A landmark new hotel has officially opened its doors in Melbourne, marking a major milestone for the city’s tourism and hospitality landscape. The newly launched Novotel St Kilda forms a key component of the broader $196 million St Kilda Collective development, bringing a fresh wave of accommodation, dining, and event spaces to the vibrant, beachside inner-east suburb of Fitzroy Street.
The ambitious multi-million-dollar development is the result of a powerful collaborative partnership between Fortis, hotel owner and hospitality group ERDI, and Ondas, with strong backing and support from the City of Port Phillip. Together, the stakeholders have thrown their weight behind a long-term vision aimed at revitalising and energising the famous Fitzroy Street precinct, injecting new life, commerce, and visitor traffic into one of Melbourne’s most storied neighborhoods.
Taking over the site formerly occupied by the Saint Kilda Beach Hotel, the newly minted Novotel St Kilda seamlessly steps into a rich local history while establishing a modern, elevated standard for travelers and event planners alike. The property proudly joins ERDI’s rapidly expanding and highly respected hospitality portfolio, which already features prominent Australian addresses such as the Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Novotel Geelong, and the Mercure Melbourne City Centre.
Ricky Jeffs, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of ERDI, described the launch as a defining moment for both the hospitality group and the iconic destination it now calls home.
"This is a significant moment for ERDI and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this landmark St Kilda property," Jeffs says. "This transformation represents a significant investment in the hotel and the future of this iconic location, and it builds on the successful partnership we have developed across our broader hotel portfolio with Accor. Our vision has been to completely reimagine the hotel and create an experience that feels connected to the character, energy and lifestyle of St Kilda, from the redesign of the guestrooms and public spaces through to the new restaurant and expanded events offering."
At the operational helm of the newly transformed property is General Manager Christos Pavlidis. Bringing more than 25 years of extensive experience in hotel operations and high-profile pre-openings, Pavlidis steps into the role after serving as Area General Manager across Ovolo’s Melbourne properties. His impressive career resume also includes senior operational roles at Lancemore Hotels, Accor Sydney Olympic Park, the Westin Brisbane, and the high-profile pre-opening team for COMO The Treasury in Perth.
Pavlidis expressed immense enthusiasm for spearheading the property’s return to the market in such a culturally significant location.
"Reopening a property in a destination as iconic as St Kilda is a fantastic opportunity," says Pavlidis. "With the strength of the Accor brand and the vision and support of ERDI behind us, we have a great opportunity to create something really special."
Designed to cater to both corporate travelers and leisure seekers looking for a coastal escape, Novotel St Kilda features a thoughtfully curated collection of 80 newly redesigned rooms and suites. Every corner of the accommodation has been refashioned to reflect the relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic of Melbourne’s premier beachside locale.
Beyond its overnight accommodations, the property is poised to become a major player in Melbourne’s events and functions sector. The hotel boasts a versatile array of dedicated spaces tailored for conferences, galas, weddings, and private celebrations. Among its standout features is a sophisticated ballroom capable of accommodating up to 120 guests for cocktail functions or sit-down dinners. For corporate meetings and executive gatherings, the hotel offers a modern boardroom designed for up to 26 attendees, which uniquely features an adjoining private courtyard to allow for seamless indoor-outdoor breakout sessions.
Perhaps the most anticipated architectural addition to the property is its level-five rooftop event space. Offering sweeping, picturesque views and a stylish atmosphere, the rooftop can comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests, making it an enviable backdrop for sunset gatherings, corporate mixers, and social celebrations.
The hotel complex also introduces a major new culinary destination to the Fitzroy Street strip with the opening of Urban Kitchen & Bar. Operating as an all-day dining venue, the restaurant presents a menu that thoughtfully blends Italian traditions with modern Australian flavors. A primary highlight of the kitchen’s culinary arsenal is a bespoke, woodfired oven imported directly from Verona, Italy, promising authentic flavors and artisanal dishes for hotel guests and local diners alike.
The extensive aesthetic transformation of the property was brought to life by a team of leading designers and architects. Rory Sheppard of Forum Architects spearheaded the overarching redesign of the building, while the welcoming and dynamic public spaces were crafted by Rebecca Trenorden and VERSA. Meanwhile, the intimate interiors of the guestrooms and corridors were meticulously designed by Mike Watson and Dezign, ensuring a cohesive design narrative that bridges interior comfort with the outdoor energy of the St Kilda foreshore.
Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific, shared his excitement over the official opening and the addition of the property to Accor’s expansive regional network.
"We are absolutely thrilled to open the doors to Novotel St Kilda and see this iconic Melbourne address begin such an exciting new chapter," says Williams. "St Kilda is one of Australia’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, and this hotel captures that spirit brilliantly."
