Accor has announced a new chapter for one of Melbourne’s most iconic coastal addresses, with Saint Kilda Beach Hotel currently undergoing a landmark transformation led by owner ERDI, ahead of its reopening as Novotel St Kilda in October 2026.
The transformation of the former Saint Kilda Beach Hotel will see 80 redesigned guest rooms debut, featuring a contemporary coastal palette to create calming spaces that support restorative sleep and everyday balance – core to Novotel’s design philosophy.
The hotel will feature a new conference and events facility for up to 140 guests, alongside a flexible co-working space designed to foster connection, creativity, and productivity. At the heart of the property, a reimagined internal garden atrium will introduce natural light and openness.
A new culinary destination, Urban Kitchen & Bar – St Kilda, is currently in development and will bring Novotel’s food and beverage philosophy to life through nourishing dining experiences. Designed as a lively dining destination for both guests and locals, the venue will seat up to 120 guests and include several private dining spaces, suited to celebrations, group dining and corporate events.
Interior designer Rebecca Trenorden of VERSA, who is leading the design vision for the project, said the redevelopment aims to capture the distinctive spirit of the neighbourhood. “The design celebrates the eclectic character of Fitzroy Street, where cosmopolitan culture meets the coast. This adaptive reuse project revitalises the ground floor with a series of spaces designed to engage locals and guests alike, from everyday moments through to special celebrations.”
Beyond its physical transformation, the project reflects a commitment to meaningful local impact. In partnership with Sacred Heart Mission, furniture and fittings from the existing hotel were redistributed by ERDI to support those in need. ERDI has also committed financial support to several local charities, including Sacred Heart Mission, The Mirabel Foundation, and St Kilda Mums, which rehomes new and pre-loved baby goods and nursery equipment to families that need some support.
“The transformation of this landmark property into Novotel St Kilda reflects the continued strength of Accor’s network across the Pacific and our confidence in the Melbourne market,” said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region. “Novotel is a globally recognised brand that continues to evolve in step with the needs of today’s travellers. Grounded in its Longevity Everyday philosophy, the brand is designed to support renewed energy, connection and everyday wellbeing through simple, intuitive experiences. We are confident this positioning will resonate strongly in St Kilda and contribute positively to the hotel’s next chapter. We look forward to working closely with our valued partners at ERDI to bring this new vision to life.”
Ricky Jeffs, CEO and Executive Director of ERDI, said the transition to Novotel represents an exciting milestone for the business and its growing partnership with Accor.
“This is a very exciting moment for our team and for the future of the hotel. Joining the globally recognised Novotel brand allows us to bring a completely refreshed guest experience to St Kilda while leveraging the strength and reach of the Accor network. We’ve seen the success of the Novotel brand across our portfolio with Novotel Geelong, alongside Pullman Melbourne City Centre and Mercure Welcome Melbourne, and we’re incredibly proud to continue building ERDI’s partnership with Accor. The reopening of Novotel St Kilda will bring a fresh energy to this iconic location, and we’re confident it will play a positive role in welcoming more visitors to St Kilda and supporting the local community,” said Mr Jeffs.
SPECIAL OFFER: Be among the first to experience Novotel St Kilda when it opens this October by taking advantage of the hotel’s opening offer – stay from $299* per night. To book, visit novotelstkilda.com.au
With more than 600 hotels across 70 countries, Novotel is uniquely positioned to democratise longevity for all through environments designed for renewed energy, connection, and everyday wellbeing.
Accor continues to strengthen its presence across the Pacific region, reinforcing its position as the leading hotel group in Australia and New Zealand. With a growing portfolio of 420+ hotels, resorts and extended-stay properties, the Group is accelerating development in key urban and leisure destinations, supported by strong owner partnerships and a robust pipeline.
