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4.5
#46 of 179 hotels in Melbourne
Location
Cleanliness
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Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Hotel Windsor is Australia’s most loved and recognised grand hotel. Built in 1883 during the Victorian era and pre-dating other notable hotels such as The Savoy, Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Paris and The Plaza Hotel, it set a benchmark for style, elegance, sophistication and charm which remains ever present today. The hotel is located in Melbourne’s most central and fashionable district. Its location is in close proximity to the corporate, financial and designer heart of Melbourne. Many of the city’s best theatres, landmark attractions and sporting venues are within a comfortable walking distance. The hotel is located 20km from Melbourne’s Domestic and International Airport, with a traveling time of between 20-45 minutes. Parliament train station and tram stops including the City Circle route are located at the hotel’s doorstep.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian and 5 more
Location
111 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
The Hotel Windsor
11,035 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
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The Hotel Windsor offers spacious rooms that many guests find charming, though some suggest they are in need of modernization and quieter ambiance, as noise can occasionally be an issue. While the central location is a highlight, earning the hotel acclaim for its convenience, opinions on value and service are mixed, with some guests feeling the costs are excessive and the service lacking consistency.
Cleanliness is generally good, though not without occasional lapses, and while the amenities add to the hotel's appeal, updates are in demand.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Dated
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Noise level
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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We had booked to stay at The Hotel Windsor in March 2020, unfortunately COVID struck. Finally in May ‘21 we managed to visit and were thrilled with the entire experience. As regular visitors to Melbourne we had often walked past the Hotel Windsor’s grand facade, sometimes when your expectations are high, disappointment is inevitable- thankfully not this time. Our entire stay, from Concierge to checkout, the pleasure of being well looked ,was magnificent. Hotel Windsor’s location is excellent, train station (subway) and trams, steps from the hotel. Also a surfeit of gardens, museums (Treasury Museum is free and really worth a look - literally across the road), gorgeous shops, cafes and the best bookshop in the world “Hill of Content” around the corner. Of course you could just wander around the Hotel Windsor for a fascinating blast of the past. Elegant furnishings, art work, old fashioned silver service and attention to detail throughout that is a joy. The staircase, the Ballroom, the Lounge and the BREAKFAST!! A beautiful dining room that is bright and so beautifully appointed, where an offering of freshly squeezed orange juice accompanies the usual fare, but all done in an exceptionally delicious way and served by professional, and lovely, staff. All staff were attentive and trained to a standard long gone, their friendliness only extended if the patron chooses. Ie. if you want to pretend you are of an aristocratic bygone age, you can - personally we don’t. Staff were delightful, intelligent, polite and caring. Our room, a deluxe double with Parliament view, was massive and included a lounging area. The dressing room with proper hangers, clothes brush and big fluffy robes meant no suitcases strewn around. The fridge, tea coffee etc, and ironing board tucked away here too. The hot water in the bathroom was copious, nothing worse than low pressure dribble! We love Melbourne, visit regularly, have stayed in many different hotels but the Hotel Windsor is a class above the rest and doesn’t need to be expensive. Modern sensibilities means that there are often “deals”, and if you’re into Harry Potter (showing at the theatre next door) you can complete your experience in a themed room. Didn’t try this but it looked like fun. Big TV and fast WiFi is a given. Personally, we enjoyed the truly beautiful surroundings, the service, the wonderful location and the simple joy of feeling that we were valued guests. Thank you Hotel Windsor, we can’t wait to get back.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Rooms are larger than most and all seem well appointed. If you can afford the suites, they look...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Its been some years since we last stayed at the iconic Hotel Windsor and I am happy to say its was a lovely stay. One night only, we opted for a suite on the fourth floor, at a very reasonably price compared to other hotels we've stayed in. As you get out of the elevator on the fourth floor, there hanging on the wall is a large wooden board with all of the names of very famous people whom have stayed at the Windsor and on the fourth floor I assume. Well worth a visit to read the list of the who's who. The meet and greet at the beautiful front door is as charming as ever with porters fussing over you, taking your bags and welcoming you inside. The hotel is charming, old world charm is best to describe this Melbourne establishment. Another great aspect of staying at The Hotel Windsor is its proximity to some of Melbourne's best restaurants and bars, in particular Flinders Lane where you will never run out of places to eat or drink. Great visit, great location and great hotel. That's a win ! We'll be back, soon !!
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Ask for a room with street frontage.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HotelWindsorMelb, Front Office Manager at The Hotel Windsor
Responded 28 Jan 2020
Dear Sir / Madam, Thank you for your review and also for choosing to stay at The Windsor, it's so pleasing to read that you enjoyed the history, service and location during your stay. We do hope to have the pleasure of your company when you’re next in town. Warm Regards Alex Hampshire Front Office Manager
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This place was listed on the Qantas hotel website and I was quite surprised at the value. It's an exquisite building from 1883 and has a lot of olde worlde charm. The room rate included a breakfast package to the value of $35 which was a la carte style and the choices were delicious over the 3 nights. A Distinguished Guests list near the elevators was quite amazing to see (no spoilers!) including actors, royalty, entertainers and sports persons).
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:I asked for a high level room to avoid street noise which was not too intrusive
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our two-night stay at the Windsor was on my Bucket List for many years. The price of around $200 per night seemed reasonable, however, the valet parking is another expense to take into consideration. ( $55/ night ) The friendly porter and check-in staff were attentive and the old world decor was on display in the hallway and stairway nearest to Spring Street. However, the hallway narrows and the rear accommodation shrinks to a dormitory-style.
A tiny room with a frosted glass window unable to see out and with the extra layer of perspex ensuring no escape, was a condition I would not like to experience again. There were many other faults which could be listed once my phobia of confined spaces was eased. My wife kept reminding me the Windsor was built in 1883 and that USB ports, individual Showers or Bathroom exhausts weren't around back then. Also in 1883, a Jacuzzi, swimming pool or extensive gym facilities were not available. Two days were enough.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Facing Spring Street would be best
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We checked in on 5 May and out on 7 May on the Mothers day special package, Junior Suite, as below:
"Our Mother's Day Package includes a gorgeous selection of petit fours from our famous Afternoon Tea, a bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne, fluffy bathrobes and slippers to slip into, and a blissful rest on crisp hotel sheets. The next morning, there's breakfast for two and a late 12pm checkout for an uninterrupted, pampering getaway.
Inclusions: Valet Parking An overnight stay in a Superior Room or Junior Suite Selection of Petit Fours from our famous Afternoon Tea A bottle of Louis Roederer Brut Premier French Champagne Breakfast for two Late checkout at 12pm
Superior Room: $309 | Junior Suite: $409 For stays from 1 May 2021 - 9 May 2021" end of quote
When we phone contacted reception to organise our second day Champagne and Petit Fours we were told, quite rudely, that they were only on first night. I disputed this and was told unless I had something in writing to the contrary that was it.
I had printed the package inclusions with cost along with my booking confirmation so I went down to reception and spoke to a second person. He was running the line but could not show me where 2 of the 6 said inclusions were actually not going to be included. I expressed my disgust at the treatment, asked it to be escalated and commented I would never stay again.
Later, the Duty manager called our room and told me I was right and that all inclusions should be provided but the pastry chefs had all gone home so she would send up the Champagne.
Second day of our 2 night 3 day getaway and we felt abused, humiliated, annoyed and very despondent.
We did not feel like going out after our treatment but my husband ordered a club sandwich for which we were charged $32.42. Our total bill of $850.42 did not reflect any compensation for the abuse and non supply of the Petit Fours.
We wanted a few days away and to give hope that things were picking up in Melbourne.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don’t get me wrong, you cannot ask for a better and more convenient location or more friendly staff. But the room, especially the bathroom, could do with modernising. The amenities were of a quality I would normally associate with a less glamorous property. There were no complimentary water (A$5/bottle), newspapers or slippers where some of the more modest hotels in Australia supply them as a matter of hospitality. The bathrobes were frayed and have seen too many better days! The fixtures and fittings looked old and should really be updated. I booked a junior suite and it was surrounded by service doors. On leaving in the morning or coming back in the afternoon, we had to manoeuvre ourselves around huge cages full of linen and other stuff which were blocking the corridor. The service doors banging early in the morning when staff moved the cages in and out (knocking into our door at the same time) were a constant irritation especially when accompanied by loud talking. I spoke to the front desk twice but it really was not the fault of the staff. The cages are too big to manoeuvre around without banging into our room door nor could the staff stop the loud closing of the doors either although the chattering quietened down after my initial complaint. Would I recommend this hotel? No, I think you can do better in Melbourne where there are some newer and more modern players charging similar prices. The Windsor is sadly trading on a reputation it once had but don’t be fooled by it.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Windsor, Other at The Hotel Windsor
Responded 3 Apr 2020
Dear vbm6, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I am sorry for the short comings in your stay and I will have a discussion with our Housekeeping Team in regards to the linen. The fact that you had to speak to the Front Desk more than once is disappointing to hear. Please let me know if you are heading to Melbourne again I would be more than happy to facilitate your booking. Kind regards, Alex Hampshire Front Office Manager
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I would stay at the Windsor for a short stay. It is well located and has a faded elegance. The hotel is historic so I imagine that they will have requirements for any renovation they do. I found a bit of a musty smell in the room. We were in a suite on the first floor that had two rooms, one with a sofa-bed. It was fairly roomy and had high ceilings. I was glad for blackout curtains and that the city noise wasn't terrible. The TV's were on a small low chest of drawers so we had to elevate them for comfort viewing. You don't get much choice of temperature, only a knob on the wall to turn off, to heat or cool. There is one closet that has sliding doors which are a bit inconvenient to squeeze by. There is a refrigerator and they give you tea for the tea pot. That was nice. The beds were comfortable, the lighting adequate, service was good. We never found a safe so I can't say that there is one in the room. We looked for it. The bathroom has a shower/tub and is slippery so be careful. One sink. Lots of towels, robes, etc. There is a dining room/ breakfast room and we found fairly much the same breakfast menu every day but it was Okay, eggs, bacon, full English breakfast if you like. The concierge was very nice and helpful. I found it a bit amusing though irritating that the maid called my room in the morning about 8:00AM to wake me after having seen the Do Not Disturb sign I placed on my door. I guess I inconvenienced someone... Otherwise the service was good.
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from HotelWindsorMelb, Front Office Manager at The Hotel Windsor
Responded 13 Feb 2020
Dear Sir / Madam, Thank you for your review about your experience at The Hotel Windsor. The quality of service provided at The Hotel Windsor is of the utmost importance to us, and I would like to affirm to you that we will ensure your feedback is addressed diligently. Your comments on staff service are also greatly appreciated, I do apologise for the disturbance due to the early wake up call. We do hope to see you again when you next visit Melbourne. Warm Regards Alex Hampshire Front Office Manager
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We read all the mixed reviews but can only say that it was a fabulous place to stay for our three nights in Melbourne. The hotel may need a little updating in some areas but the overall ‘Grand’ is still felt in all areas.
We had a Windsor suite on the 4th floor, and it was amazing! The entrance was a large foyer with all rooms leading off. First was a Huge round lounge with bay windows overlooking Parliament House. There was a settee and two chairs around a coffee table, dining table with four chairs and a desk but the ‘pièce de résistance’ was the glasses cabinet! We did manage to use a couple of glasses each night 😊. As this was an early birthday present for me it was lovely to return from our first night to a bottle of bubbly and a card. Thank you.
The bedroom was also large with a great walk-in wardrobe with plenty of hanging space (and hangers), long mirror and two storage boxes. In the bedroom there was a very comfortable king bed with excellent linen, lovely dressing table and stool, two armchairs and a very useful set of drawers.
The bathroom had been modernised with marble tiles and great sink area with plenty of surface storage. The shower was over the bath which was fine for us but could be a challenge for some people. Very good towels and soft fluffy bathrobes 😊
The final room was the Butler’s kitchen which needed restoration but completely workable with small under bench fridge, sink and kettle, etc.
Entry into the hotel is via a huge glamorous foyer under an amazing cantilevered historical staircase. Every floor had the same wide corridors with a mixture of carpet and tiles. There are some wonderful, decorated doors (on the larger suites) although most room doors are very plain and cheap looking. Check out the original lift area for more history about the hotel. The One Eleven dining room looked fabulous although we didn’t eat here.
All staff were friendly and efficient, and it was an excellent stay. I was celebrating an early birthday and we were surprised with a bottle of bubbly on our arrival.
It is extremely well located with all the major CBD roads a short walk away together with the trams and it is within the ‘free tram’ zone. It was also excellent for our night at the Palace Theatre .. such a short walk home after Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
We would certainly recommend staying here and, in fact, we would be happy to move into that room as larger than our apartment!!
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Date of stay: September 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Windsor has much history, and a lot of it is still in place. Many features once hugely grand and glittering are dated, faded and are tired. Room furniture shows many battle scars, the tv seemed locked on to one channel and resisted all attempts to change it, in-tub showers are difficult to manage, bath towels leave deposits of fluff, and the restaurant - tried just the once, that was enough - operates in the past and can’t compete with local bars and fooderies of all types.
That said, we came to love the place in the 15 night stay we had. The staff are extremely nice, helpful and responsive. We’d reserved a “Superior” room but saw nothing superior in the room initially offered to us.The management then moved us to a room more fitting the title, and did so cheerfully and were clearly anxious for our satisfaction. We had free wifi throughout our stay (important to us) and the position of the hotel gave ready access to beautiful local parks, gardens, theaters and many, many good restaurants and bars. The free tram rides about the city were well utilized. We loved Melbourne!
Two years too soon? We learned that the Old Girl will be completely refurbished in times ahead and while we recognize the need for the updates we hope the charm and character is retained as much as possible.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We enjoyed a one night stay at The Windsor coinciding with a Melbourne theatre show. Having booked a Superior Room, we’re extremely glad to have opted for an upgrade to a Spring Street view as others had advised they had rooms with obscured glass overlooking a drab central court/light shaft - well worth it. The room was delightfully decorated and extremely spacious, retaining old-world charm also having a separate dressing room and marble bathroom off of another vestibule. It was extremely pleasant having the full Windsor Breakfast in the privacy of our own room, buffet breakfasts, dining rooms and morning crowds seeming a bit too tiresome these days. The staff were all charming on every interaction we had with them. It’s taken us several decades to finally stay at this beautiful hotel and we’re looking forward to returning and for a longer stay next time.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cindy Colliver, Other at The Hotel Windsor
Responded 24 Feb 2020
Dear Mr. Jason, Thank you for your review and for choosing to stay with us at The Hotel Windsor during your recent visit to Melbourne. We really appreciate your positive comments about our rooms, location and staff. We pride ourselves on our customer service and it’s pleasing to read that we made your stay an enjoyable one. Looking forward to the pleasure of welcoming you back for a longer stay in the near future. Warm Regards Alex Hampshire Front Office Manager
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Hi Marlej, they do have a late checkout but a fee is involved. maybe check with the hotel. if its your luggage that you are worried about, the concierge will hold it for you. We checked out at 11am, and left our luggage at the desk with the concierge and came back around 4pm and took the luggage to leave. their was no charge involved.
There are more places to choose from in the Melbourne area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$227 - AU$315 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
windsor hotel melbourne
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaMelbourneCentral Business District
NUMBER OF ROOMS
180
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
