Between Covid lockdowns (I’m writing this at the beginning of the second lockdown), I got in touch with Element Melbourne Richmond. Hotel site inspections are an integral part of my work, it’s important to know what makes a Hotel stand out from the rest. The ‘X’ factor a Hotel offers can make or break your holiday. I think staying at Element Richmond will make it. Element is just 800 metres from my front door, I’d been meaning to visit since it opened in 2019, now was the time!
Element Richmond is located at the eastern end of Swan Street, Richmond, Victoria. It looks out through mature eucalypts over the Yarra River as it winds it’s way the 5kms or so into central Melbourne.
Access is easy. If you’re driving, the Hotel is 5 minutes from the Burnley Street or Yarra Boulevard Citylink exit (just three sets of lights from Melbourne Airport). The Number 70 Tram stop to/from Melbourne’s CBD is a 3-minute walk from the front door. If you’re coming by bike, the Hotel is across the road from the Yarra Trail. For guests arriving by more conventional means, Element have a ‘borrow a bike’ option to explore the city on two wheels.
It could be a long trip to/from the city on the Number 70 Tram as it travels the length of Swan Street which is lined with vibrant cafes and bars. I suggest stopping for dinner, maybe Greek at Dimitri’s Feast, French at Noir or Middle Eastern flavours at Feast of Merit .
There are tram stops at the entrance to Melbourne’s sports and entertainment hub, Melbourne & Olympic Park, too. You can alight here, cross the footbridge and you’re at the MCG for AFL and cricket. You’re never far from the action!
Download the Marriott Bonvoy app, this enables a contactless check in, and you’ll receive your room key on your phone. There is also a friendly Human to welcome you and introduce you to the area. Read Element’s Commitment to Clean here
The Element Hotel brand is the ‘little sister’ of the five star Westin Hotel Brand. Melbourne’s Westin Hotel is located in the CBD, that’s another blog . Element describes itself as ‘eco conscious’, ‘sustainable’, ‘healthy’ and ‘green’ and they walk the talk. Filtered water, no plastic, Rise breakfast offering, windows that open (important in my Hotel inspections) and much more!
With hand sanitiser being 2020’s accessory of necessity, Element created their ‘Sandy Handy Bike’ sanitiser stand which greets you on arrival. Choose from a range of sanitisers created by Australia’s best gin distillers; Archie Rose and Manly Spirits were my favourites.
Element caters for a wide range of travellers, business and leisure, canine and kids! It’s a fresh, light and airy Hotel with an eco conscious ethos but just now they’re earning a reputation for their Dog Friendly status and Moonlight Cinema option.
Fur babies are welcome and well catered for with a Doggo Minibar (does your dog like peanut butter dog biscuits or need a new toy for the holiday?) and their own bed. If you’re bringing the children, as well as the dog, there are interconnecting rooms for up to five humans. NB There is a weight limit (for dogs) and an additional room cleaning fee.
Book the ‘Hot Tub & Silver Screen’ package and you get a king bedded balcony room with private spa and outdoor cinema screen. Choose your movie (ipad supplied), jump in the bubbling spa, and relax to watch the movie under the stars. Add the optional ‘movie pack’ of champagne, chips, chocolate and choc tops and you’re in for a great night! This option is available till the start of daylight saving.
If the spa rooms are fully booked, there are ‘furnished’ balcony rooms with outdoor seats (Element will supply the blankets) and screen. Order the portable barbecue pack and cook dinner while enjoying the movie. A perfect way to end a winter’s day. My tip for planning a getaway here is to go mid week – weekends are very popular and you don’t want to miss out completely!
Element’s décor throughout the Hotel brings the colours of Australia indoors, with calming greens and earthy browns. Australian photographer Jarrad Seng’s beautiful photographs of Richmond and the surrounds grace the walls in the hallways and rooms and contribute to the relaxed feeling throughout the Hotel. I know I’ve already mentioned them but I love the large floor to ceiling opening windows!
The mini bar in each room is stocked with delicious treats including chocolate from Richmond’s Hunted and Gathered . When you’ve munched your way through the mini bar, head to the ‘Grab & Go’ bar in the foyer to restock.
The fairy lights decorating Mint Lane Restaurant & Bar are turned off for now but the vertical herb garden is ready for when the kitchen can fire up again. Rather than have the igloos sitting silent, the creative staff at Elements have set one up as a work space. It’s cosy and light, and a welcome change of scenery from my home office.
The multiuse function rooms on level five have endless possibilities, catering from 20 to 250. Rooms lead out to the wrap around balcony’s with either a view of Melbourne’s skyline or through the trees to the Yarra River. It’s a great location for a pop up mobile pizza party, 21st birthday, end of year Christmas party, or any other reason for a gathering really – when we can!
Element Melbourne Richmond is the first Element branded Hotel in Australia, hopefully there’ll be more. There’s so much to love about Element Richmond, but you really need to experience it for yourself. Welcome to Richmond, Element.
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