You'd wonder about the logic of opening a hotel in the middle of a global pandemic, when travel is off the cards for so many, borders are closed and the industry is in the worst position it has been in for decades. It's also hard to put a stop to a project which was well in train pre Covid.
The Mövenpick in Melbourne is on the busy junction of Spencer and Bourke Streets and is part of the global behemoth that is Accor Hotels. According to Accor Pacific CEO Simon McGrath, there are 8 properties opening in the region in the coming 18 months, worth around $700 million. Part of the building, colloquially known to Melburnians already as The Beyonce Building because of its curved design, will house retail and leisure, and there is a guest only pool.
Mövenpick boasts 172 rooms and suites across 6 floors, most are around 20-25 sq metres and are simple but elegant in design. The rest of the 78-storey Elenberg Fraser architect-designed Premier Tower development is for long term residents. They are also an ode to Melbourne's vibrant arts scene, featuring dynamic wall art from Melbourne photographer, Steve Scalone. Former Art Series GM Corey Norris Jones is leading the team, while the hotel sits in the heart of everything, including the Docklands sporting and entertainment sectors, regional trains and buses at the door, the airport is a 30 minute ride away on the Skybus and there is a great deal happening at the west end of town, including restaurants and dining, shopping and more.
It is close to the legal precinct and a free tram ride to the heart of corporate Melbourne, so will serve both business and leisure travellers alike. Touting itself as a 4 1/2 star property, it's a mid range offering, with its own Asian inspired restaurant Miss Mi, Chocolate Hour and Mövenpick Cafe pouring St Ali coffee.
The Mövenpick is at 160 Spencer Street, Melbourne 3000
Rooms from $300