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Bridge Road isn’t usually where you go for peace and quiet. Richmond is better known for its relentless energy; the pull of world-class coffee, back-alley breweries, legendary pub counters, and the post-match roar heading down Swan Street. But right at the eastern tip, where the asphalt dead-ends into the lush bends of the Yarra, the bustle melts away at the Amora Herencia Riverwalk Melbourne.
Built into the site of Melbourne’s very first cable tram depot from 1885, the hotel recently underwent a major redesign. Adding Herencia – the Spanish for heritage – to its name, the formerly named Amora Riverwalk pairs its iconic multi-coloured brickwork with sleek, modern interiors designed for a serene riverside escape.
I checked into one of the new Deluxe King Rooms for a mid-week stay to see how this re-designed riverfront retreat fares as an inner-city stay.
Amora Herencia Riverwalk Melbourne Overview
- Price point: Mid-range to luxury, with rates starting from ~$209 up to ~$269+ per night
- Room types: I stayed in the Deluxe King Room (24-27 square metres), but there are several options, including a King Room, Balcony Room, Spa Suite, Deluxe Double Room etc.
- Dining: The Reserve Restaurant (Modern Australian, local Victorian produce)
- Bars & lounges: Bar649 (Signature cocktails, craft beer, and Thai-focused tapas menu)
- Room facilities: Tea & coffee, internet, phones with mobile charger, hair dryer, iron & ironing board, LCD TV with Chromecast, pillow menu, mini bar (Herencia rooms)
- Hotel services: 24-hour reception, room service, high-speed internet, EV charging stations, undercover security parking (surcharge), workspace area, complimentary mountain bikes, gym, in-house guest laundry, nearby jogging & cycling tracks
- Location: 649 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121
A Nod to Melbourne Transit History
Long before the site was turned into a hotel, 649 Bridge Road played a massive role in shaping how Melburnians moved. Back on 11 November 1885, Melbourne’s very first cable tram made its maiden run from Spencer Street down to the end of Bridge Road, terminating right at this exact spot on the Yarra. The property originally operated as the system’s foundational cable tram depot and car shed – the birthplace of what would eventually grow into one of the largest cable car networks in the world.
Today, that 19th-century industrial DNA remains front and centre. The hotel’s distinct polychromatic red-and-cream bricks pay homage to its Victorian-era roots, while historical photos lined along the corridors and an iconic vintage tram car at the entrance serve as reminders of the building’s 140-year legacy.
First Impressions of Amora Herencia Riverwalk Melbourne
Arriving at the hotel, the entrance bridges its original brick charm with clean, modern architecture. Stepping through into the central courtyard, the noise from the street quite magically drops away. One of my normal biggest grievances with city hotel stays is the distinct lack of peace and quiet. Why can’t I have everything I want and need right outside the hotel lobby doors and have a blissfully quiet stay, dammit!
Well, somehow the Amore Herencia did give me the best of both worlds (well, almost – to get into the heart of Melbourne CBD is an easy 15-20 minute tram, but you trade that distance for being a one-minute walk to the Yarra River).
Check-in took all of two minutes and had me sorted with a room key before I could even finish looking around the lobby (I love an efficient check-in). The staff were exceptionally lovely too, and not overly friendly or fussy, which can often be the case! Walking down the corridors, you get subtle reminders of the site’s industrial past thanks to the historic photos that adorn the walls.
The Rooms at Amora Herencia
I stayed in one of the 45 newly added guest rooms, designed alongside SORA Interior Architecture and Design. Stepping into the Deluxe King Room, the first thing I noticed was the quiet. No street hustle and bustle, and no noisy neighbours. Just pure silence. I was in immediate heaven, of course.
The aesthetic is minimal and grounded, with organic textures, rich timber touches, and warm lighting. The bed itself is massive, and very comfortable (leaning more firm than plush, which is just how I like it). The linen was crisp and clean, which you wouldn’t think is a selling point but I do often question the hygiene and cleaning process of many a hotel’s bed sheets and duvets.
There was a dedicated work desk, smart controls, a large LCD TV with Chromecast, and floor-to-ceiling glass looking out across the leafy tree canopy along the Yarra River banks.
The bathroom was glorious – a large shower and tub combo and a big, spacious vanity with delicious-smelling Antipode soap and hand cream. My only gripe was the lack of a bathroom fan. My partner and I tried all the buttons we could find, but had no luck locating it, so I assume it simply (bizarrely) doesn’t have one.
What To Do At and Around Amora Herencia
You’ve got the city on your doorstep, but the beauty of this location is that you don’t actually have to deal with CBD crowds.
- The Yarra Trail: The hotel gates back directly onto the Yarra River walking path. I didn’t do this, but you can grab one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes and spend a couple of hours riding down the river trails.
- Fitness & Wellness: If you want a workout, there’s a fully equipped on-site gym with everything you need.
- The Neighbourhood: You can walk straight out the front door and hit some of Richmond’s best coffee spots (highly recommend visiting Riché for a latte), local breweries (try Mountain Culture), or jump on the 75 or 48 tram to reach the CBD, MCG and Rod Laver Arena in less than 20 minutes.
What to Eat & Drink at Amora Herencia
Food at the hotel centres around The Reserve Restaurant, located on the ground floor with great garden courtyard views over O’Connell Reserve and the water. My partner and I had dinner plans in the CBD, but if you’re interested, I can tell you that the menu leans modern Australian and features plenty of regional Victorian produce.
The autumn dinner menu features set-course options ($75 for two courses, $95 for three) alongside a shared and mains menu. Highlights include Porcini & Truffle Arancini, Five-Spiced Pork Belly, flame-grilled Gippsland Porterhouse and Eye Fillet, Red Wine Braised Beef Cheek, Porcini Gnocchi, and the Amora Signature Pavlova.
You’ve also got Bar649, which was rather busy at 5pm on a Tuesday when we went down for an apéritif. My partner ordered an Espresso Martini, and I was hankering for a Negroni. Both our desired beverages were not available due to a shortage of spirits, which was disappointing, but not the end of the world. We ended up with a nice housemade spritz instead.
On the breakfast front, the buffet spread is generous but standard. You’ve got your hot Western classics like eggs, bacon, tomatoes etc., as well as fresh pastries and cereal.
Amora Herencia Final Review: Who is it For?
Amora Herencia Riverwalk Melbourne truly nails the basic things that make a hotel stay great: an amazingly quiet room, comfy bed, great amenities, good food, and a fabulous location. What more could you ask for at a decent ~$240 a night? Whether you’re heading in for a business trip, catching a game at the G, or just looking to hide out for a weekend by the river, it delivers a lovely Melbourne staycation for all visitors.
The writer of this article, Ally Burnie, was invited to stay one night at Amora Herencia Hotel as a guest of the hotel for the purpose of a review.
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