The Windsor Hotel

The elegant Windsor, Australia's only remaining Grand Hotel, combines the classic beauty and culture of Victorian Architecture, with all the comforts and modern facilities of a five-star property, complete with 24 hour Business Centre and towers Fitness Centre.

Right in the heart of Melbourne's premier shopping and business district you will find one of the "Leading Hotels of the World", The Windsor.

Previously known as The Grand, the Hotel was officially opened in 1883. Shipping magnate George Nipper commissioned architect Charles Webb to design the building, regarded as a fine example of Victorian architecture. Today it is classified by the National Trust. In the late 1880s The Grand was acquired by the Hon. James Munro, a leading light of the popular Temperance Party. He is best remembered for his flamboyant gesture of setting alight the hotel liquor license, thus changing the name of The Grand Hotel to The Grand Coffee Place.

In the 1920s, after a visit from The Duke of Windsor and with the liquor license restored, the hotel was renamed The Windsor. During the depression of the 1920s and 30s, The Windsor provided an elitist clientele with the best English style service and cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.

In 1980 Oberoi Hotels International took over the lease and hired specialist consultants to restore the building. Some $21 million and three years later, the Victorian atmosphere of the 1880's was re-created with great attention paid to authenticity. During the restoration, original photographs and documents such as the architect's diaries were studied. Some of the best examples of the restoration work are to be found in The Grand Ballroom, originally a dining Room and now used exclusively as a functions venue, and the magnificent spiral staircase.

Oberoi officially purchased the Hotel from the government in April 1990. A collection of early Australian artwork valued at more than $3 million also graces the walls including many works by well-known Australian artist Ernest Buckmaster. In 1995/96 London-based hotel design consultants, Richmond International, were commissioned to carry out refurbishment of the hotel. Richmond has decorated grand Hotels around the world, including the renowned Dorchester in London and Peninsula in Hong Kong.

The Windsor an Oberoi Hotel is located within the city grid, opposite State Parliament, The Windsor is within a block of the Princess Theatre for the latest Musical theatre presentations Fitzroy, Gardens which has tree-lined pathways, floral landscapes and is perfect for a leisurely stroll or jogging track, Collins and Bourke Streets for their world class shops and China Town for a variety of Asian cuisine. Australia's famous sporting ground, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Melbourne Tennis Centre are only a pleasant walk away.

Distances:

• Airport: 20 km, 30 minutes
• Railway: 1 km, 5 minutes
• Golf: 6 km, 20 minutes
• Beach: 5 km, 20minutes
• Squash: 1 km, 10 minutes
• Tennis: 2 km, 10 minutes

The Windsor offers a diverse range of superb accommodation choices in its 180 Rooms and Suites, each expressing individuality and the exceptional Oberoi standard. They are renowned for their grandiose proportions and other luxuries such as marble Bathrooms and impressive 12 foot ceilings 4 m that confirm The Windsor's Victorian heritage.

Superior Rooms: Decorated either in a combination of rose and green print fabrics or in contrasting blue and yellow. Superior Rooms are spacious, most with walk-in robes and marble Bathrooms with a combined Shower and Bath. Available with king or twin Beds. King: 1830 x 2030cm. Twin: 2 x 920 x 1880cm. Room facilities & Amenities include: Desk & Chair, Lounge Chair, Mini Bar, Television & In-House Movies, Tea & Coffee facilities, Iron and Ironing Board, personal Hairdryer, Bathrobes, ISDN lines and Voice Mail. Size 33 m².

Deluxe Rooms: These spacious Rooms are appointed in soft shades of contrasting blue and yellow with a three piece lounge setting, walk-in robe and stylish marble Bathroom with combined Shower and Bath. Room facilities & Amenities include: Lounge Suite and Chairs, Desk & Chair, Mini Bar, Television & In-House Movies, Tea & Coffee facilities, Iron and Ironing Board, personal Hairdryer, Bathrobes and ISDN lines and Voice Mail. Size 40 m².

Executive Suites: A separate lounge distinct from the master Bedroom is conducive to Entertaining or Business. Elegant printed fabrics, polished mahogany furniture, original artwork and marble Bathroom with a combined Shower and Bath, are the highlights of these Suites. Room facilities & Amenities include: Lounge Suite and Chairs, Desk & Chair, Mini Bar, Television & In-House Movies, Tea & Coffee facilities, Iron and Ironing Board, personal Hairdryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, In-Room Safes, ISDN lines and Voice Mail. Size 46 m².

Windsor Suites: These Suites have sweeping views of the Princess Theatre, Exhibition Building and Parliament House from the uniquely shaped and magnificently decorated oval Lounge, dining Room with original artwork throughout. Adjoining, is a Butlers' servery, spacious master Bedroom, walk-in robe and marble Bathroom with a combined Shower and Bath. Room facilities & Amenities include: Lounge Suite and Chairs, dining Table seating four people, Desk & Chair, Mini Bar, Television & In-House Movies, Stereo, Video, Tea & Coffee facilities, Iron and Ironing Board, personal Hairdryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, In-Room Safes, ISDN lines and Voice Mail. Size 80 m².

Victorian Suites: Once used as permanent residences, Victorian Suites offer the sophistication and charm of yester-year. These large Suites include high ceilings with antique furniture, original artwork, an entrance hallway, formal lounge and separate dining Room with open Fireplaces, Study, Stereo with CD Player, Video, master Bedroom and marble Bathroom including a Spa. Room facilities & Amenities include: Lounge Suite and Chairs, dining Table seating up to twelve people, Desk & Chair, Mini Bar, Television & In-House Movies, Stereo, Video, Tea & Coffee facilities, Iron and Ironing Board, personal Hairdryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, In-Room Safes, ISDN lines and Voice Mail. Size 122 m².

Royal Suite: The ultimate in luxury. This Suite is superbly appointed with opulent furnishings and original works of art and boasts a magnificent outlook over Spring Street and the Treasury Gardens. A deep claw foot bath is a special feature of the stunning Bathroom, plus Double basins. Lighting and Air-conditioning are computer controlled with push button panels located in the Lounge Room and Bedroom. A superb chaise Lounge is a highlight of the beautiful Bedroom. Room facilities & Amenities include: Lounge Suite and Chairs, dining Suite seating eight people, Desk & Chair, Mini Bar, Television & In-House Movies, Stereo, Video, Tea & Coffee facilities, Iron and Ironing Board, personal Hairdryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, In-Room Safes, ISDN lines and Voice Mail. Size 122 m².

• 24 hours Room Service
• Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
• Safety Deposit Box
• Business Centre Services
• The Towers Fitness Centre
• Cricketers Club Bar
• Valet Car Parking
• Restaurant recommendations
• Theatre & Sightseeing Tours
• Babysitting Service arrangements
• Onward flight confirmations
• Limousine and Car Rental
• Medical Service arrangements
• Floral Service arrangements
• Postage
• Courier service

One Eleven Spring Street Restaurant and cocktail Bar. The Hotel's signature Restaurant  is renowned throughout Melbourne as a leading place for business lunches and special occasion dining. The menu is robust and flavour-driven, combining contemporary dishes and innovative interpretations of some classic dishes. One Eleven Spring Street is open for Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, and supper seven days a week. The cocktail Bar is ideal for that relaxing drink at the end of a long day or for a pre-dinner drink.

For a more casual drink, The Windsor's Cricketer's Bar is a popular Melbourne meeting place for politicians, business people, sports fans and tourists alike. Featuring a century of Australian cricketing memorabilia, the bar is a warm and friendly environment, serving a wide range of local and imported beers.

Traditional afternoon tea at The Windsor has been a Melbourne ritual since 1883. It features a selection of teas or aromatic coffee, delicious finger sandwiches, French pastries and sweet and savoury scones with jam and cream, all served on an elegant three-tiered silver stand. Help yourself to even more delectable desserts from the buffet.