Feb/110
Read About Melbourne CBD Accommodation, Windsor Hotel For 19th Century Elegance
Melbourne, the capital of the state of Victoria is a popular holiday destination for visitors from overseas, and from other parts of Australia. The city, with a population of about four million, is the second largest city in Australia, and is recognized as an important international centre for the arts, culture, sports, tourism and entertainment. This article looks at one very traditional Melbourne CBD accommodation option (CBD = Central Business District).
The Hotel Windsor, which is in Melbourne city centre, in Spring Street, is an independently owned Grand Hotel, in fact the only one in Australia. It is within easy walking distance of many of central Melbourne landmarks, including Federation Square, the National Gallery, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The hotels outstanding architecture, and stunning interior with grand central staircase, and grand ballrooms and dining room, have been a Melbourne landmark for 125 years. George Nipper, who made his fortune in the shipping business, employed top architect Charles Webb to design the Windsor, which opened in 1883. It is in fact older than many other grand hotels in Europe and North America, including the Ritz (Paris), Savoy (London) and Waldorf-Astoria (New York). In the early years the Windsor was the meeting place for all of Melbourne's top people, politicians, business men, and entertainers such as actors and opera singers, and in 1898 the Australian constitution was drafted in the hotel.
In the 1970s the building was at risk of demolition, but following rescue by the Victorian government, a renovation and restoration programme has protected and preserved this important part of Melbourne's heritage. Guests can now enjoy again the original splendour of a Victorian era grand hotel in the capital of the state of Victoria.
The high teas served at the hotel have even played a part in reviving old traditions amongst local people and visitors. English style high teas (afternoon teas with sandwiches, cakes etc) are often regarded in other places as part of an old fashioned tradition, but in Melbourne the tradition has been revived by younger people steeped in the foodie culture of the city. Many younger people and tourists now take high tea after a busy day shopping in Melbourne, and one place they go to is the Hotel Windsor. Unlike some of the restaurants and other hotels offering high teas, the Windsor has stayed true to the oldest traditions of cucumber and egg sandwiches, and scones and pastries.
The Windsor has 160 luxury rooms, and 20 suites. All rooms are air conditioned and non-smoking, and have a fully stocked mini bar. There is high speed internet access and wireless internet access available in all public areas of the hotel. Services include valet parking in the off site car park, and complimentary use of the Tower Fitness Centre.
The restaurant (111 Spring Street Restaurant) offers an innovative menu, which combines classic French and modern Australian influence. The chef, Jerome Tremoulet, believes that the quality of the dining experience should live up to the beauty of the historic surroundings it is being served in. The restaurant's wine cellar also provides an extensive choice of outstanding wines for diners.
The Windsor's bar, the Cricketers, serves a wide range of beers, including local and imported varieties. The Cricketers is a popular gathering place for many Melbourne residents, as well as guests at the hotel. At one time it was traditional for Australian cricket teams to gather here after Melbourne Test matches, and the Cricketers displays an extensive collection of Australian cricket memorabilia from the last hundred years of Australian cricket.
John Theil is truly the typical young Australian male and has grown up with almost everything which is iconically Melbourne. John is an approved article writer on a number of web based forums and works from his Melbourne Accommodation preparing reviews for a spread of publishers.