In the evening, along Melbourne’s Yarra River boardwalk, eight pillars shoot massive fireballs high into the sky. Every hour these brilliant meteor-like flashes reflect off the downtown waterfront skyscrapers as well as the river itself and can be seen from miles away. Much like how fairytale dragons emit fire to let all around know of their dominant force and power, these pillars send an commanding message to all as well. The message is that you are to be in awe of the Crown Towers Melbourne, one of the most imposing hotels in the world.

The scene in the front of the hotel is imposing as well, with an endless stream of Bentleys, Rolls Royces and Ferraris arriving through the driveway. Nattily dressed doormen in long, red coats and black top hats open car doors and greet members of the world’s well-to-do list who have come from all over to stay and play at the Crown Towers Melbourne.

Once inside the grand lobby, guest will be gob-smacked by the opulence before them. Crystal chandeliers are at every turn and the sparkling doesn’t end there. The entrance lobby features a soaring 36-feet-tall atrium with gloss-black granite marble and Porto Romano stone-clad columns, plush furnishings and an elegant lobby bar, The Waiting Room, where elites come to see and be seen.  The style, décor and craftsmanship throughout is impeccable with sleek Art Deco-design details.  Decked out guests in designer duds strut through the lobby on their way to visit the complex’s fine dining restaurants, to drop a few shekels in the gaming room, have an indulgent spa day, or meet up with friends at one of the complexes lounges or night clubs.

The Crown Towers’ motto is “Above All Else” and it is an understatement.  This is the Bellagio or Marina Bay Sands of Australia with sister properties in Perth, Manilla and Macau, and is developed by Australia’s home-grown hospitality titans, Crown Resorts. The level of service is refined and the amenities on offer put this homespun brand of hotels on par with the Ritz Carltons and Waldorf Astorias of the world; it is recognized by Forbes as a five-star hotel and lands annually on the Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure awards lists.

Located in the heart of the Melbourne downtown riverfront area, the hotel is nearby Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and attractions including Federation Square, the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre and Flinders Street Station.

Everyone that stays at the Crown Melbourne will feel like a VIP. However the next level is reserved for the hotel’s extra-fabulous guests who receive private check-in, and even more personalized services in the Crystal Club. It feels like a private club with exquisite furnishings, objects d’art, and fine crystal ware and light fixtures. Guest will also find a capable and dedicated concierge staff ready to get you those tough-to-get tickets to the play in town or help with changing your flight arrangements. Inside there is a spacious lounge area and beyond is a restaurant facility where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, evening cocktails and canapés, or an upgraded breakfast. There is also an expansive outdoor terrace with views of the city.

Whether you’ve hit the casino tables or not, you’ll feel like a high roller when you stay at the Crown Towers Melbourne. The 481 guest rooms and suites are chic and extremely spacious with a clean Art Deco-inspired décor. All have sweeping views of the Melbourne city skyline and Yarra river below or the Port Phillip Bay.

The Premiere Club Suite was created to impress the most jaded traveler with a large, curved living room, giving a 180-degree panoramic view over the city or Port Phillip Bay. The view is stunning during the day, and to see all of the activities below or a night when the city lights begin to twinkle. The size of the suites is quite large at 750 square feet.  The latest, high-level electronics add to the experience as does the bathroom with a large soaking tub and separate shower.

For another-level experience, the Crown Towers offers its penthouse-like villas which are even more spacious with 1,400 square feet and a 24-hour butler to see that all of your whims are served.

The Crown Melbourne is more than a hotel, it is a destination entertainment complex with a casino as well as a luxury brand shopping mall and plenty of restaurants. There are eleven signature restaurants that have all types of cuisines from the French bistro and Italian fine dining, to a Chinese, two Japanese as well as a British and Australian restaurant.

Neil Perry’s Rosetta is one of the top Italian fine dining restaurants in Australia. The restaurant dishes are centered on a wood fired oven where authentic Italian dishes such as the Risotto de Mare or the Tagliolini with Spanner Crab are the dishes not to miss. The restaurant is also known for their freshly-made pastas where two dedicated chefs hand-make 10 different types of pasta each day from cavatelli and garganelli to gnocchi and fettucine.

Another, more popular restaurant, is Nobu. Nobu has created a unique following around the world and the Melbourne menu features items that guests are familiar with as well as some regional and seasonal dishes to appetize guests.  The décor is edgy and contemporary, and ideal for a business lunch or romantic dinner. Expect innovative and imaginative dishes with Instagram-worthy presentations not to mention the deliciousness of each morsel that graces the palate. It is highly advised not to miss the Rock Shrimp Tempura or the Black Cod Miso.

The Crown Towers Melbourne complex has four bars and entertainment venues, from Champagne bars to upscale lounges. Club 23 is their most elite member’s-only club where invited guests take the elevator to the uber-exclusive top floor with the hotels most impressive views over the city.  Most nights you’ll find the area’s visiting celebs, Melbourne’s hip crowd, and high rollers there bending the elbow with tasty cocktails whipped up by their mixologists. The crowd is dressed like a Roberto Cavalli ad with a sexy crowd dancing the night way on the dancefloor, while others head out to the terrace for some conversation while taking in the amazing city views.

The Crown Melbourne complex features one of the top casino facilities in Australia. Guests play everything from Baccarat, Black Jack, Roulette and Poker to Slots and an assortment of less-traditional video betting games. The facilities are state of the art and comfortable, so they’re ideal to play a quick hand or an extended poker match.

The Crown Towers Melbourne seems to seek every opportunity to wow its guest. The Crown Spa Melbourne is a destination spa with an exquisite décor of  Italian marble and cathedral-like ceilings, as well as private treatment rooms and their over-the-top Indulgence Suite. The spa offers a full range of treatments by talented therapists. Guests will also enjoy the day with their Aqua Retreat with a vitality pool, steam room and Swiss showers allowing guests to rehydrate, refresh, and soothe sore muscles and eliminate toxins from the body.

The Crown Towers has a number of facilities such as one of the largest indoor pools in Australia. The 80-foot, heated pool is truly an oasis with lounge chairs and canopy beds perfect for lounging the day a way by the pool. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym with private trainers as well as two outdoor tennis courts.

The Crown Towers Melbourne is one of those hotels the just seems to do everything right. From the opulence of the design and décor, location and all of the ways to stay and play, the Crown Towers is the ideal place to stay in  Melbourne for those who want to live like a high roller.