Second release tickets: Friday 19th July 8:30am for guided tours with either 'Architecture' (presented by Techne) or 'Styling' (presented by Eleisha Gray)

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

TOUR DETAILS: Architecture Tour and Styling Tour at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm running 60 minutes in groups of 17.

Self-guided tours between 11am-4pm exclude access to the entire top floor. Areas open for viewing include public dining and bar areas, the basement and podcast studios. Booking a guided tour is recommended to experience the hidden and unique spaces within the hotel. 

OPEN: Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 July

BUILDING DESCRIPTION

Hotel Esplanade was originally built as a 60-room hotel in the Renaissance Revival Regency Resort style before alterations in the 1920s transformed it into a celebrated live music venue. From the 90s onwards, the Espy survived numerous sales and a threatened demolition before undergoing a major refurbishment in 2018

The revived hotel now boasts 12 bars over five levels, three band stages, signalling live music is still a priority, two restaurants and a podcast studio. The Gershwin Room remains relatively untouched except for a new sound system. New areas previously closed to the public have been opened such as the Ghost of Alfred Felton cocktail bar, bringing to life the story of the philanthropist, chemist and long-time Espy resident.

NEED TO KNOW

Tour Type: Open Entry, Self-guided + Bookings Required, $5

Access: Limited mobility, 18 years and above.

Notes: ID required for entry, toilets available

Building Type: Commercial

Architecture Era: Victorian (1851-1901)

Transport: Tram stop: Jacka Bvd/Fitzroy St on routes 3/3a, 16 , 96

Photo Credit: Michael Woods