The iconic Melbourne Marriott Hotel, located on the corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale Streets, is celebrating its 21st birthday with the unveiling of a stunning $1.1m lobby refurbishment, including the new M Bar, and launching a sophisticated M Club lounge for its most loyal guests.

This is the first of a multi-stage refurbishment for the hotel which has hosted some of the biggest names in film, music, sport and television, including Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, John Cocker, Lionel Richie and Cindy Lauper throughout its history.

Melbourne Marriott Hotel's General Manager Gaurav Wattal said the ground floor upgrade and new additions have given the 188-room five-star hotel a modern refresh while retaining its famed character.

“Melbourne Marriott Hotel was one of the first world-class hotel to open in this cosmopolitan city and we've worked hard to consistently offer a premium experience and exceptional service for more than two decades that keeps our guests coming back again and again,” he said.

“The refurbishment is truly stunning. The interior design team at One Design Office (ODO) – who have designed interiors for Secret Sneaker Store, Milligram and travel retailer July – has absolutely nailed the brief.

“They've been able to reimagine the space to create a modern and inviting atmosphere that flows throughout the entrance, lounge and bar areas, no matter what time of day or night guests arrive or wish to enjoy our heartfelt service.

“The updated colour palette of moody tone-on-tone grey and brown hues perfectly complements the ambient lighting and sophisticated timber and marble textures featured in the bar and lounge fit-out.

“The tone of this space better reflects the overall Melbourne Marriott Hotel experience for both guests staying in-house, as well as locals who adopt it as their 'go-to' when living, working or playing in and around the hotel vicinity.”

Welcome to the M Club
Melbourne Marriott Hotel's M Club is one of the first in Australia and is designed to reward and indulge Marriott Bonvoy's highly valued members and executive floor guests.

Designed to emulate a residential style living room, the lounge is the perfect space to relax, socialise or meet for business. The M Club welcomes Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite Marriott Bonvoy members and guests who stay on executive floors, offering complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening cocktails.

“Our M Club is an exclusive sanctuary to relax, unwind, refuel or tap away on the laptop – depending on what our guests' needs might be,” Gaurav said.

“It feels like a homely retreat and offers a mix of communal tables, comfy sofas and corner nooks to suit guests feeling sociable or wanting a quiet spot to read and chill out.”

With business travellers firmly in mind, the M Club has an abundance of conveniently placed charging points, complimentary wi-fi, computer kiosk and printer.

“It's important for modern travellers to be able to work from anywhere, so it was critical to design a space where guests can connect seamlessly through our high speed wi-fi and USB points,” Gaurav said.

M Club is open daily from 6am to 10pm, serving complimentary breakfast, all-day nibbles and (non-alcoholic) refreshments. A rotating selection of canapes is served each evening (5.30pm–7.30pm) along with premium beverages, including beer and wine (5.30pm–9.30pm).

“A comprehensive M Club offering makes doing business in Melbourne much easier,” he said.

“Our food and beverage options have been carefully curated to be filling without being stodgy, and we feel it gives our business guests one less thing to worry about during their stay.

“We have taken into account a wide range of dietary and cultural requirements to ensure there is something for everyone.”

Raising the M Bar
The focal point of the Melbourne Marriott Hotel's reimagined ground floor is the sleek new M Bar that's open to hotel guests and the public to savour a decadent cocktail, refreshing mocktails or glass of their favourite drop.

M Bar has capacity to host 60 patrons and is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 4pm 'til late.

Whiskey fans will be spoilt for choice with a range of 40 top-shelf brands and styles, including a wide selection from up-and-coming local distilleries. There are also more than 70 wines on the beverage list – again showcasing Australian product – with many available by the glass.

“We're excited to offer three signature cocktails, specially created by craft distillery neighbour Little Lon, whose names – The Exhibitionist, Lonsdale Lover and M for Magic – were inspired by our locale,” Gaurav said.

“These are all complemented with a tasty bar menu developed by our new head chef Swami Nandan and designed to be eaten with one hand, while immersed in deep conversation.”

M Club opening deal
To celebrate the launch of Melbourne Marriott Hotel's M Club and ground floor refurbishment, the hotel is offering a 'Welcome to the Club' opening package including: one-night stay in a room on a higher floor, daily carparking and access to M Club. Package is priced from $449 for stays until 30 November.

ENDS

For media information, images and interviews, please contact:
Chriss Mannix
Soda Communications
E: chriss@sodacommunications.com.au
M: 0418 408 035

For information about Melbourne Marriott Hotel, please visit melbournemarriott.com

About Marriott Hotels®
With more than 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hosting – placing people first is the brand's living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevate style and design, and technology. For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com, and stay connected on Facebook, @marriott on Twitter, and @marriotthotels on Instagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®
Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.