The StandardX, Melbourne

The StandardX, Melbourne, a Michelin Key Selected property, has quickly established itself as a vibrant and stylish destination in the eclectic Fitzroy neighborhood. It's lauded for its unique design, exceptional service, and prime location amidst Melbourne's thriving arts and dining scene.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The StandardX, Melbourne is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "wonderful" and "superb." On Booking.com, it holds a remarkable score of 9.2 based on over 1,500 reviews, with particularly high marks for location (9.7), comfort (9.7), cleanliness (9.6), and staff (9.6). Reviewers consistently highlight its trendy yet welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among those seeking a more authentic, local Melbourne experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel boasts a distinctive "boho and industrial-chic" aesthetic, weaving local influences and artwork throughout its interiors. It's described as having a "raw, playful energy" that perfectly integrates with Fitzroy's creative spirit, feeling more like a local hangout than a traditional hotel. The lobby, with its vintage furniture and laidback setting, is a popular spot for guests and locals alike.
• Rooftop Bar (The Roof): The guests-only rooftop bar, "The Roof," is a major draw, offering a spirited atmosphere with fringed parasols, laidback seating, and sweeping views across Fitzroy and the CBD. It's an ideal spot for margaritas and Mexican-inspired snacks, particularly at sundown.
• Location: Its placement in Fitzroy, north of the CBD, is highly praised for offering immediate access to vintage shops, hidden bars, indie galleries, and countless restaurants and cafes.
• Pet-Friendly: The StandardX is noted for being pet-friendly, welcoming pups under 20 kg in select rooms with amenities like dog bowls, beds, and treats available upon request.

The Michelin Guide selected The StandardX, Melbourne for its "high quality stay," recognizing its integration with the neighborhood's artistic vibe, its cutting-edge modern design, and its appealing F&B offerings including the rooftop and Bang restaurant.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 125 rooms and suites, designed with a focus on "considered design meets lived-in comfort." Rooms, while some can be snug (e.g., Cozy King at around 225 sq ft), are described as clean, comfortable, and well-appointed.

Key room features include:

• Comfort: Plush king beds with pillowtop mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets.
• Design Elements: Jane Sinclair artwork, flexible workspaces, and bespoke bathrobes. Bathroom walls often feature fluted glass, balancing privacy with natural light.
• Amenities: 50-inch Smart TVs with streaming services, Ultimate Ears Bluetooth speakers, SMEG kettles, Frank Green French presses for artisan coffee, complimentary tea and coffee, minifridges, and Davines bath amenities. Some rooms offer skyline views or private balconies.
• Space: While rooms are efficiently designed, some guests note the absence of a traditional closet, with a hanger bar by the entrance instead.

4. Dining Experience

The StandardX, Melbourne offers two primary dining venues:

• Bang (Restaurant): This ground-floor restaurant is helmed by Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, offering a menu inspired by his travels around Thailand. It features sharing-style plates with a modern twist, such as vegetable and truffle dumplings, blue crab stir-fries, and seafood curries. Bang serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with breakfast options including crab omelets, eggs with toast, and Thai-inspired dishes like mango sticky rice and coconut fried eggs.
• The Roof (Rooftop Bar): While primarily a bar, The Roof offers a selection of Mexican-inspired snacks, including raw tuna, truffled brown mushrooms, and slow-smoked beef brisket, along with desserts.

Guests have praised the "yummy" food and "great breakfast" at Bang. The Box, a bodega-style mini-market, is also available for purchasing local wines, beers, snacks, and curated items.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The StandardX, Melbourne consistently receive high praise. Guests frequently describe the staff as "super friendly and helpful," "kind," "attentive," and "amazing." Their hospitality contributes significantly to the hotel's welcoming atmosphere, with a service-driven attitude noted by many. The service is characterized as "fast and fuss-free," and "relaxed as it is efficient," ensuring a smooth check-in process and a comfortable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The StandardX is strategically located on Rose Street in Fitzroy, a vibrant and artistic suburb just north of Melbourne's CBD.

• Neighborhood: Fitzroy is renowned for its eclectic mix of vintage shops, independent restaurants, hidden bars, and art galleries. The hotel is only about a hundred meters from Brunswick Street, a well-known thoroughfare filled with dining and entertainment options. The Rose Street Artists' Market is conveniently located across the street, operating on weekends.
• Attractions: It's within walking distance or a short tram ride to attractions like the Melbourne Museum, Princess Theatre, and Melbourne Central Station. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is approximately 2.3 km away.
• Transport: The tram into the city is only a couple of minutes' walk away from Brunswick Street. Parliament train station is also a close option with direct city links, accessible via a short tram ride from Leicester Street. Melbourne's international airport is about a 30-minute drive, with private transfers available.
• Parking: Valet parking is offered for AUD $55 per night.

While the location is celebrated for its local charm, some guests have noted it's "a bit out of the CBD" and "least convenient, least touristy" compared to central hotels if the primary focus is downtown tourism or direct airport access via Skybus.

7. Value & Pricing

The StandardX, Melbourne is generally considered to offer good value for a 5-star experience, particularly given its design and amenities. Room rates can vary, with prices observed from approximately AU$150 to AU$200+ per night. Some sources indicate rates starting around AU$137 to AU$209 for a standard room. Forbes Vetted notes that it's positioned as a "more affordable label" within The Standard brand, encouraging guests to explore the neighborhood.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is highly positive, a few minor points of criticism or aspects to consider have emerged:

• Dining Menu Limitation: One guest found the breakfast menu at Bang to be "eclectic but somewhat limited."
• Room Storage: Some rooms do not feature a traditional closet, instead offering a hanger bar, which might be a consideration for guests with extensive luggage.
• Location for CBD Focus: For travelers primarily focused on major CBD tourist attractions or direct public transport convenience to/from the airport, the Fitzroy location might be slightly less convenient than hotels directly in the city center.
• Lack of On-site Gym/Pool: The hotel does not have its own gym or pool, though it has partnerships with local 24-hour fitness facilities and is a short walk to the Fitzroy Swimming Pool.
• Neighborhood Quietness: One review mentioned the immediate area around the hotel felt quiet during their stay, which could be a pro or con depending on preference.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. flyertalk.com
4. expedia.com.au
5. mrandmrssmith.com
6. forbes.com
7. flyertalk.com
8. hotels.com