lyf, the experience-led social living brand known for its vibrant social design and community-driven stays, has opened its latest Australian property, lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne. Operated by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a global pioneer in serviced residences and hotels since 1984, this new opening follows the success of lyf Collingwood Melbourne which opened in 2022, and the stellar performance of lyf Bondi Junction Sydney which opened in April this year, meeting rising demand for flexible accommodation for digital nomads and the like.
Located at 489 Elizabeth Street, this 90-room property sits at the gateway to Melbourne’s most iconic attractions including the legendary Queen Victoria Market, the State Library, RMIT University, and the city’s buzzing retail and dining precincts. More than just a prime location, lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne elevates authentic stay experiences by infusing local culture, design, and neighbourhood partnerships into every detail, demonstrating lyf’s brand signature of #lyfgoesLOCAL. Guests can look forward to curated activations featuring Melbourne’s own artisans and artists through its in-house program, creating a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that celebrates the city’s creative spirit.
lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne occupies one of the few remaining examples of this mid-1970s architecture type in the city. Originally built in 1975 by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) as a hostel and office building, the site has a rich legacy of community connection. Prior to this, the land was home to Hosie’s Hotel, built in 1954.
The building has undergone a contemporary transformation led by DKO architects, with construction delivered by McCormack. The redevelopment preserves the structure’s heritage while introducing elevated playful interiors and creative social spaces that reflect lyf’s energetic design philosophy.
The opening of lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne is driven by the impressive momentum of lyf’s existing Australian portfolio. lyf Bondi Junction Sydney, opened in April 2025 and has seen a rapid ramp up and is looking to close above 85% in occupancy as the year draws to a close. This sustained demand underpins the decision to expand the brand’s footprint in Melbourne and across Australasia.
A hub for connection, culture & community, guests will find lyf’s signature mix of guest rooms, flexible social spaces, dynamic activations and programs, and a team of onsite staff, inclusive of front of house staff known as ‘lyf guards’. The ground floor will be anchored by the onsite Bonnibel restaurant, an all-day dining venue serving both hotel guests and the public. The hotel also houses a range of conference and events spaces, a diversity that caters for boardroom meetings through to ballroom-capacity gatherings of up to 250 guests.
Bonnibel’s Melbourne location is the brand’s second iteration, following its debut at lyf Bondi Junction Sydney. Its playful concept, Hot Slices. Cold Brews. offers fresh pizzas by slice, specialty coffee, and cold craft beers. With street front views over bustling Elizabeth Street, Bonnibel will bring an energetic, community-driven atmosphere to the precinct.
Bookings and more information: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/lyf/australia/lyf-on-elizabeth-melbourne
lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne
489 Elizabeth St
Melbourne, 3000
Australia
