Peppers Docklands hotel: Melbourne's newest five-star hotel opens

Hotel group Peppers has arrived in Melbourne with its newest hotel, Peppers Docklands, which was fully booked ahead of opening thanks to an influx of tennis fans in town for the Australian Open.

It's the first five-star in the city's Docklands district, and has its eye on the sporting and concerts market, owing to its location opposite Etihad Stadium and Southern Cross Station.

Tapping into Melbourne's street art scene, the hotel's exterior boasts a commissioned piece by leading local artist RONE, and inside, the rooms are stencilled with images of the city's trams, cyclists, classic Aussie cars and a jumbo jet, enforcing the theme of travel.

The onsite restaurant, MOMAMI, serves a brunch menu from 6.30am until 3.30pm,"which is very Melbourne," says general manager Jeremy Nordkamp, then moves to Asian fusion under head chef Tony Moss, in the evenings.

Rooms in the 87-room property start with Peppers Petite, for sleep-and-goers, up to the Premium Suite, which sleeps three.

The style is contemporary accommodation and features bespoke bathrooms and cutting-edge interior design. The hotel comes with a bar, pool, gym, 24-hour reception and concierge, and sits above a trendy retail and eatery enclave located at ground level.

Peppers Docklands was named by Traveller.com.au as one of the best new hotel to open in 2016.

Costs from $289 a night. Phone 1300 987 600, see www.peppers.com.au.

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