Melbournians and tourists alike are spoilt for choice when it comes to hotel and dining options in the CBD. Laneway restaurants, cafes, street food and fine dining establishments seem to pop-up overnight and the city has its share of hotels. None however, offer the charm, history and world class service provided by the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.

Located in the heart of downtown Melbourne, one of the city’s historic red brick and bluestone buildings which was built over 100 years ago, has been cleverly converted into the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. While the modern facelift has allowed the hotel to become home to state of the art facilities and elegant interiors, echoes of the building’s former life are respectfully adapted so the history can still be experienced and admired.

253 rooms and suites offer Melbourne accommodation in the perfect CBD location. The interiors are classically designed with sleek fixtures and fittings such as marble benchtops and walk-in showers making every stay luxurious and relaxing.

If you want to spoil yourself upgrade to one of the Club InterContinental rooms and suites where you will get to enjoy the benefits of the Club InterContinental lounge. A place of sanctuary after a day exploring Melbourne or working, or simply a quiet place to work or meet, the club offers private access on level 4, overlooking Collins Street.

The exclusive experience features private check in and check out, with an attentive Club InterContinental team offering personalised service throughout the day. Breakfast is served daily 6.30am to 10.30am with a full buffet selection featuring freshly brewed barista coffee, fresh juices and fruit, pastries and bakery items, cured meats and cheese, gourmet yoghurt and cereals, hot dishes on the buffet, and eggs to order.

Afternoon tea is a decadent affair, served daily from 2.00pm to 4.00pm with a tempting array of savoury treats and sweet delicacies, served with gourmet teas and barista coffee. In the evenings between 5:30pm and 8:00pm, guests can enjoy canapés and drinks in the Club InterContinental lounge, choosing from sparkling, red and white wine, beers and spirits, matched to a selection of uniquely Melbourne dishes.

If you want to enjoy , an authentic, Melbourne dining experience located in the atrium of one of the city’s most iconic facades, you need to visit Alluvial located on the ground level of the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. The menu at Alluvial is all about using fresh local produce tailored to a modern audience. Mt Macedon duck breast and Victorian Dorper Lamb Cutlets are just some of the key ingredients that Chef Tijn Bremmers has carefully and masterfully cooked using fresh herbs, honey and spices from the hotel’s rooftop garden and beehive.  
If you’re as indecisive as I am, you’ll really struggle to work out what to eat. In the end I opted for squid linguine which was cooked to perfection with a hint of garlic and chilli as well as a slow cooked glazed pork belly with the tastiest crackling I’ve ever had. If you’re unsure about matching wines – leave it to one of the helpful staff, they’ll steer you in the right direction.

Here’s a free tip – don’t go straight to your hotel room after your meal! You’ll need to walk off the meal as the serving sizes are generous. The food and service was both first class- everything you’d expect from one of Melbourne’s best restaurants. So if you are from out of town and you want to experience the best Melbourne has to offer, book yourself into the the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and enjoy a meal at Alluvial. If you live in Melbourne and want to treat yourself to a staycation, book a night in the hotel and then eat at the restaurant – enjoy a night or two InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto because there is nothing like being a tourist in your own city!

Address: 495 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8627 1400

About The Author

Lisa Teh

Lisa Teh is the Editor-in-chief of Couturing.com, one of Australia's top fashion, beauty and lifestyle resources. She has worked on campaigns with brands including David Jones, Myer, Mecca Cosmetica, Simone Perele, Lenovo and L'Oreal. She recently appeared in Couturing's exclusive Australian Fashion Week reality web series, The Frow, alongside top industry names including Toni Maticevski and Maybelline Creative Director Nigel Stanislaus.

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