Melbourne is full of flashy, glass-fronted towers that look like they belong in a futuristic sci-fi flick. But honestly? Most of them feel kind of hollow once you step inside the lobby. If you want something that actually has a soul—and a bit of grit beneath the polish—you end up at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne. It’s sitting right there on the corner of Spencer Street, looking across at Southern Cross Station like an old soul watching a frantic modern world.
It’s not just a place to sleep. It is a piece of the city’s bones. Originally built in the late 1920s, it has survived the Great Depression, a massive mid-century slump, and a total identity crisis before becoming the Art Deco landmark it is today. You've probably walked past it a dozen times without realizing that Frank Sinatra once stayed here. Back then, it was the Alexander Hotel. It was the first hotel in Australia to have en suites for every room. In the 1920s, that was basically the equivalent of having a private jet today.
The Vibe Shift: Art Deco Meets 2026 Comfort
Walking into the lobby feels like a deliberate exhale. The noise of Spencer Street—the trams clanging, the commuters rushing for the V/Line, the general chaos of the CBD—just sort of vanishes. The interior design is a love letter to the 1920s and 30s, but it isn't a museum. You’ll see the curved lines, the brass accents, and the velvet upholstery that screams Great Gatsby, yet the Wi-Fi is fast enough to actually get work done.
The rooms are a bit of a surprise. Unlike the cookie-cutter boxes you find at the major international chains, the layout here feels intentional. The ceilings are high. The windows are thick enough to muffle the city’s roar. It’s got this moodiness to it—darker tones, plush carpets—that makes you want to order a Scotch and pretend you’re a character in a noir film.
What Nobody Tells You About the Location
Most people stay at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne because it’s convenient for the train station. That's the obvious pull. If you’re hauling a suitcase from the SkyBus, you don't want to trek two kilometers across town. But the real secret is the "backdoor" access to the city.
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Being on Little Collins means you are at the starting point of Melbourne’s famous laneway culture. You aren't in the middle of the tourist traps. Instead, you're steps away from:
- Higher Ground: One of the most visually stunning cafes in the Southern Hemisphere, located just a block away in an old power station.
- The Hellenic Museum: A quiet, high-culture gem that most tourists completely miss.
- Marvel Stadium: Close enough to walk to the footy, but far enough that you don't have to deal with the crowds outside your front door.
The Rooms: Form, Function, and a Few Quirks
Let's talk about the actual living space. The Savoy doesn't do "tiny." Even the standard rooms have enough floor space to pace around in. The beds? Genuinely massive. They use high-thread-count linens that feel cool to the touch, which is a lifesaver during a Melbourne summer when the North wind is blowing at 40°C.
The bathrooms are where the Art Deco influence really shines through. You’ll find subway tiles and chrome fittings that feel classic. However, it's worth noting that because this is a heritage building, the plumbing can sometimes be a bit... expressive. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s a reminder that you’re staying in a building with history. Honestly, I’d take a slightly noisy pipe over a soulless, plastic bathroom pod any day.
Dining at The Alexander Bar
You don't necessarily need to leave the building for a decent meal. The Alexander Bar is named after the hotel’s original 1927 moniker. It’s got that dimly lit, "conspiratorial" atmosphere. The menu is classic Melbourne—think locally sourced produce, decent coffee, and a wine list that leans heavily on the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula.
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Try the club sandwich. It sounds basic. It is basic. But they do it with a level of precision that most 5-star spots fumble.
Why This Isn't Just Another Corporate Hotel
Corporate travel is boring. We’ve all done the "stay in a room that looks like an office" thing. The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne resists that. It feels like a boutique property even though it has 163 rooms. The staff actually seem to know the area. If you ask for a bar recommendation, they won't just point you to the nearest franchise; they’ll tell you about a dive bar three alleys over that serves the best Negroni in the CBD.
There is a weird sense of permanence here. When you look at the black-and-white photos on the walls, you realize you're part of a long timeline of travelers. From the jazz-age socialites to the 1970s businessmen when it was known as the Savoy Plaza, this building has seen everything.
Managing Expectations: The Reality Check
Look, it’s not perfect. No hotel is. If you want a rooftop pool with a DJ and neon lights, this isn't your spot. The gym is functional but small. Because it’s a heritage-listed site, they can’t just knock down walls to build a massive spa complex. It is a city hotel through and through. It’s designed for people who want a sophisticated "base camp" while they explore the city, rather than people who want to spend 24 hours a day inside their room.
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Also, Spencer Street is busy. If you get a room on the lower floors facing the station, you will hear the city. Some people find the hum of the city comforting—it’s the "heartbeat" of Melbourne. If you need total silence, ask for a room on a higher floor or one facing inward.
The Logistics You Actually Care About
- Check-in/Check-out: Usually 3:00 PM and 11:00 AM. They are pretty chill about holding your bags if you arrive early on the Overland or the Spirit of Queensland.
- Parking: It’s the CBD, so parking is a nightmare. They have valet options, but honestly, if you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The tram zone is literally right outside, and it's free within the city center.
- Accessibility: Despite the age of the building, they’ve done a great job with lifts and accessible room options.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
Don't just book the cheapest room on a third-party site and hope for the best. If you want the full experience, look for the "Savoy King" rooms. The extra space makes a massive difference if you’re staying for more than one night.
Also, make sure you actually use the Little Collins exit. Most people default to Spencer Street, but Little Collins is the "local" way to enter. It feels more private, more "Melbourne." You step out, turn right, and within five minutes you’re hitting some of the best independent boutiques and hole-in-the-wall espresso bars in the country.
The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins Melbourne occupies a specific niche. It’s for the traveler who appreciates a bit of drama in their architecture and a bit of history in their stay. It’s for the person who wants to be close to the transport hub without feeling like they’re trapped in a transit lounge. It’s stylish, it’s slightly moody, and it’s quintessentially Melbourne.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Direct for Perks: Most hotels, including The Savoy, often throw in breakfast or a late checkout if you book through their official site rather than a massive aggregator.
- Request a High Floor: To minimize the Spencer Street traffic hum, explicitly ask for a room above level 4.
- Explore the "Secret" Lanes: Skip the main roads. Walk down Little Collins toward Elizabeth Street to find the real gems like Chuckle Park Bar or Patricia Coffee Brewers.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there is a major game at Marvel Stadium, the area gets packed. Book your dinner reservations at nearby spots like Vapiano or The Hardware Lounge at least 48 hours in advance.
- Use the Free Tram Zone: Remember that you don't need to tap your Myki card if you're staying within the CBD grid. The stop right outside the hotel is your ticket to seeing the whole city for $0.