After much anticipation, Melbourne's hottest new hotel offering, Hannah St, has finally opened for business. Fitting with its effortlessly cool attitude, the newest kid on the Southbank block opened quietly and unassumingly late in 2025, ready to bring a revamped approach to boutique hospitality to Melbourne. Designed by Flack Studio, the property sits under the Collection by TFE banner — a portfolio of one-of-a-kind hotels built to reflect each location's culture and creativity. Guests can choose from 188 rooms immersed in art, architecture, music and hospitality that celebrate what makes the city's southern edge special. Slotting into one of the glitzier parts of town, this $150 million hotel has spared little expense to offer guests an immersive celebration of architecture and cultural connection. Tucked into the emerging Queensbridge precinct — a new mixed-use development — this sophisticated hotel feels right at home amid the ongoing transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct. Inspired by grand New York City landmarks like the Flatiron Building, with its striking triangular shape, Hannah St Hotel's design fuses tradition with modern sensibilities. "We're incredibly proud to open our doors and share what's been taking shape behind the scenes for the past three years," says Hannah St Hotel General Manager, Peter Minatsis. "Hannah St Hotel was created to feel connected to its neighbourhood. A place where guests can experience the real Melbourne, not just visit it. From the design to the dining to the small, thoughtful touches in every room, everything has been considered to make people feel welcomed… and we're doing just that." Inside, guests will encounter an unexpected mix of custom-made furniture, bold colours, sought-after artwork and textured materiality. While Flack Studio has made its name in residential architecture with these same qualities — Andy Lee's 'Ravenswood' development is another of its projects — the studio is increasingly bringing this modern-nostalgia aesthetic to commercial architecture. "It's part grand hotel, part underground bar, part cultural clubhouse," said Designer David Flack, Founder and Principal of Flack Studio. "We've created a space that feels lived-in, loved, and full of stories." Every room offers skyline views, curated minibars and design features that nod to Melbourne's architectural and cultural layers. Situated within the podium of the Queensbridge Building, a 65-storey residential and lifestyle tower, Hannah St Hotel is anchored by guest facilities on level 9. Described as the hotel's social soul, the hotel features a 20-metre lap pool, a fully equipped gym, and wellness amenities, including a steam room and a sauna. And because everyone and their dog has their own podcast these days, the hotel even offers a dedicated podcast room along with co-working spaces and design-forward conference facilities. Of course, the food and drink offering at Hannah St Hotel is no afterthought. In a landmark collaboration, The Mulberry Group, which operates several restaurants in Melbourne, including Lilac Wine, Hazel, and Dessous, has opened five new venues within the hotel. Its founder, Nathan Toleman, brings a wealth of hospitality experience to this latest project, having been instrumental in defining the Melbourne cafe scene through venues such as Top Paddock, Higher Ground and The Kettle Black. With Hannah St, Toleman will realise a long-held dream of bringing hospitality, community and design together in one project. Each of the five venues will present a distinct feel and offering. A hole-in-the-wall cafe, Hannah St Coffee, serves Square One Coffee, baked goods and grab-and-go lunches. Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar is an all-day Euro-leaning restaurant, serving everything from early-morning brekkie to late-night suppers. There is no shortage of options for a nightcap: The Terrace Lounge offers rooftop views and cocktails, Bar Hannah serves as a classic lobby bar, and The Carriage Lounge is designed for an intimate and elegant pre- or post-dinner beverage. Toleman says, "With Hannah St, we wanted to capture that same sense of wonder and excitement, but with a Melbourne heartbeat. A place that feels alive, authentic, and inclusive — not just for travellers, but for locals too." Images: Supplied.
