Tucked behind the neo-Gothic façade of the 1891 Rialto building on Collins Street, the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto blends 19th-century heritage with 253 modern rooms and a full suite of five-star amenities. This review draws on official property data from IHG Hotels & Resorts, independent travel journalism, and guest reviews to help you decide whether this heritage luxury hotel fits your next trip to Melbourne.

Last checked: 2026-07-13

Hotel Name: InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto · Brand: IHG Hotels & Resorts · Location: Collins Street, Melbourne CBD · Star Rating: 5-star luxury · Property Type: Heritage-listed building with contemporary interiors · Key Facilities: pool, gym, spa, in-room dining, high tea, restaurant

How we researched this

Last checked: 2026-07-13.

Sources reviewed: official property website (IHG Hotels & Resorts), IHG amenities page, Executive Traveller review, TripAdvisor listing, verified booking-platform data.

No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent verification of celebrity claims were performed.

Snapshot: InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

1 Heritage & Location
  • Housed in a late-19th-century neo-Gothic / Venetian Gothic building at 495 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD (IHG Hotels & Resorts)
2 Rooms & Floors
  • 253 rooms across 12 floors, including 4 accessible rooms (IHG Amenities)
3 Key Amenities
  • Pool, fitness centre, spa, Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, smoke-free property (IHG Amenities)
4 Parking & Check-in
  • Self-parking AUD 50/day, valet AUD 80/day; check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM (IHG Hotels & Resorts)
Key Facts at a Glance
AttributeDetail
Hotel NameInterContinental Melbourne The Rialto
BrandIHG Hotels & Resorts
Location495 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Star Rating5-star luxury
Property TypeHeritage-listed building with contemporary interiors
Key FacilitiesPool, gym, spa, in-room dining, high tea, restaurant
Airport Transfer TimeApproximately 30-minute drive from Melbourne Airport

What did the InterContinental Melbourne used to be?

The building that now houses the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto was originally the Rialto building, a heritage-listed landmark completed in 1891. IHG describes the property as “set behind the 1891 Rialto building façade” and highlights its “neo-Gothic architecture, ornate windows, and original brickwork.” The structure was originally built as a commercial office block, and its Venetian Gothic styling made it a distinctive feature of Collins Street. In the late 20th century it was converted into a hotel, and after a major refurbishment it reopened as an InterContinental property. Executive Traveller notes that the hotel’s glass atrium and blend of heritage architecture with modern interiors are among its most notable features.

Why this matters: The heritage story gives the hotel a character that standard modern high-rises lack, appealing to history enthusiasts and architecture buffs.

How far is InterContinental from Melbourne Airport?

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is approximately 30 minutes by car from the hotel, depending on traffic. The hotel sits on Collins Street in the CBD, close to Southern Cross Station, which offers direct SkyBus services to the airport in about 20 minutes. For those driving, IHG lists self-parking at AUD 50 per day and valet parking at AUD 80 per day. The location is central enough that many guests choose to walk to nearby attractions, cutting the need for a car altogether.

The bottom line: The 30-minute drive is standard for a CBD hotel, and the proximity to Southern Cross Station provides a reliable public-transport alternative.

Does InterContinental Melbourne have a pool?

Yes. IHG confirms the hotel has a pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. The pool and fitness centre are open daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. The property also offers in-room dining, high tea, and at least one restaurant – the IHG listing mentions two on-site restaurants, while the hotel’s descriptive text refers to three restaurants and bar venues (the discrepancy likely reflects the inclusion of the bar as a venue). Guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Executive Traveller consistently praise the Club InterContinental lounge, the large rooms, and the central location.

Editor’s tip: If you value a well-equipped fitness centre and pool, the hotel’s 6:30 AM opening time is convenient for early birds.

How many stars are there in the InterContinental Melbourne?

The InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is classified as a 5-star luxury hotel by IHG and major booking platforms. This rating reflects the property’s full-service offering: 253 rooms, multiple dining venues, a spa, pool, fitness centre, concierge, and meeting spaces. However, Executive Traveller’s 2023 review notes that “though a little dated compared to some of its contemporaries, the warm service, large rooms, and club lounge offering make it a hotel you should consider.” The 5-star designation is standard for the InterContinental brand, but the property’s heritage building means some physical features – such as window sizes and corridor widths – differ from purpose-built modern hotels.

Where did Taylor Swift stay in Melbourne?

Taylor Swift did not stay at the InterContinental Melbourne during her 2024 Eras Tour concerts in Melbourne. Multiple news reports confirmed she stayed at Crown Towers, another five-star hotel on the Southbank. The InterContinental Melbourne is, however, a frequent choice for other celebrities and high-profile visitors. IHG’s marketing copy notes the hotel is “often chosen by visiting celebrities.” The confusion likely arises because the InterContinental Melbourne is a top-tier luxury property, but it is not the only one in the city favoured by A-listers. The 500-room luxe hotel that sat empty for three years – a separate building that received media attention – is not the InterContinental Melbourne; it is a different property that has since been redeveloped.

“Our glass atrium, ornate windows and original brickwork showcase 1890s neo-Gothic architecture.”

— IHG Hotels & Resorts, official hotel copy

What to watch: Celebrity associations can drive bookings, but verify the specific hotel before planning a stay based on a star’s visit.

What 500 room Melbourne Luxe hotel that’s been empty for three years?

That property is not the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto. Media reports from 2023–2024 described a 500-room luxury hotel in Melbourne that had been vacant for three years due to a commercial dispute. That hotel, sometimes referred to in news articles as a “luxe hotel with 500 rooms,” is a different building. The InterContinental Melbourne has been operating continuously (except for the COVID-19 period) and currently has 253 rooms, not 500. The 500-room figure appears in some related search queries but does not apply to this property. The mix-up is a classic case of search-engine cross-pollination.

Heads-up: If you see “500-room hotel” in a search result for InterContinental Melbourne, it’s likely a confusion with a different property. The InterContinental Melbourne has 253 rooms.

Pros and Cons of InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

Pros

  • Heritage architecture with a striking glass atrium
  • Central Collins Street location, walkable to major attractions
  • Club InterContinental lounge highly rated by guests
  • Pool, spa, and fitness centre open extended hours

Cons

  • Some areas feel dated compared to newer luxury hotels
  • Parking is expensive (AUD 50–80/day)
  • Restaurant count is ambiguous (2 vs. 3 venues)
  • Not the “500-room” hotel that appears in some searches

Single-Entity Spec Table

SpecificationDetail
Address495 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Number of Rooms253
Floors12
Accessible Rooms4
Check-in / Check-out3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Pool & Fitness Hours6:30 AM – 10:30 PM daily
Self-ParkingAUD 50 per day
Valet ParkingAUD 80 per day
On-Site Dining2 restaurants (IHG amenity list) / 3 restaurants and bar (IHG description)
No. of Meeting Spaces11 (TripAdvisor)
Star Rating5-star (IHG)

Pricing Band

As a 5-star heritage hotel, nightly rates typically range from the mid-200 AUD to over 500 AUD, depending on season, room type (standard to suite), and whether you book with breakfast or club lounge access. The hotel’s own website and IHG booking engine show dynamic pricing. Parking, as noted, adds AUD 50–80 per day. For the best value, consider booking directly through IHG to earn loyalty points, or check packages that include high tea or dining credits.

The pattern: Rates are comparable to other top-tier Melbourne hotels like Crown Towers, but the InterContinental Melbourne’s heritage character and club lounge often justify the premium.

Location and Getting There

495 Collins Street places the hotel in the heart of Melbourne’s financial district, a short walk from Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Yarra River. Southern Cross Station is a 10-minute walk, offering SkyBus to Melbourne Airport every 10 minutes during peak times. For drivers, the hotel is accessible via the CityLink toll road and exits at West Gate Freeway or King Street. The hotel’s concierge can arrange airport transfers, but the SkyBus is the most cost-effective option at around AUD 20 one-way.

“Located in the heart of the CBD, a quintessentially Melbourne luxury hotel offers 253 beautiful rooms and iconic suites, 11 meeting spaces, 2 restaurants and rooftop leisure facilities.”

— TripAdvisor property summary

Why this matters: The central location reduces the need for a car, and the airport connection via SkyBus is reliable and affordable.

Alternatives in Set

If the InterContinental Melbourne doesn’t suit your needs, consider these other luxury hotels in the same tier:

  • Crown Towers Melbourne – 5-star, Southbank location, larger rooms, spa and casino, but less heritage character.
  • Grand Hyatt Melbourne – 5-star, near Parliament House, larger pool, more modern decor.
  • W Melbourne – 5-star, Flinders Lane, trendier design, rooftop bar.

Each alternative offers a different personality: Crown Towers for dramatic river views, Grand Hyatt for classic luxury, and W for contemporary flair. The InterContinental remains the best pick for history lovers and those who value a quiet, club-lounge atmosphere. For a different budget-friendly option, see our lyf Collingwood Melbourne Review or the Mantra on Jolimont: Steps to MCG & Rod Laver Review.

Our Pick: InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

For luxury travellers, history enthusiasts, business visitors, and couples seeking a romantic stay, the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is a solid choice. Its heritage architecture and central location are genuine assets, and the Club InterContinental lounge receives consistent praise from guests. The hotel’s 253 rooms are larger than many competitors, and the pool and fitness centre are well-maintained. While some areas show their age, the service quality and overall value – especially when booked directly through IHG – make it a recommended option for a Melbourne CBD stay.

Additional sources

guestreservations.com, thetraveltemple.com.au, foratravel.com, nz.kayak.com, expedia.com, melbourne.intercontinental.com, yelp.com, instagram.com, roomertravel.com, melbourne.intercontinental.com, pointhacks.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the address of InterContinental Melbourne?

495 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.

Is there high tea at InterContinental Melbourne?

Yes, the hotel offers high tea; it is listed among the key facilities and is often mentioned in guest reviews.

Can I book a spa at InterContinental Melbourne?

Yes, the hotel features a spa as part of its full-service offering.

How many accessible rooms does InterContinental Melbourne have?

The hotel has 4 accessible rooms, as stated by IHG.

How many meeting spaces does the hotel have?

The hotel has 11 meeting spaces, according to TripAdvisor.

Does the hotel have a Club InterContinental lounge?

Yes, the Club InterContinental lounge is available and is highly rated by guests.

Sources Cited