Hotel Esplanade, also known as ‘The Espy’, is a Melbourne icon with a rich history. For 144 years, it has been a home to artists, musicians, and the philanthropist Alfred Felton. Its walls hold countless stories of romance, celebration, and heartbreak.
The hotel was built on land purchased by a local politician and quickly became Melbourne’s most luxurious hotel. Over the years, it welcomed famous faces like Mark Twain and Alfred Felton, hosted grand soirées, and added a ballroom, now known as the Gershwin Room.
The Espy faced threats of demolition in the 1970s but was saved by the local community. After closing for renovations in 2015, it reopened in 2018, welcoming back loyal patrons and attracting new ones.
Today, the Espy offers a variety of dining and entertainment options. The Main Bar serves pub classics and a wide selection of drinks. Louey’s, an Italian American inspired bar and kitchen, offers a fun and frivolous atmosphere. Mya Tiger, located at the top of the grand staircase, provides a warm setting inspired by 1850s Chinese cook-shops.
The Ghost of Alfred Felton, located upstairs, pays homage to the Espy’s former resident with a cocktail list inspired by his passions. The basement, adorned with vintage gig posters, is a space for up-and-coming talent. The Gershwin Room, the heart of the Espy’s music scene, has evolved over the decades, contributing significantly to Melbourne’s music scene.
FOR MORE INFO
Hotel Esplanade St Kilda (The Espy)
@hotelesplanadestkilda
hotelesplanade.com.au
