Melbourne’s latest luxury hotel, Hannah St Hotel – developed by Time and Place and operated by TFE Hotels – is slated to open its doors on December 1.

Located within walking distance of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, which is in the midst of a $1.7 billion transformation, the hotel is leaning into art and culture in its design and guest experience.

“Hannah St Hotel is about culture at its core: the art, the design, the people, the local stories,” said General Manager, Peter Minatsis.

“As someone who has worked across the hospitality industry for many years, I’ve seen hotels that impress with luxury and service but what excites me most about Hannah St Hotel is its commitment to culture.”

“This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a guide, a tastemaker, a backstage pass to Melbourne’s creative soul.

“We want our guests to discover the city by living like a local, exploring hidden gems, experiencing art and music off the beaten track, and immersing themselves in the very pulse that makes Melbourne unique. It’s hospitality with insider knowledge, curated to offer experiences that stay with you long after you leave.”

Time and Place Director Tim Price references the influence of the 15-minute neighbourhood concept that defines Southbank’s walkable, connected design.

“By embedding Hannah St Hotel into this urban fabric, it becomes more than accommodation; it’s a gateway to the city’s cultural heart and an integral part of a thriving, sustainable precinct,” he said.

Interiors by Flack Studio merge functionality with cultural storytelling, with the hotel serving as a “living gallery” decorated with custom artworks, bespoke bronze sculptures like the Queensbridge Owl, by local sculptor, Joelle Mayberry, and a custom poem, These Infinite Beginnings, featured in light and sound.

“The hotel’s artworks are as layered and diverse as the materials in the building,” said Flack Studio Founding Director, David Flack.

“Each piece speaks to Melbourne’s energy, its creativity, and its urban pulse—so guests feel the city as soon as they walk in.”

Minatis expects demand for ‘Live Like a Local’ experiences will continue to shape hotels in 2026 and beyond.

“From curated art and hidden experiences to playful touches – whether it’s recording in our onsite podcast studio, sipping a spritz in the Parisian-inspired terrace that nods to the city’s garden culture – our next cultural flex is always around the corner,” he said.