Melbourne has a revamped hotel that might just be the best in the city for conferencing and hospitality, so we think you need to hear about it!

The property on Exhibition Street will set the standards for future Rydges offerings and is the perfect place to host stand-out business events and call home for a few days while exploring Melbourne.

Warmth exudes from the hotel the moment you step into the lobby. (Supplied)

Speaking on the target audience of the new offering, general manager, Rydges Melbourne, Lee Davey, told The Nibbler the hotel is more than just the place to host an event.

“A residential conference delegate wants to be in the heart of a location where they can be a part of a conference and be a part of a hotel, but then walk out the door and be in the heart of China Town, be in the heart of the theatre district,” Davey, said.

“Stay three nights, do their conference and enjoy the location and enjoy Melbourne, and we’re seeing that now, the average length of stay is starting to come up.”

Perhaps the most significant change is the room formerly known as Bobby Mcgee’s, a legendary Melbourne nightspot that was put to us as a place where many recall meeting their future husband or wife – some more enthusiastically than others.  

Now known as Centre Stage, the space boasts a 465 square metre area and features an incredible built-in 7x4m HD LED screen to show your brand off to 340 seated or 500 cocktail guests.  

Centre Stage also features 2 x 200 inch HD projector screens, built-in surround sound, a divider wall to create two spaces, tailored menus using seasonal and local produce and a private pre-function bar that is a homage to the original Bobby Mcgee’s.

Centre Stage. (Supplied)

Bossley is the brand new restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor that undertakes a ‘lady in the know’ persona.

Every aspect of the eatery is highly thought out, from its location in the heart of the theatre district to the use of local produce to a beautifully crafted menu, you can be confident that a meal at Bossley will leave you feeling more than satisfied. Pro tip: DO NOT skip the snickers inspired dessert, it’s a standout.

Dine in style at Bossley. (Supplied)

Snickers inspired dessert at Bossley – not to be missed. (Supplied)

Speaking to a select group of media at the hotel relaunch, Davey, said, “We’re all working together to make sure the experience is holistically local,” of the dining experience at Bossley. 

“We needed to make a restaurant that happened to be connected to a hotel, not the other way around.” 

Rydges applied a ‘refreshingly local’ approach to every aspect of the new hotel, from the bathroom products in your room, to the visionary self service coffee and juice dispensers fitted outside conferencing rooms that drastically improve the guests experience, the Rydges group can be applauded for their dedication in sourcing only the best Victorian and Australian products.

Other Function Areas:

• The Meeting Place – 300 cocktail/240 seated suited for gala dinners, cocktail parties and presentations. Fitted with 5 x 160 built in HF projectors and surround sound.
• Terrace & Rooftop Terrace – private rooftop with Melbourne skyline views and indoor/outdoor style. Features an awning to cover up to 360 cocktail guests, outdoor bar and mobile cocktail cart, lounge furniture, outdoor heating. Adjoining meeting rooms are fitted with divider walls to create up to three separate spaces or intimate gathers and house 3 x 75 inch LCD screens.
• Rooftop Pool – a glamourous celebration of the buildings ’70s heritage, this area can be transformed into a private event space and is home to stunning city views. A fully equipped cocktail bar is offered as well as nearby chef stations, built in Bluetooth sound system and 60 guest capacity.

Hotel Rooms

Rooms at the Rydges on Exhibition street are modern, filled with enthralling local artwork and inspired by Australian landscape.

A total of 370 rooms are available in three options. A leading ‘king’ room is more than enough to settle into for a few days with comfortable working spaces and separate shower and bathrooms while ‘suite’ and ‘apartment’ rooms offer more space and a self-contained kitchenette, laundry. 

All three room types offer

• use of  ‘seamless’ check in and out service online
• heated outdoor pool
• interactive fitness studio and outdoor terrace
• bar, restaurant and outdoor dining,
• 24 hour room service
• Complimentary high speed Wi-Fi

The rooftop pool has a Palm Springs vibe about it. (Supplied)

The new Rydges Melbourne is undoubtedly one of the best hotel’s in the city, and one of the best in the country for conferencing and hosting. The group has already seen huge interest and a number of dates for the rest of the year are already booked out, though Rydges say to get in touch now to learn  how you could best use this incredible offering.

“We’re here for clients, we’re here for conferencing, we’re here for residential business and we will utilise the spaces and maximise our spaces the best we can” Davey, said.