Stayed here on Business towards end of January. Service and food were good. Location is in the city near Spencer street station (now renamed to something else), and about a 10 minute walk to the Bourke street mall. Overall the hotel met my requirements for a business hotel, and price was reasonable. Downside was there was no in room internet connectin, and you had to go to the lobby and buy a scratch card and use it in their business centre.

I stayed last week at the Rialto while on business in Melbourne. It was great all the way around. I was a bit wary of the previous reviewers who were critical of the fact that rooms have windows into the atrium, rather than to the street ... but how else do you have windows in a city hotel sandwiched between other high buildings? If you have to be able to see outside, perhaps it will bother you, but it didn't make any difference to me, as you do get outside light from the atrium. (Just keep the curtains closed if you're less than fully dressed :)

The concierge staff is FANTASTIC. Paul, in particular, gave amazing service. I really cannot remember a better concierge staff in any hotel I've stayed in, even some true five-star joints.

The rooms were clean, and mine was plenty big (two double beds) as was the king room that some friends stayed in. Amenities were typical (shampoo, etc). It is a great business hotel and also a reasonable choice for a fun visit if you don't plan to spend all your time in your room (just b/c it isn't a "resort" type hotel). Location was fine ... I wasn't doing a lot of things in Melbourne, but it is right on the tram route and within walking distance to at least two major stations ... also within walking distance to the river, Flinders St (and Flinders Lane for good shopping) and plenty of good restaurants.

The restaurant is extremely overpriced for breakfast ... if yours isn't included in the price, I'd recommend eating elsewhere. There are a couple of good cafes across and/or down the street. (most of them were not open on holidays or on the Saturday following, although not sure if that's regular for a Saturday.) The McDonalds across the street has a McCafe coffee shop that will do if you're in a hurry.

I'd stay there again and recommend it to friends.

My wife & I drove from Sydney to Melbourne on our first visit to Oz. Before we could get out the car, the concierge was there, told us to take what we needed to book in, and he took care of the rest. Bags in room in no time at all, & vehicle garaged safe & sound. Staff in all areas of the hotel were exceptional - especially the eastern european bar & waiting staff. Room spotless & comfortable, Room service top class, we will definately return.

Booked a mystery room and it ended up being the Rialto.
Nice enough I guess. The doorman didn't offer to help us with our bags, so we lugged them in ourselves.
Reception staff were friendly and welcoming.
The room was tiny and the bathroom needed updating, looking a little old and tired.
To be honest, I expected a little more for a 5 star hotel.
Valet parking was approx $25.
Bed was comfy, oversized pillows with lots more in the wardrobe (which is a great thing when you're used to sleeping on more than 1 pillow).
As we were heading out to a wedding I stopped to ask the Concierge a question - he asked if he could help me and then proceeded to call out to other staff members on their way out the door whilst I was asking my question. My husband and I both thought that this was extremely rude. Obviously wanting to know if the other staff were leaving the building with a pen was more important than paying attention to a guest. Not impressed!
Overall, I don't think it's a true '5 star' hotel and I wouldn't stay there again.