Melbourne is an Australian oasis of historical architecture in this new country, and the National Trust of Australia listed Hotel Windsor is one of the finest examples around. The Windsor opened its doors as ‘The Grand’ and reflected Melbourne’s confidence in the future at a time when the Great Exhibition took place and the city was a global commercial centre. Charles Webb was commissioned in 1882 to design the Victorian landmark that was to offer the most stylish and luxurious accommodation in Melbourne Indeed the first thing that strikes you about the Hotel Windsor is its age, in a country where very few things are older than my great grandparents. The oldest remaining of Australia’s Grand Hotels, the main building of the Hotel Windsor was built in 1883 during the boom times of the Australian gold rush, at the height of Victorian architecture and style. Pleasantly welcomed and encouraged in by the cheerful doorman, you emerge beneath the central staircase, complete with its original tile mosaics which were rediscovered beneath the carpet during the renovations in the 1980s.
Turning to the right to find reception and the Business Centre, the reception lounge immaculately kept but the styling is beginning to look a little tired. The Hotel has plans to remedy this, however, with an extensive restoration and redevelopment of the hotel planned between November 2014 and 2017.
