This unassuming gem, with views across Port Phillip Bay, packs a regal punch far above its weight. Home to a trendy Mediterranean-style restaurant, it also has an iconic Public Bar and Bandroom that's hosted live performances by Coldplay and Scissor Sisters in its time. With so much on offer, it’s no surprise this is a perenially popular spot for celebrations, weddings, private dinners and cocktail parties, and weekend escapes for couples and friends. And when quality downtime is on the menu, the Aurora Spa next door is the last word in pampering.
Just 25 minutes by tram from the city centre, the hotel is at the heart of St Kilda’s vibrant inner-city scene, on buzzy Fitzroy Street. Neighbouring Acland also has interesting bars, cafés and shops. In the sweltering summer months, the nearby beachfront is a top spot for people-watching, and the local street scene is teeming with international flavours that reflect Melbourne’s immigrant history. The Prince, pure hotel royalty, reigns literally above it all.
Highs
- 39 sleekly styled rooms
- Gorgeous breakfasts: porridge with rhubarb and hazelnut; smoked ocean trout on sourdough; banana bread with local honey
- Oysters on room service: always gets our vote
- The setting: in a cool neighbourhood, a short stroll from the beach and an easy tram ride into the city
Lows
- Breakfast isn't included in the rates
- Noise from the Bandroom and Public Bar can spill over on weekends: bring ear plugs
- St Kilda’s bohemian, edgy vibe may not be to all tastes
Best time to go
December-February is the peak of Melbourne's summer season and the busiest time for local holidays. The quietest time to visit is over the Aussie winter from June-August, when temperatures drop and the city gets cosy. Spring and autumn are gorgeous seasons with warm temperatures. There's always something going on in Melbourne, from international sporting events to fashion weeks and conferences, so it's worth checking in advance before you book.
Our top tips
Take a refreshing dip in the iconic Sea Baths just over the road, and ride the rollercoaster at Luna Park - a historic amusement park dating back to 1912.
- Boutique Hotel
- 39 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
There are 39 rooms, all refurbed in 2018 to preserve the hotel's lovely art deco features. Soft pastel colours and photographs by Melbourne artists decorate the walls, handmade oak chairs and plump sofas create comfy hangout spaces, and light pours in. Brass pendants and lamps, plus Aspar bath products, add to the splendour.
Top of the pile are Corner Suites, which have super-stylish open-plan lounges and private balconies. Superior Rooms are equally spacious, bright and airy, with balconies and far-reaching views. Deluxe and Boutique Rooms are the smallest but are subsequently great value, and still have the sleek design of their bigger siblings.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The Prince Dining Room is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start your day with avocado on rye with goats' curd, and dukkah or coconut yoghurt with fresh fruits and granola. In the evening, the cuisine has a North African flare, with lots of seasonal ingredients. Perhaps Moroccan tagine of Flinders Island lamb followed by Tunisian donuts with local honey and saffron ice cream.
Later, prop up the iconic Public Bar, one of Melbourne’s best-loved watering holes for 75 years, or head out for drinks - the area is teeming with bars and eateries; just ask reception for a tip.
Prince Dining Room also has a private dining and event space comprising an atrium bar, dining room and balcony room available for dinners, private parties and weddings.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Book into the Aurora Spa (well in advance) for a world-class pampering session. Their signature Kitya Karnu is award winning, with pure mineral salts and a cool river-stone ritual
- Watch live music - the hotel's Bandroom has hosted everyone from the Scissor Sisters to Goldfrapp and Coldplay
- The area is great for boutiques; try Seagulls for women's fashion or Scout for homewares
- Laze on St Kilda's beach or do a lazy crawl of the outdoor cafés and bars along the front
- On Sundays, visit the huge arts and crafts market on St Kilda’s Esplanade - perfect for finding a unique memento
- Tram into Melbourne’s centre for incredible art at the National Gallery of Victoria, damn fine coffee, and the 130-year-old Queen Victoria Market spread over 2 blocks - you’ll find fresh produce, food stalls, clothing and bric-a-brac galore
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Well being
Kids
Children are welcome, though it's not an obvious hotel for families and there are no special facilities for kids. Baby cots are free to borrow and rollaway beds can be arranged at a small extra charge.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
On request.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Prince is located on the corner of Fitzroy Street and Acland Street in St Kilda, an inner-city beach suburb 25 minutes by tram from the centre of Melbourne.
By Air:
Melbourne Tullamarine (30km) and Melbourne Avalon (50km) are the nearest airports - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving them. You can hire a car from either airport, taxis are plentiful, and the hotel can arrange a private transfer. Alternatively, you can take the Skybus from the airport to the nearby Novotel hotel, and from there it is a 4-minute walk to the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Australia and getting around
Airports:
- Melbourne Tullamarine 30.0 km MLB
- Melbourne Avalon 50.0 km AVA
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km