The iconic Melbourne Marriott Hotel, located on the corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale Streets, is celebrating its 21st birthday with the unveiling of a stunning $1.1m lobby refurbishment, including the new M Bar, and launching a sophisticated M Club lounge for its most loyal guests.

This is the first of a multi-stage refurbishment for the hotel which has hosted some of the biggest names in film, music, sport and television, including Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, Joe Cocker, Lionel Richie and Cyndi Lauper throughout its history.

Melbourne Marriott Hotel’s General Manager Gaurav Wattal said the ground floor upgrade and new additions have given the 188-room five-star hotel a modern refresh while retaining its famed character.

“Melbourne Marriott Hotel was one of the first world-class hotels to open in this cosmopolitan city and we’ve worked hard to consistently offer a premium experience and exceptional service for more than two decades that keeps our guests coming back again and again,” he said.

“The refurbishment is truly stunning. The interior design team at One Design Office (ODO) – who have designed interiors for Secret Sneaker Store, Milligram and travel retailer July – has absolutely nailed the brief.

“They’ve been able to reimagine the space to create a modern and inviting atmosphere that flows throughout the entrance, lounge and bar areas, no matter what time of day or night guests arrive or wish to enjoy our heartfelt service.

“The updated colour palette of moody tone-on-tone grey and brown hues perfectly complements the ambient lighting and sophisticated timber and marble textures featured in the bar and lounge fit-out.

“The tone of this space better reflects the overall Melbourne Marriott Hotel experience for both guests staying in-house, as well as locals who adopt it as their ‘go-to’ when living, working or playing in and around the hotel vicinity.”

Welcome to the M Club

Melbourne Marriott Hotel’s M Club is one of the first in Australia and is designed to reward and indulge Marriott Bonvoy’s highly valued members and executive floor guests.

Designed to emulate a residential style living room, the lounge is the perfect space to relax, socialise or meet for business. The M Club welcomes Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite Marriott Bonvoy members and guests who stay on executive floors.

“Our M Club is an exclusive sanctuary to relax, unwind, refuel or tap away on the laptop – depending on what our guests’ needs might be,” Gaurav said.

“It feels like a homely retreat and offers a mix of communal tables, comfy sofas and corner nooks to suit guests feeling sociable or wanting a quiet spot to read and chill out.”

With business travellers firmly in mind, the M Club has an abundance of conveniently placed charging points, complimentary wi-fi, computer kiosk and printer.

“It’s important for modern travellers to be able to work from anywhere, so it was critical to design a space where guests can connect seamlessly through our high speed wi-fi and USB points,” Gaurav said.

M Club is open daily from 6am to 10pm, serving complimentary breakfast, all-day nibbles and (non-alcoholic) refreshments. A rotating selection of canapes is served each evening (5.30pm–7.30pm) along with premium beverages, including beer and wine (5.30pm–9.30pm).

“A comprehensive M Club offering makes doing business in Melbourne much easier,” he said.

“Our food and beverage options have been carefully curated to be filling without being stodgy, and we feel it gives our business guests one less thing to worry about during their stay.

“We have taken into account a wide range of dietary and cultural requirements to ensure there is something for everyone.”

Raising the M Bar

The focal point of the Melbourne Marriott Hotel’s reimagined ground floor is the sleek new M Bar that’s open to hotel guests and the public to savour a decadent cocktail, refreshing mocktail or glass of their favourite drop.

M Bar has capacity to host 60 patrons and is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 4pm ‘til late.

Whiskey fans will be spoilt for choice with a range of 40 top-shelf brands and styles, including a wide selection from up-and-coming local distilleries. There are also more than 70 wines on the beverage list – again showcasing Australian product – with many available by the glass.

“We’re excited to offer three signature cocktails, specially created by craft distillery neighbour Little Lon, whose names – The Exhibitionist, Lonsdale Lover and M for Magic – were inspired by our locale,” Gaurav said.

“These are all complemented with a tasty bar menu developed by our new head chef Swami Nandan and designed to be eaten with one hand, while immersed in deep conversation.”

M Club opening deal

To celebrate the launch of Melbourne Marriott Hotel’s M Club and ground floor refurbishment, the hotel is offering a ‘Welcome to the Club’ opening package, including a one-night stay in a room on a higher floor, daily carparking and access to M Club. The package is priced from $449 for stays until 30 November.