The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
An infinity pool and a separate indoor pool inside one CBD tower
About this hotel
The Ritz-Carlton runs two distinct pools rather than one all-purpose bassin: an infinity pool positioned for the CBD skyline view and a separate indoor pool for laps or a session unaffected by weather, with a steam room and hot tub rounding out the spa floor. Lonsdale Street puts Southern Cross Station under a kilometre away, useful for anyone arriving by train from the airport, and Crown Casino sits 1.3 km out for an evening beyond the hotel's own dining rooms. Rooms carry the expected five-star details, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs and work desks, with executive rooms adding lounge access for guests who want a quieter breakfast away from the main restaurant. The building itself is one of the CBD's tallest, which is exactly why the infinity pool's view works as well as it does.
- Infinity pool
- Indoor pool
- Steam room
- Executive lounge access
Our take
This suits travellers who want the option of two different pool moods in one stay, infinity-edge skyline views one session and a plain indoor lap swim the next, without switching hotels. The CBD tower setting favours business travellers and anyone prioritising transit links over boutique intimacy, given Southern Cross Station's closeness. Guests who prefer a low-rise, garden-style property should look elsewhere, since the appeal here is specifically the height and the skyline it buys.
- ✓Book the infinity pool session near sunset for the best skyline light
- ✓Use the separate indoor pool if you want a plain swim without a view crowd
- ✓Walk to Southern Cross Station rather than taxi if arriving with luggage on wheels
Why we love it
- Infinity pool with CBD skyline views
- Separate indoor lap pool
- Steam room and hot tub
- Under 1 km from Southern Cross Station
Why guests love itHaving two pools rather than one changes the stay more than expected: the infinity pool at sunset for the skyline photo everyone wants, then the plain indoor pool the next morning for an actual swim without an audience. Southern Cross Station under a kilometre away made the airport transfer painless, and Crown Casino at 1.3 km covered an evening out beyond the hotel's own restaurants.