The new-look Rydges is QT-like,being part of the same Australian-owned EVT group,but is not as cutesy. The seemingly unremarkable 23-storey early-1970s tower,on the corner of Exhibition and Little Bourke streets,in which Rydges Melbourne operates,is actually heritage-listed. But it’s the internals,not the externals,that matter here. Crucial to the success of Rydges Melbourne’s rather lavish makeover,completed last year,is the involvement of design firm Luchetti Krelle and general manager Lee Davey,who previously ran QT Melbourne,around the corner in Russell Street. Where Rydges Melbourne,with its muted pale to chocolate browns and everything-in-between palette,does start to stray a little into QT territory is in the hipster swimming pool area with its Palm Springs-meets-Spring Street vibe. Not that anyone is complaining.
The room
Guests can check into and out of their rooms at a bank of self-service terminals in the middle of the inviting marble-floored,living room-like lobby. with staff on hand to assist luddites. Rooms range from cosy 21-square-metre king standard rooms,to capacious 60-square-metre apartments featuring a kitchenette,laundry and separate lounge and dining space. I’ve been allocated one of the latter,with Luchetti Krelle’s restrained yet elegant colour palette flowing through to this pleasing and smartly equipped accommodation,city-centre apartment.