I am always wary about praising a hotel for fear the next time I go the place will be booked. However, the InterContinental deserves much praise and so I render it here. We showed up in the late morning and figured we'd have to drop our bags and check in later. But while we were being checked in the room became available. What providence after a 14 hr. flight. The staff could not be more accommodating and friendly, their concierge, always on duty to answer any Melbourne questions and to reserve transportation. The room was wonderful. Nice and quiet. Comfortable but not too soft bed. Great waterfall shower. We could really relax in the room. The hotel itself is beautiful and modern but not cold even though the Rialto itself is a very old building. There were many spots throughout the hotel you could just sit and have a glass of water after a long fruitful day in Melbourne. The location of the hotel is not to be understated. Fantastic location in the CBD for walking around Melbourne as well as for bus pick-ups for our pre-paid day trips outside the city. Safe. 100 percent entirely safe. And yet so close to the action. Within walking distance to Flinders St Station, Federation Square, popular laneways and a ridiculous amount of restos an bars. That said, the hotel resto Alluvial delivers a pretty delicious buffet breakfast. This is our place the next time we are in Melbourne. 5 Stars!