Ovolo Hotels is set to make a bold statement in Melbourne today, 8 April, as it swings open the doors to the retro-chic Ovolo South Yarra.

Blending the “past, present and progressive”, the hotel brings 123 rooms and an innovative vegan restaurant to Toorak Road.

“Ovolo South Yarra will set the scene for an extraordinary hotel experience embodying Ovolo’s philosophy of connecting with its customers emotionally and will complement the local cultural scene through its art, design and unique restaurant concept,” said Ovolo Hotels founder Girish Jhunjhnuwala.

The accommodation options range from micro hotel rooms to Rockstar Suites, each taking design cues from the days of disco, rock ‘n’ roll and retro glamour. Think in-room record players, 70s inspired wallpaper and modern artworks.

Long-term collaborators of Ovolo and award-winning designers Luchetti Krelle are behind the design concept, dubbed “retrofuturism”.

“Retrofuturism explores the themes of tension between past and future and the nostalgia of those eras is appropriated with integrated modern art installations and collaborations with local and international artists,” said Rachel Luchetti.

On the food front, celebrated Melbourne chefs Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters) and Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar) will launch a rebellious vegan bar and kitchen Lona Misa.

The restaurant will serve up shareable, sustainably crafted menus, inspired by Latin fare and bistro dining.

“Shannon is a real pioneer for plant-based dining,” said Ian Curley.

“For what she brings to the table, taking on some of Australia’s most unconvinced carnivorous chefs, she has set a foundation for vegetarian and plant-based dining to be taken seriously.”

Ovolo South Yarra will feature all the brand’s signature inclusions, like sundowner drinks at social hour, complimentary minibar and breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a self-service laundry.