Hotel Ritz Carlton a Melbourne

After many years of delayed construction we stayed at the Ritz Carlton this past Sunday night. I grabbed a rate of $491 through the Marriott website which is comparable or a bit cheaper than other 5* hotels at the other end of town. The hotel is situated at the western end of the city near the main railway station which isn't the best location in Melb for a luxury hotel. However when pulling into the entrance to have the car valet parked ($75) it's another world. The guys at the entrance were friendly and very helpful. We were escorted to the lifts and whisked up to Level 80 for check in. We were given lots of information about the hotel and facilities and the man checking us in was pleasant and tole us that we were as close to the top on Level 77. The room is spacious with a separate toilet, luggage compartment and big bathroom with bath and a large desk. The views were incredible looking across the city to the east and the bay. Unfortunately our room was a couple of levels above the neighbouring tall building so I could hear the air con all night. As typical of luxury hotels the bed had too soft pillows for my liking and we should've asked for firmer pillows, I don't know why hotels continue to provide such soft pillows. I went to Level 64 for a swim in the shallow pool which was great with incredible views. We met friends and family for drinks in the lounge where the service was prompt and friendly but the drinks are very expensive which is to be expected of a luxury hotel. On the Sunday night near midnight there was a 3.8 richter earthquake in Melbourne but I didn't feel it but my wife said the building moved slightly and I did notice the clock had moved slightly. Breakfast on the long table is fantastic and we thought the breakfast was reasonably priced a la carte only with good selection available. I would stay here again given the right rate but keep in mind the hotel is a tram ride into the shopping and most of the restaurants are up the other end of the city.