Victoria Hotel (The) in City (Melbourne)

Currently known as the ibis Styles Melbourne, The Victoria Hotel -it is located in the heart of the CBD in Melbourne.

The hotel was built in 1880, and was one of the original hotels in Melbourne when it opened its doors for business on 1st November, 1880; just 45 years after the city of Melbourne was established in 1835.
The founder of the hotel was the Honourable James Munro, a former premier of Victoria. At one stage, The Vic, as it became known, was advertised as the largest hotel in the Commonwealth.

A historic icon, it was originally known as the Victoria Coffee Palace, founded by a Temperance League as an alternative to the rowdy, bawdy pub accommodation on offer during the late 19th century.
The Coffee Palace differed from the regular Melbourne city hotels in another important way – it was a dry hotel – no alcohol! Instead, patrons imbibed Beef Tea, mineral waters and, of course, coffee. Fortunately, things have changed and guests can now enjoy a drink in Vic's Bar.

The Victoria Coffee Palace was established in leased premises, known as "Clyde House" taken over from The Victoria Club, which was in liquidation after having been one of the earliest institutions in Melbourne. Accommodation was provided for 61 guests and approving comments were made of the temperance bar, which provided tea, coffee and mineral waters.

The first meeting of shareholders was convened two months later and a profit of £114.14.8 was recorded. Every available bed was occupied from the outset, including as many as could be extemporized. The main early difficulties were the cramped sanitary arrangements.
At that time, the basement was let as an oyster room. The ladies' dining room and the smoking room were popular.

In the 20's and 30's the establishment became a luxury hotel that prided itself on its guest service, which included porters being sent to meet guest at the Port Melbourne Docks and Spencer Street Train Station.
It was also the first in Melbourne to offer electric lights in its rooms.

During W.W.II the American Army occupied a large section of the hotel for many months.

The 1956 Olympics in Melbourne saw The Victoria Hotel feature as the main meeting place for the IOC, where many of the functions and banquets were held.

Today ibis Styles Melbourne, The Victoria Hotel, is Melbourne City's Largest 3 1/2 star hotel and caters to the budget conscious traveler who wants comfort and style.

The next time you are in Melbourne stop by and grab a pint at Vic's Bar and Pool room to get a feel a real understanding for this more than 135 year old historic establishment. The original lobby is still in use today, minus the skylight dome, removed during WWII to blackout the hotel as a security precaution.