What’s new in Melbourne in 2022

NEW HOTEL OPENINGS

Oakwood Premier Melbourne is Australia’s first Oakwood Premier hotel and the first five-star ‘hybrid’ hotel, designed with 392 rooms for guests on short stays as well as studios and one or two-bedroom apartments for extended stays.

“This 40-storey debut hotel for Oakwood Premier in Melbourne has four function spaces and, for end-of-the-day networking, the rooftop Sky Bar Melbourne with unbeatable views. Guests are within walking distance of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the city’s incredible dining scene and the Yarra River,” says Swanson.

Recently opened, Hyatt Centric Melbourne features 277 guest rooms and a premium restaurant inspired by Melbourne’s local foodie scene close to the city’s Docklands and Southbank precincts.

“Melbourne is known for its rooftop bars and guests won’t be disappointed when they head to TOMA Restaurant and Bar located on the 25^th floor to enjoy spectacular views across the Yarra River,” says Swanson. 

Hyatt Centric Melbourne’s contemporary event spaces offer 210 sqms of versatile solutions and are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; there is also a beautiful 248 sqm alfresco terrace.

Opening in 2022, the hotly-anticipated The Ritz-Carlton will take centre stage on the city skyline - pegged to be one of the tallest hotels in Australia. Featuring 257 luxury guest rooms and suites, guests will enjoy breathtaking views, luxurious amenities including a day spa and a garden terrace.

The classic and sophisticated event spaces total 2,781 sqms and include the 500-seat The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, inspired by the Great Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria, complete with expansive pre-function space, 7m-high ceilings and an impressive floor-to-ceiling feature window. 

“This is one hotel that will certainly be a showstopper,” says Swanson. “Upon arrival guests will enter the hotel lobby via the porte-cochere and take a direct elevator straight to the hotel’s sky check-in on level 80, where breathtaking panoramic views across Melbourne’s CBD and beyond can be enjoyed.”

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES

MCB’s close relationship with clients and the industry to curate bespoke itineraries is one of the reasons corporate meeting and incentive groups choose Melbourne.  

 “The proximity of the city to country and coast is very attractive with corporate meeting and incentive groups and pre and post-conference touring options, particularly those interested in nature-based activities,” says Swanson.

Welcome your team aboard The Q Train for a once-in-a-lifetime incentive experience for delegates.  MCB is proudly partnering with this award-winning restaurant that travels along the historic Bellarine Railway between Drysdale and Queenscliff.  During a lunch experience that showcases the best of the Bellarine, guests can enjoy views of Swan Bay and local scenery.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE

Melbourne is known for its coffee, laneway culture and street art, but its environmental initiatives have earned it a reputation as one of the most sustainable destinations, not just in Australia but throughout the world.

Take your next conference experience to new heights with incredible views at Melbourne’s SkyFarm.  A 2,000 sqm rooftop car park transformed into an urban farm and environmental oasis in the heart of the city, it overlooks the Yarra River and Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre.

Opening this year, visitors can tour the working farm, visit the orchard, dine at the sustainable café, have a drink on the deck, hire unique event spaces and attend classes at the environmental education centre.

Melbourne is cementing its position as a sustainable city in the Asia-Pacific region for business events in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) 2021. Ranked number 11 in the world overall, Melbourne’s highest ranking was in the social category scoring 90 per cent.

SPORTING GOLD

Renowned worldwide for its sporting prowess, the spiritual home of Australia's sporting and entertainment precinct is its brand-new events and conference venue, CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park. Building on the experience offered for major events such as the Australian Open, the innovative venue has the capabilities to host large-scale conferences, major awards nights and gala celebrations including five-star dining experiences.

“Capable of hosting unique events no matter how grand or intimate, Melbourne’s newest conference venue will be on show when its hosts the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) Welcome Event in 2022,” says Swanson.