Even before Hyatt acquired hotel group Standard International – a collection of “lifestyle” hotels comprising a few different brands including Hotels in barracks and the way – in 2024, Standard had already announced plans to launch what it called a “rebellious little brother” to The Standard brand called StandardX.

The goal was to incorporate The Standard’s much-loved cultural style (think massive art installations and design-forward decor), but at a more affordable price and with reduced amenities in up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Those plans moved quickly, even as Standard integrated with Hyatt and the first StandardX outpost opened in Melbourne, Australia, in August 2024.

On a recent visit there, I had the opportunity to check out Melbourne’s StandardX to see what the brand is really about. And just when the X marks the spot, the StandardX hit the mark.

The StandardX, Melbourne location couldn’t be cooler

You’ll find many of Melbourne’s best hotels in the city’s central business district or along the bustling Southbank corridor that runs along the Yarra River waterfront. By contrast, The StandardX, Melbourne is located in the trendier neighborhood of Fitzroy, just north of the CBD (and is easily accessible on foot or by tram).

Although the area has been gentrifying over the years and features some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants and gorgeously renovated rowhomes, you’ll still notice the slightest dusting of sand along some of its busiest streets. Case in point: Come for a weekend to peruse the locally produced goods at the Rose Street Market, right next to the hotel, then stroll through Kitty Corner to the flea market held in the hollowed-out, charmingly graffitied old Fitzroy Mills… and the people serving you will be more than happy to give you tips on which stalls to visit for the best finds.

The new hotel fits right into that mixed-use mix with a spectacular rust-looking weathered steel façade designed by Australian firm Woods Bagot, complete with a candy apple red revolving door.

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Inside the terrazzo-tiled reception area, you’ll find unique seating vignettes, including a caterpillar-shaped Big Talk armchair by designer Adam Goodrum, macramé-wrapped columns produced by local artist Sarah Parkes, antique leather sofas and armchairs, and even a cozy fireplace for chilly nights.

Plenty of art books and plants line the shelves, and there’s a living room-style space adjacent to the bistro downstairs. The vibe is like an early 80s Soho artist’s loft crossed with a contemporary coworking space.

Check-in couldn’t have been more welcoming, complete with noting my Hyatt Discoverist status and asking if I needed a late check-out, although there were no complimentary bottles of water.

the rooms

The StandardX, Melbourne has just 125 rooms. I booked a 226 square foot standard king bed in the lowest category, but was upgraded to a slightly larger (and larger window) deluxe king bed that was 247 square feet.

It was on the third floor, just down the hall from the elevator, so I could hear when other guests were entering or leaving due to foot traffic and accessibility tones when the elevator arrived.

Like many other hotel brand rooms aimed at budget-conscious travelers who still want some eye-catching design features, the room followed what I call the three Cs: cute, compact, and colorful.

There was plenty of light through the single window, and the blue-and-white striped rug gave the space a cheerful look, as did the white-sheeted bed and its slim-profile fabric headboard.

Everything seemed to have been placed with space efficiency in mind, from an exposed single-bar armoire to a desk that folded out from the wall with a single pink beanbag for sitting on, as well as the 50-inch flat-screen TV mounted on the wall in front of the bed.

But some of the space-conscious elements were fun, too, including a colorful steel fixture that concealed the minibar, complete with an incongruous chrome stand. Speaking of the minibar, there was a Smeg kettle for making tea or instant coffee and an empty fridge where you could fill your own supplies.

Equally compact, the tiny bathroom was separated from the rest of the room by cane glass panels and a sliding door, making it clear that streamlining, rather than privacy, was the watchword here.

White tiles with unusual blue grout completed the clean look. The hotel had some Davines amenities, but the hair and body wash products in the shower had the Davines branding scratched off.

I’ll add two more C’s to the three mentioned above: The room was cozy and comfortable, at least for a single person. Couples may find it a little cramped (I guess that’s another C).

Meal

When the hotel opened, its ground floor housed a Thai-style bistro called Bang. However, during my recent stay, the restaurant was simply called Bistro X and was an emerging concept offering seasonal food and regional specialties, and this remains the main restaurant.

One night, during a leisurely dinner, I enjoyed cured sea trout with fresh cream and chives on rye flatbreads ($21) and delicious bites of yellowfin tuna with Asian herbs on crispy potato rosti ($8). For my mains, I had hearty mussels in a creamy Gascogne butter sauce ($27) and summery zucchini and mint linguine ($25), accompanied by glasses of Australian wines. There were also many specialty cocktails such as Cloud Cover with apricot brandy, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, ginger and lemon ($18).

Breakfast was also served here and included specialties such as chia pudding with apricot and macadamia nuts ($14) and scrambled eggs with chilies, pickled shallots and sourdough toast ($14). My rate, which included breakfast for just AU$9 ($6) more than the regular member rate, seemed worth it considering it included a hot drink of my choice, a selection of juices, a main course and a side (I ordered avocado which would have cost $5 more).

Melbourne is known for its rooftop bars (and its alley bars and hidden bars and… well, you get the idea), but the one on the seventh floor feels special in its own right. This is partly due to the fact that it’s only open to hotel guests, so it’s never too crowded, and the views of the CBD skyscrapers on one side and the mountains of the Dandenong Ranges on the other are quite spectacular.

The drinks list here is compact, with a few specialty cocktails, natural wines, and some small bites as well. DJs spin on the weekends, so plan to spend an hour or two under the fringed umbrellas or by the fireplace.

Amenities and service

• There’s no gym on site, but guests can get passes to nearby Snap Fitness and enjoy a free fitness class at Upstate Studios.
• The hotel has a cute boutique and sundry shop called The Box next to reception that sells everything from local wines and cheeses to art books, ceramics and scents.
• The service is relaxed but competent: check-in and check-out are a breeze and breakfast service is friendly and fast.

Location and logistics

The StandardX, Melbourne is located near the corner of Rose and Brunswick Streets, in the heart of Fitzroy. Stroll around Brunswick and choose from international restaurants, from Vietnamese and Italian to Mexican and even Afghan. Gertrude Street’s finest boutiques and restaurants, including several from well-known Melbourne-based chef Andrew McConnell, are just a 15-minute walk south, and a few minutes later will put you in the heart of the CBD. Of course, you can also catch one of the city’s famous trams at two nearby stops if you’re in a hurry.

Driving to or from Melbourne Airport (MEL) takes between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the time of day, and Uber rides cost around AU$45 ($32).

what it costs

Rates including breakfast start at AU$250 ($176) per night. The hotel is in World of Hyatt Category 3, so award rates currently range from 9,000 to 15,000 points per night, though that could change to 8,000 to 20,000 points per night one time. Hyatt Awards Chart Changes Take Effect.

To make the most of your stay, consider the World of Hyatt Credit Card (see rates and fees) either World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees), which offer lucrative welcome bonusesAutomatic elite status and high earning rates at Hyatt properties.

Alternatively, you can transfer Ultimate Rewards points earned with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) directly to World of Hyatt on a 1:1 ratio, which can put an award stay within reach.

Accessibility

The StandardX, Melbourne has a single accessible Studio Suite. Accommodations include low light switches and a thermostat, wide doors, and a wheelchair-accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower and grab bars. Public areas of the hotel can be accessed via elevators and step-free entrances.

In a nutshell

Conceived not exactly as a directional departure from the core Standard brand, but rather as a slightly more understated variation, this particular StandardX managed to feel elevated yet approachable. You might not find nightlife that attracts celebrities or a restaurant that’s a dining destination in itself, for example, but you’ll definitely pause to consider a work of art or two on your way to a glass of artisanal wine at the laid-back rooftop bar. Small rooms may be better suited for creative solo travelers than couples or companions, but if you’re looking to explore a less touristy part of Melbourne, the StandardX could be the right place to book, especially thanks to its paid prices and cheap points.

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