Courtyard by Marriott: the locals’ hotel

The idea of a locals’ hotel sounds like a contradiction in itself, but Marriott’s Courtyard Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens hotel is exactly that.

Two venues – Level Grounds Café & Bar and Shush Burger & Bar by Sean Connolly – are quickly becoming favourites among guests and local residents alike.

The former is a warm and cosy all-day café for coffees, lunch and even after-work drink, and the latter, a rock-n-roll ode to the humble burger, curated by renowned Australian restaurateur, Sean Connolly.

While burgers are the name of the game, Shush’s menu extends far further than just a cracking burger joint.

“While they are very good, we don’t just do burgers,” Carolyn Smith, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens told North West City News.

“This month’s special is a slow-cooked beef cheek, we have snacks and salads, fish, steaks, slider paddles; we are more than just a burger restaurant.”

On May 30, Shush celebrated National Burger Day, inviting locals to build their own bread-bookmarked masterpieces, hosted by Mr Connolly.

“We had a great turnout from in-house guests, local residents and the Marriott network. We just about sold out both seatings. We saw lots of wonderful creations and quirky names,” Ms Smith said.

“The night had a great vibe; it was loud and bustling with activity. Now, we are seeing a growing number of locals coming in, particularly for our lunch offering.”

The Courtyard team keeps a regular flow on their events calendar that is looking to grow, with the hotel planning to renovate their rooftop terrace to install a glassed ceiling for events to be held year-round.

“Traditionally, if we rented out the roof space, we would have to keep the function rooms available if there was inclement weather,” Ms Smith said.

With the glassed ceiling, our rooftop can be used for anything. At this stage, events are the first thing that comes to mind, but we can do pop-ups, it can be anything we want it to. It’s a blank canvas.

“There aren’t many rooftops with glassed roofs in Melbourne, so it will be pretty unique. Construction is about to begin, and we expect it to be finished for a launch in October.”

The 17 levels of Courtyard by Marriott feature 150 hotel rooms, level one function spaces and a hotel gym. 

For those with friends visiting from afar, or are itching for a staycation, Courtyard is running a Room For More offer which includes a nightly $50 food and beverage credit to be utilised at any of their outlets. •