The five-star, The Royce, in Melbourne’s leafy suburb of South Yarra has joined the exclusive Virtuoso collection.
“Virtuoso’s acceptance process is incredibly selective, so becoming a preferred partner is a true honour,” says The Royce’s Business Development Manager, Rui Martins.
“The reputation Virtuoso member agencies have for outstanding dedication to their clients is a perfect fit with our own bespoke approach to service.
“Now that we’re part of this renowned network, we look forward to offering Virtuoso advisors and their clients the special amenities, values and experiences that surpass their expectations.”
A Hollywood mansion history
The Royce Hotel building began its life as a premium car showroom commissioned by racehorse owner and motoring buff, Charles Kellow.
Reputedly the first person to own a car in Melbourne, Kellow handpicked the site on Melbourne’s St Kilda Road to highlight the elite status of the luxury cars (including Rolls Royce and Bentley) that he was importing.
The showroom had all the glamour of a Hollywood Hills mansion, with a lofty gold ceiling, marble stairs with an iron balustrade, a palm fountain, Spanish-style tiling, and chandeliers.
Today, the 94-room hotel has paid homage to its former life with an impressive lobby with Italian marble tiles, large circular columns of silver-panelled chrome, chandeliers and booths dressed in deep velvet fabric.
Rooms include spacious suites with balconies, and there are six two-storey loft suites once home to the original Rolls Royce mechanic workshop.
Time to dine
The signature restaurant, Showroom Bar, has a nine-metre-long bar, a 14-metre tall curved marble fireplace and two-metre-wide chandelier.
Dishes include Moreton Bay bug with purple cauliflower, finger lime, samphire, Champagne-salmon caviar beurre blanc and grilled baguette, and Mt. Leura lamb loin with mushroom fricassée, eggplant, Stilton and anchovy-mint gremolata.
Not hungry? Guests can sit in one of many quiet corners on plush chairs with a signature cocktail – maybe a Sherry and Spice (Sailor Jerry spiced rum, sherry and bitters) or an Old School Coffee incorporating 666 butter vodka, Mr Black cold brew coffee and chocolate bitters, and watch as trams make their way up and down St Kilda Road.
For more information, visit roycehotel.com.au