If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Melbourne, we reviewed the Intercontinental Melbourne the Rialto, an IHG Hotel, and here’s what we found.
This hotel is situated right in the heart of the city, making it super easy to check out shopping, dining, and cultural spots. Plus, it’s just a short walk from the Southern Cross railway station and local tram stops, which is a big plus.
Guests have given this hotel high marks, especially for the friendly staff, modern facilities, and comfy rooms. You can pick from a range of room types, including spacious suites that offer amazing views of the city.
There are also decent on-site dining options, wellness facilities, and perks if you access the exclusive Club Lounge.
However, one possible downside we noticed is that the hotel can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons, which might make it feel a bit crowded. Plus, parking can be tricky and might come at an extra cost.
This hotel is a fantastic choice for both business travelers and travelers exploring Melbourne. If you want a central location with modern comforts, the Intercontinental Melbourne the Rialto is definitely worth considering!
Key Points
- The Intercontinental Melbourne the Rialto offers a variety of room types, including Classic King Rooms, Premium Rooms, and Signature Suites, to accommodate different traveler needs.
- Guests can enjoy exclusive Club Lounge access, which includes complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails, along with dedicated concierge services and business facilities.
- The hotel’s dining options, including Alluvial Restaurant and Ronnie’s, provide a range of culinary experiences from fine dining to casual meals, catering to diverse preferences.
- Recreational facilities, such as an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and fully-equipped fitness centre, allow guests to maintain their wellness routines.
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type, with some options requiring a deposit or following a non-refundable prepayment policy, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
Location and Accessibility
The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is located in the heart of Melbourne, along the iconic Collins Street.
This heritage-listed hotel offers easy access to the city’s renowned shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
The property boasts a prime position, with the Southern Cross railway station just a short walk away, providing convenient connectivity to the wider metropolitan area.
Guests can also explore the local tram network, which stops right outside the hotel’s doorstep.
The hotel’s strategic location makes it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking to enjoy the dynamic energy of Melbourne.
Guest Ratings and Feedback
Guests have overwhelmingly praised the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, awarding it an impressive 8.3/10 rating based on over 1,100 reviews.
The hotel’s staff earned a stellar 9.0/10 score, with guests highlighting their friendly and accommodating nature.
The facilities, cleanliness, and comfort also received high marks, scoring 8.4/10, 8.8/10, and 8.9/10, respectively.
Free WiFi was another plus, earning an 8.7/10 rating.
While the value for money was deemed good at 7.9/10, guests particularly appreciated the comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast, and attentive service throughout their stays.
Accommodation Options
The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers a range of accommodation options to suit various traveler needs.
Guests can choose from:
- Classic King Rooms featuring a plush king-sized bed and modern amenities.
- Premium Rooms with additional space and upgraded furnishings for a more luxurious stay.
- Signature Suites boasting separate living areas, spacious bedrooms, and stunning city views.
- Family Rooms designed to accommodate groups with extra beds and amenities tailored for families.
Rates for these room types vary based on availability and club access privileges.
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, the hotel provides ample choice to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the heart of Melbourne.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Complementing the hotel’s heritage charm, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers an array of dining experiences that cater to diverse culinary preferences.
Guests can savor Australian cuisine at the Alluvial Restaurant, which features seasonal ingredients and a relaxed ambiance.
For Italian fare, Ronnie’s provides a cozy setting with traditional dishes and an extensive wine list.
The Bluestone Bar is the perfect spot for cocktails, with its sleek design and panoramic views of the city.
Whether looking for a fine dining experience or a casual meal, the hotel’s culinary offerings ensure guests are well-catered.
Recreational Facilities
Conveniently, the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto boasts a range of recreational facilities that cater to guests’ wellbeing and leisure.
Guests can take a refreshing dip in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, unwind at the on-site spa and wellness centre, or maintain their fitness routine at the fully-equipped fitness centre.
The hotel also offers private parking for a daily fee, making it easy for guests to explore the city at their convenience.
Plus, the property provides free WiFi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the hotel.
The hotel’s recreational offerings include:
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre
- Private parking (for a fee)
Club and Exclusive Amenities
Certain guests can gain access to the hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge, which offers a range of elevated amenities.
These include complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails and canapés. The lounge also provides dedicated concierge services, business facilities, and a private outdoor terrace.
Guests with Club access enjoy exclusive check-in and checkout, along with complimentary access to the fitness center and indoor pool.
Additional perks may include room upgrades, late checkout, and VIP treatment.
These premium benefits cater to discerning travelers seeking an enhanced stay experience at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.
Cancellation and Prepayment Policies
The hotel’s cancellation and prepayment policies vary depending on the accommodation type. For most room bookings, guests can cancel or modify their reservations up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty.
However, some exclusive room types or packages may have more restrictive policies, such as:
- Signature Suites and Junior King Suites require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, with full prepayment due 30 days prior to arrival.
- Family Rooms have a 7-day cancellation window, after which a 1-night penalty fee applies.
- Club Level rooms have a non-refundable prepayment policy.
- Peak season and holiday periods may also have unique cancellation and prepayment terms.
Children and Special Requests
Children of any age are welcome at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto.
For children 13 and above, there are additional charges that apply, as they’re considered adults.
The hotel has a flexible policy when it comes to special requests. Guests are encouraged to make any special requests during the booking process, and the hotel will do its best to accommodate them.
Whether it’s a specific room type, dietary requirements, or any other special needs, the hotel’s staff is committed to ensuring a comfortable and personalized stay for all guests.
Guests are advised to review the house rules and policies before booking their stay.
Common Questions
Do Guests Receive Discounts for Booking Directly Through the Hotel?
Guests may receive discounts for booking directly through the hotel, as some hotels offer special rates or packages for direct bookings to incentivize customers and bypass third-party booking sites. The availability and details of such discounts can vary.
What Is the Hotel’s Policy on Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
The hotel’s policy allows for early check-in or late check-out, but it’s subject to availability and may incur additional fees. Guests should contact the hotel directly to inquire about these requests and any applicable charges.
Are There Any Special Packages or Promotions Available for Longer Stays?
The hotel offers special packages for longer stays, such as discounted rates and additional amenities. Guests can inquire about these offers when booking or by contacting the hotel directly.
Is There a Loyalty Program for Frequent Guests, and What Are the Benefits?
The hotel offers an IHG Rewards Club loyalty program, providing benefits like complimentary room upgrades, late check-out, and exclusive access to the Club Lounge for members. Guests can earn and redeem points for future stays.
Does the Hotel Offer Any Special Arrangements or Discounts for Business Travelers?
The hotel offers corporate discounts and special packages for business travelers, including reduced room rates, complimentary breakfast, and access to the Executive Club Lounge with dedicated concierge services, meeting facilities, and other exclusive amenities.
The Last Word
The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is a renowned hotel that blends historical charm with modern comforts, offering an unparalleled experience for discerning travelers. Its prime location, exceptional facilities, and attentive service make it an ideal choice for both leisure and business guests. With a range of accommodations and enticing deals, the hotel caters to a variety of preferences and budgets, ensuring an unforgettable stay in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant central business district.