ROOM CHECK
If you’re heading to Melbourne, Voco offers a trendy spot to stay in the city, writes Sarah Pollok
Location: Visiting a city as cultured and artistic as Melbourne, it felt only right to stay somewhere in the thick of the city’s spirited laneways and boutiques. Located on 18 Timothy Lane, one doesn’t get closer to it all than Voco Melbourne, a 252-room hotel inside the 380 Melbourne skyscraper.
Perfect for: Voco Melbourne is perfect for those who want an upscale, sustainably-minded spot in the centre of the city.
First impressions: Since the entrance is in a narrow laneway, it did take a few minutes to find. While the lobby is on the sixth floor, it doesn’t have windows, which, combined with the cream-white archways and abundance of framed art, made it feel like a museum or gallery.
The brand colours of inky blue, grey and honey gold are in full force, displayed via the artwork, plush carpets, couches and curtains. A single front desk is replaced by around six smaller desks, although only two or three were ever staffed during my stay.
The room: When the lobby is on level six, you know the views are going to be good no matter what floor you stay on. Level 26 had me looking down on birds flying past in a V formation through the floor-to-ceiling window. As the sun set, it was thrilling to look out and see the millions of lights twinkling across the horizon.
Voco has several room types with different views, bed arrangements and bathroom styles. I checked out the Standard King Bed, which is anything but standard.
Entering the room, I was greeted by a petite but well-stocked kitchenette to my left and the bathroom’s large arched entranceway beside it. The room opens out to fit a king-sized bed with bedside tables, and a small coffee table with two seats in front of the window.
Views aside, the room is beautiful and every element feels trendy, and thoughtful too. The dark marble kitchenette, grey bathroom subway tiles and soft yellow lighting look great, but just as important are the massive hallway mirror, bedside USB ports and outlets and blackout curtains.
Cards in the room point out the hotel’s sustainability achievements and practices. For example, the bedding is made from recycled materials, while guests can fill reusable glass bottles with sparkling or still water from the lobby to take to their room.
Bathroom: One typically appreciates a bathroom’s toiletries or size, but here, something must be said about the architecture.
Firstly, the bathroom had a sliding door that rolled in behind the hallway wardrobe, maximising space. Secondly, two of the shower’s walls were glass; one was a door and the second looked out at the bedroom. It made the entire room feel far larger by “removing” a wall between the bedroom and bathroom. It also means you can shower while enjoying the city view, at least until it steams up. For those who want privacy, press a button for curtains.
Facilities: Guests can enjoy an outdoor plunge pool on the seventh floor and a simple but functional gym open at all hours. You can also book one of five business rooms for events.
Food and drink: Breakfast, if you book it, is a delicious buffet in Voco’s restaurant on level seven, which boasts two-storey windows with a view of the city.
Later in the day, the space becomes Blacksmith Bar and Grill, which dishes up lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. In a foodie mecca like Melbourne, mealtime competition is fierce, and Blacksmith certainly rises to the challenge with an impressive menu and flawless staff.
In the neighbourhood: You’re in the heart of it all, a minute’s walk or tram ride from popular spots such as Emporium Melbourne Shopping Centre, Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne Town Hall and Federation Square.
Accessibility: Voco Melbourne has six accessible guest room, which include rollin showers, and wheelchairs are available. While pets aren’t allowed, service animals are welcome.
Price: Prices start from $270 per night.
Contact: Visit the Voco Melbourne website, or email hosts@melbourne.vocohotels.com