The Windsor Hotel
Hotel Overview
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.
HistoryPreviously 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.
Location
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
Rooms
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.
Services
- 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
Food & Beverages
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.