The Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) (VIC) Awards for Excellence recognises Victoria’s finest accommodation hotels and venue staff and celebrates dedication and achievement in the hospitality industry. The voting criteria comprises of an industry peer vote and a mystery shopper judging process from a panel of industry professionals.
The 2019 TAA finalists have been announced and InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is proud to be named finalists in the following categories of Deluxe Accommodation Hotel of the Year, Bar of the Year – Market Lane Bar and Restaurant of the Year – Alluvial Restaurant.
The hotel comprises of 253 guest rooms and suites and has been recognised by EC3 Global’s Retrofit Building Planning and Design Standard (BPDS) as a Green Globe certified hotel which continues to pursue innovative ways to address its environmental impact and sustainability. The hotel proudly showcases sustainability practices hotel wide which is also filtered down to client meetings and events.
Built in 1891, the hotel began as two separate buildings which housed the famous Melbourne wool stores and its offices. The bluestone cobbled laneways between the Rialto and Winfield buildings, once echoed with the clatter of horse hoofs as carts carried wool and wheat to the wharves, still remains untouched under the floorboards.
“Gorgeous hotel, with wonderful service, food, refreshments! I highly recommend staying here to anyone! And if you don’t stay here, at least come into the main lobby and enjoy the beautiful construction! The walls and ceiling are beautiful and the subtle lighting accents the environment wonderfully!”- Txbd7, TripAdvisor
Market Lane Bar previously took home the title of TAA VIC “Bar of the Year 2017” and continues to showcase understated luxury, providing guests with an intimate bar experience. The bar continues to diversify its cocktail menu with Worldly Classics cocktails expertly mixed using only the finest ingredients from around the globe and an impressive Whisky menu. To celebrate the award winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play, the team of resident mixologists crafted a “Mysterious Potions and Cocktails” menu designed to pay respect to the Harry Potter franchise and celebrate Melbourne hosting the magical play.
“The bar has a wide selection of spirits – unlike many hotel bars and is known for having one of Melbourne’s largest whisky selections – over 140! That’s a bit to get through. Pop in for a taste of five star luxury and service, and to escape the crowds with a whisky by the modern fire place.” Sarina.
Alluvial Restaurant takes inspiration from the diverse cultures that make Melbourne eating so unique. An iconic Melbourne stroll down Flinders Lane leads you to the entrance, the restaurant is known not only for the intricate cuisines but the soaring glass atrium that sits above. Alluvial is known for hosting sell out degustation dinner events, most previously with partners Four Pillars Gin and Henschke wines.
2018 saw Alluvial release a standout luxury high tea concept, which paid respect to the heritage 1890’s building, named The Clarke Sisters’ High Tea. Guests are invited to step into the high society world of the Clarke Sisters, Miss Emma Clarke and Miss Margaret Clarke who would often be found spending lavish afternoons swapping stories over fine china teacups in the Rialto building. The Clarke Sisters’ High Tea is a degustation-style high tea showcasing 4 courses, including a Rialto precinct dessert trolley, promoting local partners Vue de monde, Merchant and Let Petite Gateau.
“High Tea with a twist, a delicious degustation style menu, in a class of its own.”- Lisa and Lisa @lisaandlisa
The winner in each category will be announced at the TAA (VIC) awards gala in June 2019.
