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Description
The elegant Windsor, Australia's only remaining Grand Hotel, combines the classic beauty and culture of Victorian Architecture, with all the comforts and modern facilities of a five-star property, complete with 24 hour Business Centre and towers Fitness Centre.
Right in the heart of Melbourne's premier shopping and business district you will find one of the "Leading Hotels of the World", The Windsor.
History
Previously known as The Grand, the Hotel was officially opened in 1883. Shipping magnate George Nipper commissioned architect Charles Webb to design the building, regarded as a fine example of Victorian architecture. Today it is classified by the National Trust. In the late 1880s The Grand was acquired by the Hon. James Munro, a leading light of the popular Temperance Party. He is best remembered for his flamboyant gesture of setting alight the hotel liquor license, thus changing the name of The Grand Hotel to The Grand Coffee Place.
In the 1920s, after a visit from The Duke of Windsor and with the liquor license restored, the hotel was renamed The Windsor. During the depression of the 1920s and 30s, The Windsor provided an elitist clientele with the best English style service and cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere.
In 1980 Oberoi Hotels International took over the lease and hired specialist consultants to restore the building. Some $21 million and three years later, the Victorian atmosphere of the 1880's was re-created with great attention paid to authenticity. During the restoration, original photographs and documents such as the architect's diaries were studied. Some of the best examples of the restoration work are to be found in The Grand Ballroom, originally a dining Room and now used exclusively as a functions venue, and the magnificent spiral staircase.
Oberoi officially purchased the Hotel from the government in April 1990. A collection of early Australian artwork valued at more than $3 million also graces the walls including many works by well-known Australian artist Ernest Buckmaster. In 1995/96 London-based hotel design consultants, Richmond International, were commissioned to carry out refurbishment of the hotel. Richmond has decorated grand Hotels around the world, including the renowned Dorchester in London and Peninsula in Hong Kong.