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

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.