Planning a stay near Melbourne’s sporting precinct? The Element by Marriott Melbourne Richmond, which opened in July 2019 as the first Element hotel in Australia, combines eco‑conscious design with long‑stay practicality. This guide draws on verified property data and guest reviews from multiple booking platforms to help you decide if it suits your trip.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
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Property name: Element by Marriott Melbourne Richmond · Address: 588 Swan Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia · Star rating: 4-star · Key amenities: Private parking, fitness centre, free bikes, restaurant, bar, free WiFi, terrace, garden, shared lounge, indoor play area · Nearby landmark: Close to Melbourne Cricket Ground · Smoke-free: Yes
How we researched this
Last checked 2026-10-06.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Marriott International), Booking.com listing, Expedia, Qantas Hotels, Hotels.com, Priceline, TripAdvisor, The West Australian, TravMedia.
No on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Element Melbourne Richmond at a glance
- Opened July 2019, first Element by Westin in Australia, with 168 rooms (Marriott News Center)
- 24‑hour fitness centre plus a Restore Floor with infrared sauna, massage chairs, and meditation space (Marriott International)
- Mint Lane Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; breakfast options include buffet, à la carte, and takeaway (breakfast score 8.1 on Booking.com) (Booking.com)
- EV charging stations, water filtration, LED lighting; complimentary bicycles; two‑minute walk to the Yarra Boulevard tram stop (Expedia)
Element Melbourne Richmond parking
The hotel provides private on‑site parking, according to listings on Priceline and Hotels.com. Input sources do not specify whether the parking is complimentary or subject to a daily fee. Travellers arriving by car should contact the hotel directly for current rates and availability. The property also advertises electric‑vehicle charging stations on the Marriott experiences page.
What this means: Parking is available on‑site, but the cost is unclear from public listings. Confirm charges when booking.
Element Melbourne Richmond reviews
Classified as a 4‑star hotel, Element Melbourne Richmond receives generally positive feedback across multiple platforms. Guests frequently praise the complimentary bicycles, the 24‑hour fitness centre, and the King Suites with private terrace hot tubs. The Booking.com listing notes a breakfast score of 8.1.
Less favourable comments, captured on Trip.com, mention that basic bathroom amenities and room‑service quality could be improved. One reviewer also noted that microwave availability in rooms is appreciated for longer stays. These points represent individual feedback and may not reflect the experience of all guests.
The pattern: Wellness features and suite amenities are strong positives, while housekeeping details draw occasional critique.
Element Melbourne Richmond buffet
Does the hotel offer a buffet? The main on‑site restaurant is Mint Lane, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, according to Qantas Hotels. For breakfast specifically, Booking.com lists three formats: buffet, à la carte, and takeaway. A 24‑hour bar/lounge and limited‑hours room service provide additional dining options.
The bottom line: A buffet breakfast is available, but whether a full buffet operates for other meals is not confirmed by the sources we reviewed.
Location and getting there
Situated at 588 Swan Street, Burnley/Richmond, Victoria 3121 (Marriott International), the hotel sits between the Yarra River, Burnley Gardens, and Burnley Golf Course (The West Australian). The Yarra Boulevard tram stop is roughly a two‑minute walk away (Expedia), providing a direct link to the Melbourne CBD. The Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Royal Botanic Gardens are both approximately 3.5 kilometres from the property (Expedia).
Element Melbourne Richmond: specs table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property name | Element by Marriott Melbourne Richmond |
| Address | 588 Swan Street, Burnley/Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia |
| Star rating | 4‑star |
| Key amenities | Private parking, fitness centre, free bikes, restaurant, bar, free WiFi, terrace, garden, shared lounge, indoor play area |
| Nearby landmark | Close to Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Smoke‑free | Yes |
| Check‑in / check‑out | 3:00 p.m. / 11:00 a.m. |
| Room count | 168 |
Pros and cons
What works well
- Eco‑conscious design – water‑efficient taps, LED lighting, extensive recycling, EV charging, carbon‑neutral flooring (Marriott International).
- Wellness focus – 24‑hour fitness centre plus Restore Floor with infrared sauna and massage chairs (Marriott International).
- Long‑stay practicality – kitchenettes in selected rooms, complimentary bicycles, and guest laundry (Qantas Hotels).
- Pet‑friendly (per official description, Marriott International).
Areas for caution
- Limited on‑site dining – only one restaurant (Mint Lane) with no confirmation of a dinner buffet.
- Unclear parking fees – private parking exists but costs are not publicly stated.
- Occasional housekeeping feedback – some guests report issues with amenity replenishment and room‑service quality (Trip.com).
Alternatives in Melbourne
If Element Melbourne Richmond isn’t the right fit, consider these nearby hotels. Le Méridien Melbourne offers a more polished, European‑inspired experience within the Marriott family. For a broader city‑centre selection, our Hotels Near Crown Casino Melbourne guide lists properties closer to the Southbank entertainment district. Compared to conventional short‑stay hotels, Element is notable for its long‑stay amenities, wellness floor, and sustainability infrastructure.
Our pick: who should stay here
Business travelers will appreciate the workspaces, kitchenettes, and 24‑hour fitness centre. Leisure tourists visiting the MCG or Royal Botanic Gardens benefit from the tram connection and bicycle hire. Couples seeking a staycation can book a King Suite with a private terrace hot tub and make use of the Restore Floor’s sauna and meditation space. For travellers who prioritise eco‑conscious operations and a relaxed, park‑adjacent location, Element Melbourne Richmond is a solid choice.
“Element Melbourne Richmond is our eco-conscious and dog-friendly hotel near sports arenas and a short tram ride to the Melbourne CBD.”
— Marriott International, Official hotel description
“Built green from the ground up, Element Melbourne Richmond has made a commitment to sustainability through eco-conscious touchpoints such as water efficient taps, energy saving LED lighting, motion sensor lighting and an extensive recycling program.”
— Marriott International, Official sustainability description
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fitness centre?
Yes, a 24‑hour fitness centre is on‑site.
Is the hotel smoke‑free?
Yes, the property is a 4‑star smoke‑free hotel.
Are there suites with private hot tubs?
Yes, King Suites include private terrace hot tubs.
Does the hotel have a garden?
Yes, a garden is featured on the property.
Is free WiFi included?
Yes, free WiFi is available throughout the property.
Sources cited
- Marriott News Center – opening details, room count, brand debut
- Marriott International – official property overview – address, star rating, key features
- Marriott International – experiences page – wellness, sustainability, bicycles, EV charging
- Booking.com – check‑in/out times, breakfast options and score
- Qantas Hotels – room amenities, dining details
- Expedia – location distances, tram proximity
- Hotels.com – business facilities, bike availability, parking
- Priceline – free WiFi, terrace, room service
- The West Australian – editorial review, location description
- Trip.com – guest review themes
- TravMedia – business/leisure positioning