HOTEL OF THE WEEK OLSEN MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE may have a cool city centre, but even cooler is the happening, bohemian neighbourhood of South Yarra. And this Antipodean equivalent of London’s Chelsea now has an elegant boutique hotel.
Named for the great Australian landscape painter John Olsen, this haunt of fashionistas and celebs is the flagship property of Art Series Hotels. The name tells the story — guest rooms and public spaces alike are decorated with stunning, worldclass canvasses, and a distinct artiness infuses the decor.
Set back off Chapel Street — the equivalent of London’s Kings Road — the Olsen is luxurious and quirky. My room had a silver bedspread and accessories and neon pink mood lighting in the bathroom.
Large rooms, described as suites thanks to the inclusion of dining areas, sofas and kitchenettes, are bright and spacious, with stunning streetscape and skyline views.
The buzzy Spoonbill restaurant, day spa and glass-bottomed swimming pool through which to view shoppers from on high, are tempting but unlikely to keep visitors from the greater excitement of Chapel Street, with its great little shops and cafes. However, given the proximity of Melbourne’s cosmopolitan Prahran food market and the 42-inch flatscreen TVs waiting back in the room, the self-catering facilities offer the appealing and money-saving option of the occasional supper in.
Smart cars and bikes are on offer for cheap hire, but unnecessary — trams depart for the city centre frequently in one direction, the heimishe seaside suburb of St. Kilda with its stunning promenade on the other.