Is this one of those opulent, historic hotels? Historic, yes; opulent, no. While impossibly tall ceilings and plush handmade New Zealand carpets (which cost $6 million) hint at the grandeur implied in the hotel's name, ostentation is not the object here. The Grand dates from 1887, when it was built as the majestic offices of the Victorian Railway Commission, close to Melbourne's Spencer Street and Flinders Street stations. Engineer William Henry Greene was commissioned to prepare the plans and his impression, presented as an engraving, showed a faux Italian stucco-faced brick mansion.
What's the ambience like? When the offices were converted to an all-suite boutique hotel in the mid-1990s, changes were sensitively made. The four-metre-wide corridors and six-metre-tall ceilings were all maintained. The new carpets and wallpaper borders incorporated traditional period colour, and the Victorian iron lacework motifs and original mosaic tiles were retained. The centrepiece of the conversion was the restoration of the grand staircase (right). Mezzanine floors were built into 75 of the 118 suites to create loft bedrooms and bathrooms. Self-contained kitchens, with everything from microwave ovens to four-burner hobs, were also installed in each suite. Depending on the room configuration - studio and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are available - guests may also take advantage of dining and living rooms.
Anything else we should know? The Grand has a small indoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi; beyond is a Mediterranean-style courtyard and nearby a gym and sauna. The Library Lounge Bar has an impressive set of large leather armchairs, as well as a decent book selection. The adjacent Cafe Grand serves breakfast and offers a fine-dining menu in the evening. The food is largely organic.
What's the bottom line? Online rates start at A$199 ($1,175) a room a night, although a range of packages, including champagne breakfast, dinner and other treats, is also available.