Like a classic ’80s mullet, Melbourne’s St Kilda Rd is business at the front, party at the back.
A good base for mid-week business meetings, it’s also a short stroll or tram ride to the entertaining precincts of St Kilda and South Yarra, not to mention the CBD. Here’s AT’s pick of the area . . .
The Prince
Rival with the Lindrum for the best boutique hotel in Melbourne, The Prince is the original cool place to stay for a weekend of shopping, eating and drinking.
The Prince Hotel has all the comforts of home
Famous for its designer mix of Jacobsen and Eames chairs, Bose stereos in minimalist rooms and AESOP products.
A cornerstone of St Kilda Hospitality
Be careful: although they say a single room is designed for one but can accommodate two, they are small rooms. The Prince’s Circa is a two-hat restaurant of real class. From $190, 2 Acland St, St Kilda, (03) 9536 1111
The Lyall
Okay, not strictly on St Kilda Rd but within spitting distance, the Lyall is the pick of the area’s boutique hotels. Minutes from the cafe strip on The Domain overlooking the Botanic Gardens, the Lyall captures the essence of it’s 5-star address.
The Lyall captures the essence of it’s luxurious address
It’s been restored and stuffed with eclectic and astonishing antiques. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms have baths and L’Occitane products. 16 Murphy St, South Yarra, (03) 9868 4800
Adina Executive St Kilda
The best of the Adina properties in Melbourne (although they’re all very good), the larger apartments in the Executive on Fitzroy St are properly massive. The rooms in the towers towards the back used to be a bit dodgy, but have been refurbed and are now up to speed with the rest of the building.
Melbourne’s favourite playground has the perfect mix of attractions
Gym: small. Location: superb. Balconies: great for people watching on Fitzroy St. Parking: challenging, narrow and below ground. 157 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, (03) 9536 0000
Hotel Tolarno
Supporting local artists, the Hotel Tolarno’s vibrant décor is decorated with hanging artwork that extends from the lobby to each of the rooms. Conveniently located five minutes away from all of Fitzroy St’s nightlife of cafés, bars and clubs, this also means it can get a little noisy come the weekends – but keeping the balcony doors closed should alleviate this somewhat.
An iconic hotel with good food and original art
DVDs are available for rent from reception for guests who just want a good night in. 42 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, (03) 9537 0200,
Quest on St Kilda Rd
Just renovated, the self-contained apartments of the Quest on St Kilda Rd are a new-and-improved home away from home, each installed with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and separate lounge and dining areas with plenty of privacy from the private courtyard or balcony.
The hotel is located just 5 minutes’ walk from St Kilda Beach
Security parking, sauna and gym facilities are also available to guests. But if there’s any trouble, see the very attentive staff who’ll be more than happy to help. 1A St Kilda Rd, St Kilda, (03) 9537 3000
