Here’s what you can expect during a stay at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank — it’s surprisingly affordable for what you’ll get!
When I’m on a holiday, luxury and comfort come first, so I don’t mind spending a little on accommodation. So, in the spirit of wanting to feel well-rested and cared for, I stayed at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank during my recent trip to Australia.
AC Hotel is a brand under the renowned Marriott International Inc. umbrella, with over 240 hotels in 33 countries and territories. And AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank is the first to open in Australia, in May 2022!
So you can bet I was pretty excited about my stay here, since the hotel is still quite new and under a well-known brand. And from only AU$220/night (~S$189), I was really surprised at what my experience included!
In this AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank review, I’ll touch on the amenities, food, location, and experiences — read till the end to see if it’s worth the stay 😎
Key Amenities and Services
There are a couple of key amenities in AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank to look out for:
Starting with the lobby on Level 7, where reception is available 24/7 and the hotel staff are more than happy to assist you with anything you need!
The AC Lounge boasts a gorgeous skyline backdrop for photos, and a DIY Lavender Turndown station (one of my fave features) — where you can make your own lavender pouch. It’s meant to give off a relaxing, aromatic scent to help improve sleep when you turn in for bed 😌
On Level 6, you’ll find an outdoor infinity pool and poolside Bar de Buceo with crafted cocktails, so you can unwind with a drink in hand. Granted, the pool wasn’t as big as I thought, but it’s still a good size for a short swim or to just relax and soak in the urban scenery.
For fitspo guests, head down to the state-of-the-art AC Fitness Centre on Level 5, with top-of-the-line free weights and LifeFitness cardio equipment like treadmills and cross-trainers! It’s also open all day, so you can walk in anytime.
And last, the hotel is pet-friendly so you’ll be able to meet cute furbabies in the lobby before heading out!
Restaurant and Bar
Dining options onsite include the Sorolla Restaurant and Bar Triana on Level 7.
For breakfast, Sorolla transforms into a buffet area with the smell of bacon, sausages, eggs (fried/poached/scrambled according to your preference), as well as pastries like croissants and muffins!
I loved how warm and well-seasoned the food was, while the pastries gave a really good, flaky crunch.
Coffee-wise, the hotel has partnered with acclaimed catering service Peter Rowland Group to bring in blends, such as the Harley Blend (fruity and nutty), Single Origin Bali Kintamani Coffee (zesty and acidic), and ASEAN Coffee Blend (chocolatey).
Sorolla Restaurant
At lunch and dinner time, try out Sorolla’s menu with Spanish influences and flavours. Helmed by Australian Chef Ryan Flaherty, the food experience is inspired by the streets of San Sebastian, Seville, and Barcelona.
There are snacks like sweetcorn fritters, mains like beef striploin steak and paellas, and desserts like classic churros dipped in rich chocolate & creamy crema catalana (caramelised custard).
You can also request for vegetarian options, such as chickpea veggie burger, and spinach & ricotta ravioli.
My favourite was the wagyu tri-tip chocolate-fed beef (yes, it means the cows were given chocolate) — it gave a really sweet taste to the tender beef!
Bar Triana
As for Bar Triana, choose from a wide range of delicious cocktails, or a fine selection of house wines and beers. I tried the Signature ‘ACGT’ Gin and Tonic — it’s refreshing, citrusy, and the gin is lemongrass-infused so there’s no strong alcohol taste 😲
The hotel also offers world-class gin from Patient Wolf Distilling Co. Their Melbourne Dry, Summer Thyme, and Blackthorn are used to create smooth, gin-based cocktails.
Psst… there’s an ongoing happy hour promotion where guests can enjoy drinks from AU$10, every day from 4PM to 6PM (till 31 Dec 2025)!
[NEW] Refreshed Beverage Menu Launching Early 2026
AC Hotels refreshed beverage menu cocktails. Photo credit: AC Hotels by Marriott
And here’s the BIG announcement: AC Hotels is refreshing its beverage menu across the Asia Pacific (excluding China), from early 2026! Yes, this includes Melbourne too.
The menu features a twist on the Signature ‘ACGT’ Gin and Tonic with APEC-inspired flavours — a blend of cherry blossom gin, and lemongrass and ginger tonic.
The Signature “ACGT” Gin and Tonic. Photo credit: AC Hotels by Marriott
Plus, introducing three cocktails with different profiles: Harmonia (calm and vibrant), Modern (classic with a contemporary touch), and Discerning (sophisticated and nuanced).
In addition, there’s a new 0% ABV Collection with non-alcoholic cocktails crafted just for the APEC region, so everyone can enjoy!
But that’s not all, the menu also includes regionally-inspired cocktails curated by award-winning mixologist Millie Tang. Fun fact: She won Bartender of the Year at the Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA) in 2019 and 2023!
For Melbourne, it’s the High Tea Highball: a mix of strawberry gin, oolong and black tea soda, and simple syrup. The drink pays homage to the city’s rich tea culture, since it’s home to The Hopetoun Tea Rooms 1892 — the oldest tea room in Australia.
Millie has also created specific drinks for other AC Hotels in various countries as well, such as Yuzu Drop (Tokyo, Japan), Soju Martini (Seoul, Korea), Pinoy Sour (Manila, Philippines), and Pandan Negroni (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).
They all have their own distinct flavour, but I’ve gotta say that the Melbourne High Tea Highball is my favourite — it’s sweet, yoghurty, and easy to drink!
*Note: Look out for the exact launch date next year on the official website or social platforms!
Room Types
The view from the Premium King Room!
There are 205 rooms in total at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, with four different types: Deluxe, Superior, Premium, and Signature Suite. Each one is equipped with a mini fridge, living area, free WiFi and complimentary coffee/tea maker — with prices starting from AU$220/night!
Korres bath toiletries in the Premium King Room.
I personally stayed at the Premium King Room, and loved how comfortable and spacious it was. The king-size bed was huge, with a small desk and a chaise longue to lay on.
The bathroom was not only clean, but also equipped with bath essentials from Korres, a natural Greek skincare brand that’s nourishing for the body.
The couch area in the Premium King Room.
I also appreciated the thoughtful touches in the room, like dried lavender flowers for a soothing fragance, and recycling bins to promote sustainability! But what really wowed me was the amazing city skyline view with the curtains drawn 💯
The separate living room in the Signature Suite!
For those willing to splurge a little, try out one of the five Signature Suites. Each one has a separate living room, large desk, bathtub, a comfy bed, and panoramic city views.
Oh, did I mention a working record player, and Dyson hairdryer too?
Attractions to visit near AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank
AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank is located just a 20-minute drive away from Melbourne Airport, making it easy to get to. And it’s only a 10 to 15-minute walk to South Melbourne Market!
Opened in 1867, the market houses both food and retail shops. I saw various types of meat, seafood and even cheese on sale while walking around, and had a great time shopping for knick-knacks and artsy handicrafts!
*Pro-tip: The hotel offers free bike rentals so you can explore the surrounding areas at your own convenience.
The hotel is also near several bus and tram stations, where you can take public transport to bustling areas like St Kilda (seaside suburb), Port Melbourne (bayside beaches), and the CBD (iconic sights, cafes, hidden laneways).
Our review: Is it worth staying at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank?
The verdict: 10/10 would stay here again!
With a minimal yet sleek design, an outdoor infinity pool, and epic city views — you’d expect a stay at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank to blow a huge hole in your wallet.
But it’s surprisingly affordable from ~AU$220 per night, and you’re definitely getting good value for what you pay!
I loved how friendly and hospitable the hotel staff were — small gestures like greeting me with a smile, and offering a drink at reception really adds up! Extra touches like being able to make your own lavender pouch also made my stay feel very personalised.
I was also super impressed by the facilities, like the stunning pool and 24/7 gym where I could chill, relax or work out at my own pace.
Not to mention, the hotel is just 20 minutes away from Melbourne Airport by car and the Central Business District (CBD) by tram — making it accessible to head into town for some sightseeing and shopping!
Launching across the Asia Pacific (excluding China) early 2026, the refreshed beverage menu is also something to look forward to. With a fresh take on the Signature ‘ACGT’ Gin and Tonic, new cocktail flavours, and specialised drinks for the APEC region — you can tell there’s a lot of thought and effort put into it!
This stay is perfect for luxurious travellers who want to live in comfort and convenience — so why not treat yourself on your next holiday getaway at AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank ? 🥰
Any thoughts or questions about staying in AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank? Let us know your comments below!
This post was brought to you by AC Hotels by Marriott as part of a media familiarisation trip.
