Are you planning a city getaway to Melbourne? Looking for a place to stay in the heart of the city with the quintessential Melbourne laneway and street art vibes?
I recently stayed at Laneways by Ovolo, a 4-star boutique hotel located on Little Bourke Street, right on the edge of Chinatown and within walking distance of Melbourne CBD.
Read on to get all the details on what it was like staying in those retro-inspired rooms!
Laneways by Ovolo Room Types
Being a small property with only 42 rooms, Melbourne's Laneways by Ovolo offers studios, as well as one and two-bedroom suites and two top-floor suites with terraces and a penthouse with a jacuzzi.
I've stayed at both the Midtown 1-bedroom suite as well as the 2-bedroom Memphis Terrace suite on the top floor.
Staying in the Midtown 1-Bedroom Suite
The Midtown 1-bedroom suite I stayed in was located on the first floor and came complete with colourful pops of furniture, including a comfortable queen bed, walk-in rain shower, flat-screen TV and desk.
In the midst of the room, there was a subtle step leading to the separate lounge area, adding a unique touch to the space. The room overall was a perfect balance between spaciousness and coziness and would be the perfect pick for a couple.
The complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi proved invaluable and connected me perfectly throughout my entire stay. There's also a desk, in case you're travelling for business and need to get some work done.
Both the bedroom and lounge feature expansive windows with blackout curtains. However, my room overlooked a quaint, narrow alley and an adjacent brick building, which led to a slightly dimmer ambiance than I had anticipated despite the abundance of windows.
With rates starting at A$297 per night, the 1-bedroom offers excellent value considering its location and inclusive perks. These advantages compensate for the room being slightly darker, which could also easily go unnoticed when you're out exploring all day.
Staying in the Memphis Terrace Suite
I also had the privilege of staying in the Memphis Terrace Suite on the top floor, which is one of the luxurious two-bedroom suites.
The moment I stepped into the suite, its eclectic design welcomed me, with the open kitchen and lounge flowing seamlessly onto a spacious balcony that offers panoramic views of Melbourne's surrounding skyscrapers. The terrace is definitely a real showstopper, giving you a private slice of the city's energy right at your doorstep.
The fusion of comfort and retro style is evident throughout the entire suite, making it inviting after a day of exploration.
The two bedrooms both come with king beds, which are really cozy, and the separate lounge area adds an extra layer of relaxation for a movie in the evening.
Beyond the suite interior, there were those little extras that truly made it feel like a home away from home, like the full-sized fridge and big kitchen/dining table. I could easily see how the dishwasher would be a lifesaver for families during longer stays.
Then, for those quiet nights in, have a wine fridge dedicated to preserving the perfect bottle. During the warmer months, it's easy to envision the rooftop terrace becoming a popular spot for enjoying a drink on a mild Melbourne evening.
Watch my Reel about staying at the Laneways by Ovolo in Melbourne.
Laneway by Ovolo Facilities
In the rooms, I had some generous welcome goodies waiting, which added an extra layer of warmth to my arrival, complementing the already wonderful reception I received from the staff in the lobby.
Just like in any other Ovolo property, the best part is that the minibar in the room is absolutely free. You don't have to worry about paying extra for those snacks and drinks – they're all on the house. It's one of those small things that make staying with Ovolo that bit special.
The “breakie to go-go” that arrived at my doorstep in the morning was a lifesaver on the rather cold Melbourne mornings, so I could lounge around before rugging up to head outside for the day.
There's also a bistro named Amphlett House conveniently located downstairs. Following the authentic Ovolo approach, they also offer a social hour where the first round is on the house. While I didn't personally get to experience it, the concept seems like a wonderful way to unwind after exploring the city of Melbourne.
Location: In the heart of Melbourne's Chinatown
Location is definitely super important when choosing where you should stay in Melbourne. Laneways by Ovolo is nestled in the vibrant heart of Melbourne's Chinatown.
This central location places you in close walking proximity to a variety of stunning laneways, bustling markets, and plenty of wonderful dining options, allowing you to effortlessly explore the best that Melbourne's Chinatown and CBD have to offer. To Fed Square, it's just a 15-20 minute walk.
Additionally, the hotel's location bridges the gap between the bustling city center and the trendy neighborhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood, so you're perfectly poised to venture into these trendy areas of town as well.
Uber will get you there in under 10 minutes. Or if you're up for a walk, you'll be in the middle of the coolest suburb of Melbourne in 20 minutes.
Best things to do in Melbourne on a weekend
There's so much to do on your Melbourne itinerary. From exploring iconic laneways to finding the best coffee houses and eating all the food, wandering artsy markets and, of course, shopping.
Below are some ideas to get your weekend started!
Explore Laneways and Street Art: Wander through famous laneways like Hosier Lane to discover intricate street art and vibrant murals that give the city its artistic character.
Have a Rooftop Bar Soiree: Enjoy the cityscape from a different perspective by visiting rooftop bars and sipping on crafted cocktails while embracing Melbourne's urban panorama. I liked visiting the rooftop on top of the QT Hotel, which is only a couple of blocks away from the Ovolo.
Take a Scenic Riverside Stroll: Take a leisurely walk along Melbourne's scenic riverside, taking in the Melbourne skyline, iconic bridges, and the serene flow of the Yarra River.
Go on a Boutique Shopping Spree: Dive into the shopping districts of Fitzroy and Collingwood, browsing through unique boutiques, vintage stores, and artisanal markets for one-of-a-kind finds.
Coffee Culture Immersion: Immerse yourself in Melbourne's renowned coffee culture by hopping between specialty coffee shops, each offering a distinct blend and atmosphere.
Here are some of the best spots for coffee and food near Laneways by Ovolo:
- League of Honest Coffee, for, well, coffee!
- Straight Outta Saigon for Asian fusion
- Daughter In Law, serving authentic Indian cuisine
- HuTong for your fill of dumplings
- Piccolina for ice cream
- Nick & Nora's Melbourne for great cocktails
- Little Gordon for a reasonably priced breakfast
Day Trip to Great Ocean Road: If you have an extra day or two, I can highly recommend you venture on a road trip along the iconic Great Ocean Road, famous for stunning coastal scenery and landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.
Laneways by Ovolo – Final Words
In conclusion, my stay at Laneways by Ovolo was the perfect mix of exploring Melbourne while having a comfortable and relaxing space to retreat to in the evening, all within the perfect location on the edge of Chinatown and easy reach of trendy Fitzroy and Collingwood.
The array of Ovolo perks, from the complimentary minibar to the convenient breakfast to go, combined with their commitment to planting a tree for every stay, has earned my admiration for the Ovolo brand once again. I'm convinced that these thoughtful touches will particularly resonate with young solo or couple millennial travellers like myself.
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