Pan Pacific Melbourne – Melbourne – stay-cation with a view of the city and Yarra River

I stayed at the Pan Pacific Melbourne in the Club King Room on 22 September 2019, and it was a remarkable experience. Having access to the Club Lounge and breakfast at Dock 37 on the ground floor added a touch of luxury to our stay. The hotel’s location is ideal for those planning a visit to the outlet shops or the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Impressive club lounge

The Club Lounge at Pan Pacific Melbourne is nothing short of impressive. It’s one of the largest I’ve come across in Australia, rivaling even the renowned Crown Perth. The seating arrangement, some resembling private booths, provides a sense of exclusivity. The lounge offers a wide array of options to enjoy the sweeping views of the city and the Yarra River.

While the lounge’s culinary offerings were satisfactory, the afternoon tea featuring scones and the hors d’oeuvres from 5 pm to 7 pm were delightful. The vegetable gyoza and arancini balls were particularly noteworthy. The drink selection was extensive, catering to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic preferences.

The Club King Room itself was spacious and well-appointed. The standout features were the generously sized bathtub and the large television. The breakfast buffet at Dock 37 was a delightful affair, with the option to customize omelets, freshly squeezed fruit juices, and delectable waffles.

On the downside, the fourth-floor location of the lounge meant the city view was not as breathtaking as one might hope. Additionally, the absence of a swimming pool or recreational area was noticeable. Unlike some other hotels, amenities like toothbrushes needed to be requested from reception.

Pan Pacific Melbourne's club lounge is located on the fourth floor — Pan Pacific Melbourne’s club lounge is located on the fourth floor

Getting there and what’s around?

In terms of accessibility, there’s no direct public transport to the hotel, but it can be reached via tram with a 10-minute walk from the stop outside Crown Casino and the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

The hotel’s grand and welcoming foyer sets the tone for a comfortable stay. The ground floor, home to Dock 37, is not only the location for the hotel’s restaurant but also where patrons can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet.

While the room wasn’t overly spacious, it offered a decent view of the city. The bathroom’s ample bathtub and open shower were definite highlights.

For those seeking a range of activities within the hotel, options were somewhat limited. However, the proximity to the Direct Factory Outlet proved to be a boon for shopping enthusiasts, with a plethora of premium brand stores offering discounted prices on last season’s stock.

Come evening, the area around the hotel buzzed with activity, thanks to an array of pubs and restaurants, including the Munich Brauhaus for those partial to German cuisine, beer, and music.

In summary, the Pan Pacific Melbourne offers a top-notch experience, particularly for Club Room guests. The Club Lounge’s size, view, and culinary offerings stand out, while the room’s comfort and the breakfast spread at Dock 37 were commendable. For shopping aficionados, the Direct Factory Outlet right below is a major draw.

You can watch a tour of the room and lounge here on YouTube: