If your style is more New York and less Las Vegas, then big flashy hotels might not be your thing. Melbourne has a plethora of hotels ranging from budget hotels to boutique hotels right through to 5 star international chain hotels. Boutique hotels are generally smaller hotels offering stylish, comfortable accommodation with a defined style, while the larger chain hotels often have a generic style and lack originality. The range of boutique hotels in Melbourne is quite large but some stand out from the pack.
The Como Melbourne
Perfectly situated in the heart of the South Yarra, the Como is located close to restaurants, cafes, boutiques and gardens and in the midst of Melbournes hub of fashion and entertainment. Only 10 minutes from Melbournes CBD, the Como offers luxurious Melbourne accommodation within walking distance to most major attractions. Guests can expect little extras like daily newspapers, king sized beds and an iconic Como Duck in every room. The Como duck came about when a review by a hotel guest shortly after the hotel was opened said “If only my rubber duck was in the bath tub, I would feel that I have returned to my home away from home.”, ever since then a Como Duck greets every guest at the Como. Open since 1989, the Como has developed a reputation for excellent service and chic, stylish decor. The Melbourne hotel has a range of indulgent packages to satisfy every whim including a fashionista hotel package, seduction package and movie and martini package.
The Lyall Hotel Melbourne
The 5 star chic Lyall Hotel and Spa is located in fashionable South Yarra. Voted as Australasias best boutique hotel at the annual World Travel Awards in 2006, the Lyall is renowned for its luxury boutique Melbourne accommodation and its warm and welcoming surroundings. Facilities include a day spa, restaurant, champagne bar and mini art galleries complete with overstuffed armchairs and an open fire. Internet access is complimentary for guests along with magazine, book and DVD libraries and bike loans for sightseeing. With only 40 guest rooms, the Lyall is able to provide a personalised service tailored to each guests individual needs.
The Hotel Lindrum
Built on the site of Melbournes famous family owned Lindrum Billiard centre, the Hotel Lindrum has a genuine Lindrum Billiard table in its foyer. The rooms have character and charm with ample natural light during the day, and warm, soft lighting for night. Little luxury extras you can expect at the Lindrum include bathrobes, a pillow menu and a complimentary daily newspaper. Located on Flinders street the luxury Melbourne hotel (http://www.mirvachotels.com/hotel-lindrum-melbourne) has views over Melbourne Park, the Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne Cricket Ground and is within walking distance of restaurants and cafes. The in-house Felt Restaurant serves superb food and room service is also available. The combination of the charm of the historic building and the contemporary finishes makes the Hotel Lindrum a cut above.
The Cullen Hotel Melbourne
The Cullen Hotel is another excellent hotel offering boutique accommodation in Melbourne. The newest and most unique of the boutique Melbourne hotels; the Cullen was named after, and features the work of one of Australias most renowned artists, Adam Cullen. All rooms are elegantly appointed with designer furnishings and replica Adam Cullen artworks, while original artworks are displayed in the foyer. The hotel is situated close to Prahran markets and the bars, restaurants and shopping of Chapel Street. The hotel boasts two excellent restaurants, one serving authentic Chinese cuisine while the other is influenced by the foods of the Mediterranean. Kitchenette facilities in the guest rooms provide versatility for guests.
The Prince Hotel Melbourne
Bearing an elegantly transformed art deco exterior and contemporary designer decor inside, the Prince offers luxury boutique Melbourne accommodation, only a few kilometres from Melbournes CBD, and only minutes away from St Kilda beach. The Prince has a relax and read room for the use of guests along with a balcony overlooking Fitzroy Street. The award winning in house restaurant Circa has both common and private dining areas with a range of share dishes on the menu. The hotel also has a luxury day spa attached to the hotel with a wide range of treatments and packages. The Prince presents itself more like a chic gallery than a hotel.
The range of boutique hotels in Melbourne is extensive and ranges in price and facilities. If youre looking for Melbourne accommodation with a bit of an edge, the hotels listed above wont disappoint.