subject: Discover Melbourne Cbd Accommodation, Windsor Hotel For Victorian Style [print this page] Many visitors come to Melbourne to enjoy the Australian lifestyle in this world renowned centre for culture, sports, entertainment, heritage and tourism. Melbourne, Australia's second largest city is the state capital of Victoria, and this Melbourne CBD accommodation article examines a very traditional and elegant accommodation option in one of Melbourne's oldest hotels.
The Hotel Windsor (corner of Little Collins Street and Spring Street) is the only independent Grand Hotel in Australia. Located in the centre of Melbourne, it is just a short walk from many of the main Melbourne landmarks, such as Federation Square, Melbourne Park, and the National Gallery of Victoria.
The hotels outstanding architecture, and stunning interior with grand central staircase, and grand ballrooms and dining room, have been a Melbourne landmark for 125 years. George Nipper, who made his fortune in the shipping business, employed top architect Charles Webb to design the Windsor, which opened in 1883. It is in fact older than many other grand hotels in Europe and North America, including the Ritz (Paris), Savoy (London) and Waldorf-Astoria (New York). In the early years the Windsor was the meeting place for all of Melbourne's top people, politicians, business men, and entertainers such as actors and opera singers, and in 1898 the Australian constitution was drafted in the hotel.
By the 1970s a decline had set in, and there was a real risk that the hotel might be demolished. Luckily the Victorian state government were not prepared to countenance the loss of such an important part of Melbourne's heritage, and they intervened to save the hotel. Since then heritage specialists have organised a restoration programme for the hotel, and it is now back in business and in independent ownership. The Hotel Windsor's elegant surroundings are now protected for future generations of visitors to Melbourne.
The high teas served at the hotel have even played a part in reviving old traditions amongst local people and visitors. English style high teas (afternoon teas with sandwiches, cakes etc) are often regarded in other places as part of an old fashioned tradition, but in Melbourne the tradition has been revived by younger people steeped in the foodie culture of the city. Many younger people and tourists now take high tea after a busy day shopping in Melbourne, and one place they go to is the Hotel Windsor. Unlike some of the restaurants and other hotels offering high teas, the Windsor has stayed true to the oldest traditions of cucumber and egg sandwiches, and scones and pastries.
Rooms at the Hotel Windsor are all non smoking and fully air conditioned. The hotel has twenty suites, and 160 other luxury bedrooms. Guests at the Windsor have the use of services such as valet parking (the car park is off site), and may make complimentary use of the fitness centre. High speed wireless internet is available throughout the hotel.
The Windsor's restaurant is named 111 Spring Street Restaurant, and it offers an exciting menu, combining the classic French style with modern Australian influence. Jerome Tremoulet, the executive chef, believes in providing a dining experience suitably fitting to the beauty and style of the hotel's architecture and interiors. There is also an outstanding selection from the wine cellars.
The Windsor's bar, the Cricketers, serves a wide range of beers, including local and imported varieties. The Cricketers is a popular gathering place for many Melbourne residents, as well as guests at the hotel. At one time it was traditional for Australian cricket teams to gather here after Melbourne Test matches, and the Cricketers displays an extensive collection of Australian cricket memorabilia from the last hundred years of Australian cricket.
