Vacations & Travel

THE CHEN, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

- By Sue Wallace artseriesh­otels.com.au

Step inside The Chen, the seventh addition to the Art Series Hotel Group and any artistic streak is immediatel­y channelled. The 100-room hotel is dedicated to Chinese-Australian abstract artist Zhong Chen, who has been wowing many with his vibrant works for years. Two life-sized colourful portraits, an ode to his mixed heritage, hang in the lobby with playful prints gracing the walls of lifts, hallways and suites. Located within Whitehorse Towers in Box Hill, a suburb known for its ethnic diversity, the spacious open plan and apartment-style suites feature grey, pastel pinks and blue decor, bespoke Art Series signature bedding, Evo bathroom products, kitchenett­e and eclectic art books.

Rooms have impressive views over Melbourne’s skyline and the Dandenong Ranges and there’s a rooftop pool and barbecue area. A Chen Smart Car and Lekker bikes can be hired to explore the area, home to award-winning Asian restaurant­s, shops and art galleries. Set to open soon are the hotel’s two restaurant­s: Whitehorse Chloe, which will serve modern Australian cuisine; and Golden Lily, specialisi­ng in yum cha. In addition to the in-house art tours, there’s a dedicated TV art channel and you can create your own masterpiec­e with the small painting set on offer in the luxe minibar. Good news if you happen to fall in love with one of Chen’s artworks – it can be purchased and delivered to your room.

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