Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel

Global architecture and design house dwp – design worldwide partnership crafted the interiors of the hotel, creating a series of public spaces which are both grandly elegant and comfortingly residential in scale, complemented by private spaces oozing restrained luxury.

As the only five-star hotel outside Melbourne’s CBD, Hotel Chadstone accommodates 250 rooms, suites and penthouses, two leading restaurants, a rooftop pool and conservatory bar, and a wellness retreat and day spa complete with LED yoga studio. Curved arches, billowing soft velvet drapes, floor-to-ceiling or partial glass partitions are used discerningly to emotionally and psychologically connect interior and exterior experiences of the hotel and shopping centre itself.

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne has been designed, as well MGallery by Sofitel hotels are, to speak of their distinct location, wherever that may be around the globe. To tell a story that reflects and honours the geographical, social and cultural home in which they sit. This very individual customised approach is achieved through the clever integration of design, detailing and art specific to each destination and journey. All while staying true to the MGallery by Sofitel brand.

Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel is inspired by creative journey of fashion-clearly referencing the defined feature of the Chadstone Fashion Precinct itself and for which it is internationally renowned. In this instance, the hotel narrates a voyage of discrete yet flowing and seamless discoveries, a sequence of fluid tailor-made spaces and experiences created to house a complementary suite of functions. dwp has embraced five key elements to create a uniquely high-drama/high-fashion “theatrical” experience and ‘memorable moment’.

From the moment of arrival, the hotel is defined by its elegant and restrained use of quality materials and finishes, leathers and velvets, brass, bespoke and curated artworks and installations. Inspired by global ateliers, European elegance and Art Deco chic, exceptional detailing is evident throughout. The arrival experience for guests at the hotel is exceptional with entry into a memorably grand reception space, which speaks of drama, a night at the theatre, of Italian or French villas and sheer yet cosy luxury. A series of stretched arches and floor to ceiling velvet ‘stage’ curtains act as a backdrop to the panelled reception desk. Soaring white columns create an instant and lasting impression of controlled classicism, of European grandeur and elevated above, one of several commission digital art installations hovers suspended. The twisting, turning lightwork pays instantly relatable homage to Chadstone centre’s unique roof form while being memorable in its own right. This ground floor space’s sense of sophisticated occasion is evident across each of the hotel’s public areas.

Twelve floors up, the rooftop houses a series of key lifestyle spaces; a pool for indulgence and relaxation, a place to escape; the sophisticated Altus restaurant, a place to be seen and to see, for socializing and find dining; and the chic conservatory bar. The rooftop pool evokes the sheer delight and indulgence of bathhouses of old, of Roman villas and a life of leisure and pleasure. Minimal, clean lines, simple white columns, private spaces rimming open public water. Undulating recliners straddle the mosaic floor and water’s edge, allowing users to dip their toes at will. Behind them, a series of private cabanas speak of the Riviera, or Italian villas, minimal lines softened with billowing floor to ceiling white curtains. Balancing the privacy, the building’s glass curtain wall affords floor to ceiling panoramic views of Melbounrne’s skyline and distant Dandenong Ranges.

The dwp designed Altus offers a sophisticated space for further indulgence, again combining a cool European aesthetic with a nod to Art Deco funkiness. It sits flanked by the outdoor conservatory bar, featuring an open skylight and terrazzo bar taking in views of Port Phillip Bay. The restaurant/bar’s statement piece is a strikingly contemporary custom-designed seven-tire wine glass holder chandelier, adding glamour to the spaces mixture of plush velvet button-backed banquettes, striking mirrored arches and olive green and natural palette.

Guest rooms feature either a soothing splash of rose-coloured blush or calming wash of teal in a sea of white. Each room features commissioned furniture inspired by trunks from luxury European fashion houses, complete with leather detailing, custom lighting and individually crafted bespoke seating. Bathrooms are cocooned in white drapes and open visually to the bedroom and view. Deluxe suites have a palette of soft greys and dusky pinks, while the penthouses and Altus bar boasts a bolder colour scheme incorporating warm touches of mustard yellow and gold.

When certified by the Green Building Council of Australia, the hotel will be the first five-star Australian hotel to receive a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating. Dwp was able to achieve this with the help of the Australian suppliers’ product green certification process.

Design: dwp
Photography: Sharyn Cairns