First Look: Lanson Place Is Opening Its First Australian Hotel in a Former Printing Press Overlooking Parliament Gardens

East Melbourne is ready to welcome the city's latest luxury hotel Lanson Place, which is slated to open in September this year. The group behind the new accommodation already boasts eight lavish properties throughout Asia, with this Melbourne site being its first Australian hotel.

It's housed within and above the heritage-protected 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works by Parliament Gardens, which has been totally transformed through a $80 million renovation. The historic facade remains, but the interior has been gutted and replaced with luxe contemporary finishes — in line with Lanson Place's other international properties.

The team has also included 325 commissioned pieces of art and sculpture that are said to be inspired by the building's storied past as a printing press. This includes the lobby's 40-metre-long ceiling installation which mimics both falling paper and the bark from a native melaleuca paperbark tree. 

As you move through the rest of the hotel, you'll find a 20-metre swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, coworking space, and a ground-floor all-day diner and bar that champions Aussie produce. 

137 accommodations are also available, including classic hotel rooms, studio apartments, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and a couple of totally-luxe penthouses. You've got all the usual five-star amenities here, plus an extensive pillow menu for those fussy sleepers. Many of the rooms also boast uninterrupted views across Parliament Gardens and the city skyline. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Lanson Place Michael Hobson shared that "Melbourne has a unique appeal to domestic and international guests, with its sporting and cultural calendar that draws visitors consistently throughout the year. 

"We believe that Lanson Place will be a great fit for these guests, whether they are staying for a weekend getaway or a longer stay for work. We're looking forward to a long future in Australia."

You'll find Lanson Place Parliament Gardens at 502 Albert Street, East Melbourne. For more details on the new hotel and to book a stay, you can visit the venue's website.