The Victoria Hotel Melbourne: Heritage Charm in the Heart of the CBD
Built in 1880, The Victoria Hotel on Little Collins Street is one of the oldest hotels still operating in the CBD. Our contributor Terrie had heard plenty about it from friends before she booked — how central it was, how long it’s been there — and went in expecting a building that might still feel its age. What she found was a lot more polished than that.
Terrie’s review
We were given last-minute tickets to the theatre, so we checked online for a hotel to stay the night. We chose The Victoria Hotel in Little Collins Street. We had heard about The Victoria Hotel from several friends, how central it was, how it’s been there for so long, and how good it is.
Apparently this hotel was built in 1880, which might mean a very old-fashioned type of decor/building. What we found was very clean, modern and very comfortable accommodation. When you step into the foyer, your eyes go straight to the beautiful huge chandelier before you notice the gorgeous central staircase. I couldn’t help walking up those stairs just to have that feeling of sophistication. Other times we just got the lift!
The Victoria certainly was very central to where we wanted to go. On this occasion we attended a show at the Athenaeum Theatre, just around the corner. After the evening show, there were lots of restaurants and eateries close by, however we chose to pick up a treat from nearby Brunetti’s and take it back to our room. No late-night cocktails at a rooftop bar for these two seniors!
It must have been one of the quieter Tuesday nights in the city, because we got the room for just $98! What a bargain. After a comfortable night’s sleep we very much enjoyed The Victoria’s restaurant buffet breakfast. We found the prices reasonable at this point, however I do believe that can change at times — for example, when the Melbourne Cup is on. Then we were on our way home, with Flinders Street Station just a couple of blocks away.
A Hotel with a past
The Victoria Hotel opened in November 1880 as the Victoria Coffee Palace, one of the first hotels built in Melbourne. It wasn’t a pub — quite the opposite. Coffee palaces were part of the temperance movement, and this one served tea, coffee and Beef Tea instead of alcohol, with a Smoking Room the only real concession to vice.
That history is still visible in the foyer, in the grand staircase and chandelier that catch your eye the moment you walk in. But the 370 guest rooms behind them are entirely modern, which is exactly the contrast Terrie noticed on arrival.
Related reading: 31 Best Hotels in Melbourne CBD: A Senior-Friendly Guide
Insider tips
- Take the stairs at least once. The sweeping central staircase off the foyer is worth the walk up, even if you take the lift the rest of the time.
- Bring your own treat back to the room. Brunetti’s is just around the corner and makes a lovely alternative to a late-night bar if you’d rather wind down quietly after a show.
- Watch for event pricing. Rates can rise around major events like the Melbourne Cup, so it pays to book ahead if your visit coincides with a big date on the Melbourne calendar.
- Pair it with a show. The Victoria is a short walk from several of Melbourne’s theatres, including the Athenaeum just around the corner, making it a handy base for a night at the theatre.
- Check Halftix before you book a show. It’s just across the road from the hotel and a great spot for discounted show tickets. Read more here.
- Buffet breakfast is a nice way to start the day — a relaxed, no-fuss option before heading off to explore or catch your train home.
- Travelling with a friend and don’t want to share a bed? The Victoria has good split bedding options — twin singles rather than the usual queen or king setup — and they’re often cheaper too.
Getting there
The Victoria Hotel is located at 215 Little Collins Street, right behind Melbourne Town Hall, in the heart of the CBD. It sits within the Free Tram Zone, so getting around the city centre from here costs nothing. Flinders Street Station is just a couple of blocks away, making it an easy stroll if you’re arriving or leaving by train, and Federation Square is also within easy walking distance.
For those driving in, secure parking can be arranged nearby, though as with most CBD hotels, it’s worth booking ahead — particularly around major events.
Accessibility
As a heritage building, some original features (like that central staircase) aren’t step-free, but lift access is available throughout the hotel for guests who prefer it.
It’s worth contacting the hotel directly ahead of your stay to confirm accessible room configurations and any specific mobility needs, so they can be arranged in advance.
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