The new Novotel Melbourne South Wharf offers direct access to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Spice News takes a look at the new four-star property to learn more about the landmark development and what it can offer meeting planners.

The doors are open at Melbourne’s newest hotel – the $150 million ‘golden tower’ that is Novotel Melbourne South Wharf.

Rising 26 storeys from its highly visible South Wharf location, construction of the hotel’s tall, relatively narrow form and panel-by-panel application of its distinctive golden façade has kept Melburnians guessing for months.

The striking hotel comprises 347 guestrooms and suites and is situated directly adjacent the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), which is undergoing a $350 million expansion to transform it into the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

General Manager Glen Erickson said Novotel Melbourne South Wharf would make an important contribution to the local hotel landscape, which was experiencing a resurgence with investment in new build hotels planned or underway.

“This hotel’s development, along with the MCEC expansion project, represents one of the largest and most significant infrastructure investments into Melbourne’s tourism and convention industry,” said Mr Erickson.

“Novotel Melbourne South Wharf will contribute significantly to the continued evolution of Melbourne as one of Asia Pacific’s most desirable – and frequently visited – destinations for both business and leisure travel.”

While ideally suited to the corporate and conference traveller, Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is also targeting the intra- and interstate leisure visitor. The hotel’s close proximity to Etihad Stadium, South Wharf shopping and dining options, and broader Southbank and CBD attractions, are expected to be strong drawcards for this market.

“Coupled with the hotel’s inhouse dining options – including a glamorous bar/restaurant on level six, Mr Carpano Bar & Dining – Novotel Melbourne South Wharf is redefining the four-star hotel experience by providing an exceptional level of amenity, along with the most stringent customer service standards,” said Mr Erickson.

“Our location also brings together unrivalled access to modern conferencing and events facilities, with the energy and atmosphere of a dynamic, city-fringe precinct rich in history.”