A girls’ weekend isn’t just about getting away — it’s about curating the perfect blend of indulgence and ease. You want luxury without the stiffness, energy without chaos, and enough variety to keep things interesting without needing a spreadsheet to plan it all. That’s where W Melbourne comes in. It’s not just a place to stay — it’s an entire experience wrapped in plush velvet, clever lighting, and the kind of vibe that makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. A weekend here doesn’t just hit the mark, it raises the bar.
The Room Situation
Let’s start with the rooms, because this is where W Melbourne separates itself from every other five-star hotel in the city. Forget beige walls and sad carpet — W Melbourne’s rooms are a masterclass in modern luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the city, while plush velvet seating and metallic accents create a space that feels like a designer loft. Bold splashes of colour and statement art pieces add personality without feeling overdone. The beds? Heavenly. The kind that swallows you whole in the best way possible.
The minibar is stocked with curated local spirits (because no one wants a generic vodka soda on a girls’ trip), and the marble bathrooms come with rainfall showers and luxe toiletries that are practically begging to be pocketed. It’s polished and elevated, but never precious. You can sprawl out, throw on robes, and blast the pre-game playlist without feeling like you’re going to break something. This isn’t “stay between the lines” luxury — it’s luxury designed to be lived in.
And then there’s the pool. W Melbourne’s indoor pool isn’t just a pool, it’s a scene. Set under a golden mirrored ceiling that reflects the water below, it has this hypnotic, disco-adjacent glow. Neon lights flicker off the water, the poolside lounges are impossibly chic, and the whole space radiates a low-key party energy. This is where you sip cocktails and gossip about the night before, or slide in for a late-night swim with the girls after a few too many rounds at the bar.
Pre-Dinner Drinks at Curious
Once you’ve transitioned from robes to heels, it’s time for pre-dinner drinks at Curious — W Melbourne’s subterranean cocktail bar that feels like a scene from a Bond film. You enter through a sleek, dimly lit tunnel that opens into a room framed by a sculptural timber ceiling — it curves and twists like a honeycomb, creating a space that feels intimate but expansive at the same time.
The atmosphere is moody and seductive — low lighting, dark timber, and a playlist that hums with quiet confidence. The cocktails are as clever as they are delicious — think classic negronis, and new takes on old favourites like their periwinkle martinis with beefeater gin, elderflower, yellow chartreuse and orange bitters. It’s the kind of place where you can sink into a booth, order something unexpected, and settle into the rhythm of the night.
Dinner at Warabi
Once the cocktails have done their job, it’s time for dinner at Warabi — W Melbourne’s omakase restaurant and arguably one of the best dining experiences in the city. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an event. The omakase experience is chef’s choice — a carefully curated sequence of dishes featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients. It’s a masterclass in precision and restraint, where simplicity meets perfection.
The setting is intimate and understated, with dark timber and low lighting that creates a sense of quiet focus. You’ll be seated at the bar, front and centre, as the chefs prepare each course with surgical precision. Expect sashimi so fresh it practically dissolves on your tongue, delicate tempura with an audible crunch, and flavour combinations that are surprising but balanced — yuzu and truffle, miso and citrus. Pair it with sake or one of the sommelier’s hand-picked wines, and you’ll understand why this place has such a fantastic reputation.
It’s the kind of meal that demands a debrief — which is why you’ll want to head back to Curious afterwards for a nightcap. Or, if you’re feeling indulgent (and you should be), head back to your room, order dessert, and deconstruct every course in matching robes while lying on the bed.
The Post-Dinner Glow
The beauty of W Melbourne is that it never makes you feel like you have to keep up. If you’re in the mood for more, the city is right outside your door — but if you’d rather stay in, the hotel gives you plenty of reasons to. Lounge by the pool, head back to Curious, or order dessert and champagne to your room and settle in for a late-night gossip session.
And when you wake up the next morning — hopefully with just a hint of a hangover — breakfast at Lollo is exactly what you need. The buffet is indulgent but smart — an omelette or eggs cooked to your liking and all the favourites from bacon to fresh fruit and expertly brewed coffee that somehow manages to taste restorative. It’s the kind of breakfast, just steps away from your roon, that softens the edges of a big night out and sets the tone for the day ahead.
Why W Melbourne Is the Ultimate Girl's Weekend Formula
The thing about W Melbourne is that it knows exactly what you need before you even know you need it. It’s cool without being cold, luxurious without feeling stuffy, and playful without tipping into try-hard territory. The central location means you can easily hit the city’s best bars, boutiques, and coffee spots — but honestly, you probably won’t want to leave.
This is a hotel that’s built for fun. You can go full glam or stay in robes. Pre-dinner drinks can roll into a nightcap without skipping a beat. The pool feels like a destination in itself. It’s the kind of place where you can float between lazy luxury and spontaneous chaos without needing to overthink it. A weekend at W Melbourne isn’t just a getaway — it’s the blueprint for a perfect girls’ trip. And you’ll be planning the next one before you even check out.
Book your next Melbourne Girls trip at W Melbourne here.
This writer stayed as a guest of W Melbourne.
