CCTV captures sickening unprovoked attack at Melbourne hotel

A Melbourne man says he is thankful his injuries were not more serious after a minor argument over a lift resulted in him becoming the victim of an unprovoked coward-punch attack at a popular Prahran hotel.

Landscape gardener Ben Temby said the incident at the Emerson Hotel on Commercial Road on December 19 last year resulted in a stranger punching him the second he turned his back.

The 26-year-old was knocked unconscious onto the floor of the lift.

"I didn't know what had happened, I just came to on the ground," he said.

He was taken to the Alfred Hospital for treatment, lucky not to suffer more serious injuries as a result of the attack.

"I just had bruising to my face and around my eye and cuts in my mouth," he said.

CCTV obtained by 9NEWS shows his attacker punching Mr Temby in the head before walking over to the nearby bar to continue drinking.

A short time later security staff kicked the man out of the hotel, but Mr Temby said he is angry the man could continue enjoying his night while he was in hospital.

Police say the man seen in the vision is facing serious charges.

He is described as being of Islander appearance, aged in his early 30s, about 177cm tall with a solid build.

Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.