophisticated lobby filled with purple velour armchairs and cream-colored marble. The attention-stealing winding staircase that leads to the hotel’s second-floor meeting rooms is one of the reasons this lobby is the kind of place that makes you want to laze a while — have a drink, bring a business colleague for lunch, or even just relax with a good book. The seating area here — where indigo leather chairs and throw pillows accompany the aforementioned purple armchairs — doubles as seating for the hotel’s bar and cafe, which makes it a vibrant multi-use space, and there’s plenty of space for everyone. During the week, expect professionals in suits typing on laptops or sharing coffees, whereas on the weekends the leisure travelers roll in along with locals who often come to celebrate special occasions over high tea. In the busy CBD, the big space is appreciated and the sophistication is a respite from the crowded streets. 

Move beyond the lobby, and the hotel shows off stately navy and wood decor, almost reminiscent of a well-heeled cruise ship. The Westin also holds a collection of contemporary Australian art throughout the building. Bill Henson photography adorns the hallways and upper rooms off the bright lobby, with chandeliers designed by local artists. Arrangements of indigenous flowers round out the atmosphere. 

The Westin Melbourne is smack in the middle of all the action of the CBD, just one block from the city’s center where Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River all sit together. Leisure travelers who want to be near the sights can’t ask for a more central location, and business travelers who need to be in the CBD will also find it convenient. That said, with centrality also comes foot traffic, and the immediate neighborhood can get noisy and crowded. 

More specifically, the hotel sits on fashionable Collins Street on one side among luxury retailers, with its backside sitting along Flinders Lane, home to some of the city's hippest restaurants. The unremarkable City Square runs along the side of the hotel and abuts Swanston Street, where the CBD’s action — and plenty of people watching — takes place; an exciting room view to snag, to say the least.

A number of trams run along Collins Street, and many more can be caught from Flinders Street (which runs parallel) or Swanston Street (which runs perpendicular). The hotel is along the city’s free tram route that runs through the touristic center. Taxis congregate in front of the hotel and can also be hailed all along Collins Street. Melbourne Airport is about a 25-minute drive northwest, barring traffic.

• Along Flinders Lane, home to many of the city’s most popular restaurants
• One block from Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River
• Eight-minute walk to Chinatown
• 10-minute walk to the Arts District (theaters, museums)
• 11-minute walk to Melbourne Central Station 
• 11-minute walk to State Library of Victoria 
• 12-minute tram ride or 21-minute walk to Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
• 13-minute tram ride or 21-minute walk to Queen Victoria Market 
• 15-minute tram ride to University of Melbourne 
• 15-minute tram ride or 25-minute walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens
• 15-minute tram ride or 25-minute walk to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
• 20-minute tram ride to Etihad Stadium  

Starting at 38 square meters (409 square feet), the 262 rooms and suites here are the largest in the city center (where density generally keeps the hotels and their rooms quite small). Rooms feature the Westin's signature Heavenly bed, and some come with a Juliet balcony or a bay window; lucky guests will have a city view, and the rest will look into a courtyard with two small gardens and the hotel’s entry driveway. Unfortunately, while the cream-heavy palette with blue accents and dark woods is pleasant enough, it’s bland and unexciting, particularly considering the price point; rooms haven’t been fully refurbished in a long time. 

All standard rooms have plush chairs and ottomans, work desks with leather chairs, and mirrored armoires that hide closet spaces along with laptop safes. Rooms also feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and two free bottles of water per day. Bathrooms are uncommonly large, all with White Tea toiletries and separate bathtubs and rainfall showers. 

Most rooms come with a king-size bed, though there are a handful that have two beds; some rooms can be connected for families or groups. 

For fitness on the road, a few rooms in the hotel have either a yoga mat, dumbbells, and a bike or treadmill.

The hotel focuses on fitness, and there are several features that show it’s not just lip service or an empty marketing scheme. The hotel has a beautiful lap pool with accompanying spa pool, steam room, and sauna, as well as a large gym that stays around the clock. Unfortunately they’re both in the basement, so there’s no natural light, but that’s one of the hotel’s few shortcomings. There’s also no spa on-site, but there’s one treatment room where guests can arrange to have a massage or body treatment. In addition to a few guest rooms that have workout equipment in them, there are also group runs with the Running Concierge; sneakers and active clothing can be rented for a small fee per stay. 

The main dining option is Allegro, which is open for three meals a day, has a terrace overlooking the CBD’s action, and is popular for business lunches. The food can get pricey, starting with the breakfast buffet, which guests have said could have more variety for the price. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service. 

The lobby doubles as a lounge, serving cocktails and coffee. Guests can also have a full high tea service here (tea sandwiches, canapes), which is popular in Melbourne’s nicer hotels. Behind the bar and adjacent to the lobby is The Library, a cozy extension of the lounge area that can be rented out for private events; its fireplace is a lovely place for tea or catching up with friends.  

There’s a dedicated floor of meeting facilities comprised of seven flexible spaces that include private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows. The largest can hold up to 160 people, with smaller interconnecting rooms as well. Particularly unique is the Wine Room, attached to the restaurant and showcasing a vintage vino collection on racks that reach the ceiling; the room can be used for private dinners, cocktails parties, or more traditional meetings.