The new Novotel St Kilda replaces the brand's previous location on The Esplanade, which was demolished to make way for the Saint Moritz apartments. The hotel occupies the former Rydges St Kilda building and has been comprehensively redesigned, with public spaces by Rebecca Trenorden of Versa and guestrooms and corridors by Dezign.
At the heart of the hotel is a reworked internal garden atrium that brings natural light into the building and connects its public spaces. The ground floor features the new Urban Kitchen & Bar, which can seat up to 120 diners and includes private dining areas, a flexible coworking space, and conference and event facilities for up to 140 people. A rooftop event space adds an outdoor option.
The return of Novotel is part of a broader revival of Fitzroy Street. The Esplanade Hotel, which closed in 2015, reopened in 2018 after a major transformation. The Victorian Pride Centre, Australia's first purpose-built LGBTQIA+ community hub, opened on the street in 2021. The Saint Hotel is set to reopen next month after a transformation, and The Prince is being reinvigorated by DJ and hospitality entrepreneur Grant Smillie, with renewed emphasis on its live music heritage.
The hotel's developer, Erdi, has donated furniture and fittings from the old Saint Kilda Beach Hotel to the Sacred Heart Mission and contributed to local charities.