Hotel Interior Design in Melbourne
Crafting Guest-Centred Spaces That Reflect Melbourne’s Unique Energy – Work with COOOP
Hotels in Melbourne are more than accommodation—they’re cultural touchpoints, design destinations, and immersive spaces that reflect the city’s rhythm. Whether nestled in a laneway off Flinders Street, perched along the Yarra River, or housed in a restored Victorian terrace in Carlton, each hotel deserves a design that speaks to both its setting and its story.
At COOOP, we bring a layered, thoughtful approach to hotel interior design in Melbourne, creating hospitality spaces that feel effortless, yet intentional. Our experience spans boutique hotels, luxury developments, heritage refurbishments, and modern builds across Victoria. We focus on environments that support guest wellbeing, enhance operational flow, and express a clear design narrative aligned with your brand.
From structural planning and interiors to external architectural cues, we help turn concepts into tangible experiences. Whether you’re launching a new hotel or upgrading an existing property, we collaborate with you to shape spaces that leave lasting impressions on guests and staff alike.
The guest journey begins well before check-in. From façade to foyer, every design element contributes to the story your hotel tells. At COOOP, we carefully plan each detail to evoke emotion, support comfort, and allow operational efficiency. Our work merges aesthetic precision with spatial logic—so that form always meets function.
Melbourne's hotel scene is defined by contrast—bold new builds next to preserved architecture, urban elegance alongside artistic grit. This complexity demands a design approach that is responsive, innovative, and locally informed. We consider how your property fits into the cultural and architectural fabric of its surrounds—whether that means referencing modern hotel exterior design architecture in Southbank or drawing inspiration from Fitzroy’s raw, eclectic character.
We also consider the long-term performance of your space. By incorporating sustainable hotel architecture principles—like passive climate control, local materials, and green energy systems—we help your project meet the evolving expectations of travellers while complying with emerging environmental standards.
Our Approach to Hotel Interior and Exterior Design
Designing a hotel means creating a comprehensive sensory experience. Here’s how we address the critical layers that bring hospitality spaces to life:
1
Contextual Architecture & Exterior Planning
Melbourne is known for its architectural depth. We draw from that richness when shaping a hotel’s external identity. Our designs range from bold geometric facades to minimal, climate-conscious envelopes. Whether we’re developing small hotel exterior design concepts or expansive multi-level structures, we strike a balance between visual impact and contextual sensitivity.
2
Spatial Planning & Flow
Guests may not notice great spatial planning—but they’ll feel it. We ensure that wayfinding, access, and circulation are intuitive and accessible. Reception areas, corridors, lifts, and back-of-house zones are designed to minimise bottlenecks while optimising staff operations.
3
Guest Room Interiors
Comfort doesn’t come at the cost of character. We layer textures, materials, and lighting in a way that offers calm, privacy, and delight. Melbourne guests expect individuality—so we avoid cookie-cutter templates in favour of warm, memorable interiors that align with your brand values.
4
Common & Shared Spaces
From restaurants to rooftop bars, co-working lounges to spa facilities, we design public areas with both flexibility and atmosphere in mind. These zones foster social interaction while offering visual interest and operational adaptability.
5
Outdoor Integration
Landscaping, terraces, courtyards, and rooftops form vital extensions of the guest experience. We integrate outdoor zones with indoor programming, creating seamless transitions that encourage relaxation and connection to place.
Sustainability Woven Into Every Detail
Our firm belief in sustainable hotel architecture is embedded throughout the design process. We assess site orientation, natural ventilation, and water capture potential early on to maximise ecological performance. We favour local suppliers, FSC-certified materials, and low-VOC finishes that protect indoor air quality.
Where possible, we incorporate systems like solar energy, green walls, and low-energy lighting. Whether your goal is a Green Star rating or simply to align with future-forward building values, we help reduce environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience.
Small Hotel Projects, Big Design Thinking
We love working with boutique and independently owned properties. Designing for smaller hotels in Melbourne requires smart solutions—every square metre counts. From compact lobby concepts to flexible multi-use guest rooms, our team applies strategic thinking that elevates space, light, and utility.
Through efficient planning and layered materiality, our small hotel exterior design solutions make modest footprints feel generous and considered.
The COOOP Design Process
Our work follows a structured process grounded in architectural best practices, but flexible enough to support each client’s vision. Here’s how we collaborate with you:
Discovery & Briefing
We begin with a conversation—what your hotel stands for, who it speaks to, and what experience you want guests to walk away with. This sets the foundation for all future decisions.
Design Development & Documentation
Our team refines the concept into detailed drawings and specifications that guide construction. Every finish, fixture, and fitting is selected for durability, aesthetics, and consistency with your goals.
Conceptual Design
We develop mood boards, draft spatial layouts, and build a design direction informed by your brand and the Melbourne landscape. This is where we explore layout, lighting strategy, visual themes, and material ideas.
Project Coordination
We don’t disappear after design. Our team provides ongoing support during the build phase, coordinating with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to ensure fidelity to the vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you design hotels throughout Melbourne or just the city centre?
Yes, we work across all areas of Melbourne—from CBD high-rises to coastal retreats and regional boutique stays.
Can you help update an older hotel without major structural work?
Absolutely. We offer refresh and retrofit design solutions to modernise existing hotels through smart, surface-level interventions that improve look, feel, and functionality.
What’s your approach to modern hotel exterior design architecture?
We combine bold geometric lines with refined detailing and material choices that align with Melbourne’s diverse architectural styles. The goal is to create a standout exterior that feels locally relevant.
Do you work with sustainability consultants or offer in-house solutions?
We do both. COOOP has internal sustainability capabilities and also partners with third-party experts for hotels targeting formal sustainability certifications.
Bring Your Hotel Concept to Life with COOOP
The right design partner makes all the difference in creating a hotel that’s not only visually striking but commercially successful. With a portfolio that spans over 490 hospitality projects across Australia, COOOP is trusted by developers, operators, and architects alike.
From boutique properties to large-scale builds, we bring clarity, creativity, and technical strength to every project. Let’s create something unforgettable—right here in Melbourne.