With its rust rusty red façade, it looks more industrial than residential but the 125-room hotel has more than a touch of the rebel about it. For a start, StandardX was designed by architects Woods Bagot who design differently. Think the Bolte Bridge, coloured steel poles at the entrance to Tullamarine freeway, even Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre divided opinion at the time.
But the hotel is part of a family, derived from the Standard hotel, a vintage-inspired group of properties that began in New York and has spread to Hollywood, Miami, Ibiza and, soon, Singapore.
The X spinoff is perfect for Fitzroy, home of the uber-cool dude, the bicycle-riding hipster, small streets, local pubs and an eclectic food scene. Only minutes from the city, its Victorian terrace architecture can seem a million miles away from the forest of modern skyscrapers nearby. StandardX is not on a main thoroughfare, so you may need to Google the small Rose Street on which it stands.
As a place to stay, it offers a broad range of room types from Cosy King to suites with a minimalist design. But the public spaces offer gathering points, co-working opportunities, even quiet corners for those who prefer WFH – work from hotel in this case. It is not the only hotel brand looking to diversify from CBD properties into suburban neighbourhoods as IHG, Marriott and Accor have already demonstrated in Melbourne recently.
As for meetings, this is the place to meet when you don’t want to occupy a formal meeting place, or when you want to appeal to Gen Z. It will no doubt be popular for its rooftop, for its Thai street food in a space called BANG, as well as BOX where guests can snack and drink.
Originally set to open in 2021, it was delayed during COVID, but is now advertising for staff and advises a March 2024 launch on its website.
