The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the building's history and the Club Lounge food, but often underwhelmed by the pool temperature and room lighting.
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
$180-280/ night
Book this if You want to sleep inside a piece of 1890s history where the lobby feels like a movie set and the club lounge actually justifies the upsell.
Why People Love It
- The jaw-dropping 10-story glass atrium that connects two heritage buildings
- Club InterContinental lounge is widely considered one of the best in Melbourne
- Location on Collins Street puts you dead center for luxury shopping and business
Quick Take: A stunning architectural shell wrapping rooms that can feel a bit dark and corporate if you don't book carefully.
Reviewed by @aussie.indian.adventures: I felt like I stepped back in time the moment I walked into that atrium. The blend of 1880s history and modern luxury is unreal. We spent hours at the heated rooftop pool and dinner at Alluvial was the perfect end to our romantic weekend. A must for history lovers!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the lobby and the location; the standard rooms feel a bit like a generic business hotel once you step off the atrium.
- You appreciate Victorian Gothic architecture and dramatic interiors
- You have status with IHG or budget for the Club Lounge upgrade
- You want to be walking distance to the aquarium, convention center, and Marvel Stadium
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though recent reviews mention occasional missed dust on heritage brickwork.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are marble and generally sparkling, though some guests noted weak water pressure or worn grout in older suites.
- Maintenance: The heritage nature means some wear and tear is visible; reports of broken coffee machines or AC issues crop up.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp white linens typical of the InterContinental brand.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells expensive (signature scent), but some older rooms can have a faint musty smell due to lack of airflow.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing chatter from the Alluvial restaurant in the atrium
- Connecting doors in some rooms allow sound bleed from neighbors
Before you book
Good to know
- A 1.5% surcharge applies to all credit card transactions
- The pool is indoor and heated, but guests frequently complain the air temperature in the pool deck is stiflingly hot while the water is cool
- Breakfast at Alluvial is excellent but expensive (~$48 AUD); Club access includes a separate, quieter breakfast
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the rooftop indoor pool (even in winter)
- Smart casual outfits—this is Collins Street, the vibe is polished
- Earplugs if you are assigned a lower-floor atrium room
Room Genie
Best picks
- Club InterContinental Rooms (Level 4) for the lounge access and generally better positioning
- Iconic Suites (123sqm) if you want the full heritage experience with massive windows
Rooms to avoid
- Atrium-facing rooms on lower floors (noise issues and privacy concerns)
- Classic Rooms if you are claustrophobic (can feel dark and small)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a higher floor, ideally facing outwards towards the city rather than the internal atrium, to maximize natural light and privacy.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, it is a heated indoor pool on the rooftop, though some guests find the water temperature inconsistent.
How much is parking?
Valet is approx. $80 AUD/night. Self-parking is available at Wilson Parking nearby for around $50/24h.
Does the hotel have a lounge?
Yes, the Club InterContinental Lounge is a highlight, offering breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening canapés for eligible guests.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What is the breakfast cost?
Full buffet breakfast at Alluvial Restaurant is approximately $48 AUD per adult.
Can I walk to the Convention Centre?
Yes, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'internal' balcony rooms are great for people-watching but terrible for privacy—keep your sheer curtains drawn.
- ✨
There is a specific elevator that goes to the pool/gym level; not all lifts service the top floor.
- ✨
You can access the Vue de Monde restaurant in the adjacent Rialto tower without leaving the precinct.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'rooftop' pool is fully enclosed and has no outdoor deck, so don't expect a tan.
💡The atrium rooms can feel like you are sleeping in a shopping mall due to the internal view.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with dusting high surfaces in the older heritage rooms.
💡The gym is 24-hour but can get crowded during peak business travel times.
💡You have to cross a bridge across the atrium to get to the Club Lounge from some wings.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto is located and what's nearby.