The StandardX Hotel Opens in Melbourne and Wait Until You Look Behind the Red Door

It’s one of the fastest-growing boutique hotel chains in the world, backed by Hollywood elites like Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro, and now Standard International (11 properties in its portfolio) has opened its first Australian outpost in Melbourne, Victoria after being acquired by Hyatt in 2024.

With 125 guest rooms and a design by renowned architecture firm Woods Bagot, The StandardX (from AUD$279 per night)is now open in Fitzroy and features interiors designed by acclaimed Melbourne-based firm Hecker Guthrie that take direct inspiration from the neighbourhood’s post-punk Little Band scene. Note the staple red revolving door out front.

“In designing this hotel, we designed it to be local—to continue the architectural traditions of Fitzroy and sustain the neighbourhood’s artistic and cultural spirit,” said Woods Bagot principal and regional design leader (Australia & New Zealand), Peter Miglis. “Fitzroy’s history of corner pubs, workers cottages, grand housing and industry-inspired our approach to the building’s façades. Weathered steel and concrete are robust, timeless materials that sit comfortably straight away and, over time, will add charm as they patina.”

Guest rooms exclusively feature king-sized beds, but you’ll want to spend more time outside of your room because there are more than seven stories to explore during your stay.

Start in the lobby on the ground floor where you’ll find the hotel’s restaurant, BANG, from Melbourne-born Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya. The menu is inspired by the street food of Thailand and brings a Happy Hour that runs from 3–6 pm, Tuesday–Friday. ‘The Loft sits behind the restaurant and is the perfect place to unwind before bed with plush sofas and a crackling fireplace.

When you want to get the party started, head up to “The Roof,” which is the hotel’s exclusive rooftop.

Here guests can take in sweeping views of the city and browse through products from local artists, designers and lifestyle brands that rotate throughout the space. Come here on the weekends and you’ll be able to take advantage of the fully serviced bar and snack menu while basking in the warm earthy tones and colours of Mexico selected by the design team. It feels like you’re in Palm Springs or a special rooftop bar in Los Angeles because of the terracotta tiles.

Since launching in 1999, the boutique hotel chain has become famous for its blend of relentless class and abstract design, so much so it’s caught the eye of the world’s most esteemed investors. With properties in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, London, The Maldives and a few hotels in Asia, The Standard’s global reputation is growing quickly.

While kicking off Australian operations in Fitzroy might not necessarily be the most obvious choice, but former Standard International CEO and Creative Director for Hyatt, Amar Lalvani believes it’s the perfect fit.

“The Fitzroy neighbourhood in Melbourne represents exciting new territory for The Standard but at the same time feels totally familiar,” Lalvani said. “DealCorp’s commitment to making long-lasting contributions to its community is aligned with our own history of enhancing the neighbourhoods we become part of.”

You can book a stay at The StandardX hotel in Fitzroy, Melbourne right now. Room rates start from AUD$279 per night in a Standard King room.