Design-forward Hannah St Hotel opens in Southbank

A new design-led hotel has quietly opened in Southbank, adding a distinctive hospitality offering to Melbourne’s arts and events precinct.

Hannah St Hotel, located at 19 Walker St within the new Queensbridge Building, slipped into operation late last year, positioning itself as a neighbourhood-style hotel aimed at business travellers, creatives and event-goers rather than traditional large-format accommodation.

The 188-room hotel has been designed by Melbourne-based Flack Studio and is operated by TFE Hotels as part of its Collection by TFE portfolio.

Developed by Time & Place in partnership with MaxCap and the Hickory Group, the hotel places a strong emphasis on what designers describe as “third space” environments – areas that sit between work and leisure and encourage informal connection, collaboration and creativity.

From the ground up, Hannah St has been conceived with meetings, events and flexible working in mind. Central to that offering are the Bridge Rooms, two architecturally designed meeting spaces with corner windows, natural light and high-end audiovisual technology capable of supporting hybrid events, presentations and workshops.

Beyond formal meeting rooms, the hotel incorporates co-working areas, quiet rooms, training spaces and a soundproof podcast studio, alongside a rooftop Terrace Lounge offering indoor-outdoor event capacity with panoramic views across the city.

Food and beverage across the hotel is led by Melbourne hospitality group The Mulberry Group, best known for venues including Higher Ground, Top Paddock and Hazel. The offering includes Bar Hannah at lobby level, Carriage Lounge for smaller gatherings, Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar, and the rooftop Terrace Lounge, with a focus on local produce and all-day activation.

Hotel general manager Peter Minatsis said the aim was to deliver experience-driven events and stays that blur the line between business and social connection, with hospitality built in rather than added on.

For guests staying overnight, the hotel’s 188 rooms reflect Flack Studio’s layered design approach, combining warm timber, soft lighting and bold materiality to create what the designers describe as a lived-in, distinctly Melbourne aesthetic.

In addition to its event and accommodation offerings, Hannah St Hotel includes a wellness level with a 20-metre indoor pool, spa, sauna and fitness studio, reinforcing its positioning as a place to transition between work, social life and wellbeing.

Named after a historic street once located on the site, Hannah St Hotel aims to acknowledge Southbank’s evolving identity while contributing to its growing role as a hub for business, culture and creative exchange. •