By Adele Chan
In the refined “Paris End” of Collins Street, where heritage facades meet the sharp silhouettes of global fashion houses, a new kind of sanctuary has emerged. Next Hotel Melbourne, now a flagship of the Curio Collection by Hilton, isn’t just a place to rest — its focus on artworks, cocktails and music sets the tone here; while the property’s striking interiors take cues from the site’s history as a horse bazaar.
Design Rooted in the Horse Bazaar
Stepping off the cobblestones of Little Collins Street and into the hotel’s understated lobby, one is immediately struck by a palette that feels both earthy and opulent. The site carries a curious history; in the late 19th century, this very ground was one of Melbourne’s bustling Horse Bazaars.
Architects Woods Bagot have paid homage to this equestrian lineage with subtle, sophisticated nods: “tack wall” inspired wardrobes, buttery leather armchairs, and bronze finishes that recall the hardware of a high-end stable. But the narrative doesn’t stop at the paddock. The design draws equally from the artistry of the neighbouring Chinatown and the couture houses of Collins Street. You’ll find jade-green marbles, custom rugs with oriental motifs, and — perhaps most charmingly — bedheads upholstered in Chanel-inspired tweed. It is a masterclass in “business-meets-boutique” aesthetics.
The Art of the Stay
What also sets Next apart is its departure from the generic luxury “template”. Each of the 255 rooms is its own private gallery, featuring works by Australian artists like Jonny Niesche and Julia Gorman. Then, there’s the in-room bar, a true conversation starter if you’re expecting guests. Moving away from the standard mini-fridge, Next offers a curated selection of spirits and cocktails aged in the hotel’s own on-site Barrel Room. Guests can enjoy a beautifully matured Negroni or a signature tincture without ever leaving their suite, turning a quiet evening into a bespoke cocktail experience.
Delicious Dining at La Madonna
On the third floor lies the hotel’s main dining area: La Madonna Restaurant & Bar. This enclave is led by Executive Chef, Michelin star-trained Jacopo Degli Esposti, and was awarded a prestigious Chef’s Hat.
The menu is a “playful riff” on Italian and French influences, grounded in the best of Victorian produce. You could be sinking into a velvet booth for a slow-braised dinner, or perusing the expansive 150-bottle wine list at the bar… whatever you fancy, this place will afford you truly fancy pictures. The atmosphere is moody and indulgent, and since its inception, has become a local favourite for the city’s industry influencers and culinary enthusiasts.
Join The Club
For those seeking a more exclusive vantage point, The Club at Next offers a “Manhattan loft-style” retreat that redefines the executive lounge experience. It’s a space exclusively reserved for guests in Club Rooms and Suites, and feels almost like a private member’s club.
If you’re on the list, this is the venue to enjoy a sophisticated buffet breakfast in the morning and a round-the-clock selection of premium refreshments. Best of all, between 5pm and 7pm, the space transforms for the daily Aperitivo ritual — a curated time of fine wines, antipasto, and small bites that serve as the perfect prelude to a night out on the town.
Next Hotel Melbourne manages to achieve that rare hospitality trifecta: it respects its history, reflects its neighbourhood, and offers a level of curated detail that makes every guest feel like a local in one of the world’s most livable cities.
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at 103 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia.
