Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Grand Hotel This majestic former railway department headquarters is
striking for its remarkable scale and imposing Italianate facade. Building started
on the six-story site in 1887, and additions were still being made in 1958. It
finally became a hotel in late 1997, and is now managed by Sofitel. Suites have
plush red Pullman carpets, a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a CD player, a sec-
ond TV in the bedroom, and great views over the railway tracks and onto the
new Docklands area beyond—though rooms are whisper quiet. All rooms are
similar but vary in size, though some have balconies. Many of the suites are split
level, with bedrooms on the second floor.
33 Spencer St., Melbourne, VIC 3000. & 1300/361 455 in Australia, or 03/9611 4567. Fax 03/9611 4655.
www.accorhotel.com. 118 units. A$209-A$435 (US$135-US$283) studio suite; A$229-A$475
(US$149-US$309) 1-bedroom suite; A$364-A$590 (US$236-US$384) 2-bedroom suite; A$800 (US$520)
3-bedroom suite. Extra person A$44 (US$29). Children under 14 stay free in parent's room. Ask about week-
end and seasonal packages. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking A$13 (US$8.45). Tram: 48 or 75 from Flinders St. Ameni-
ties: Restaurant; bar; golf course nearby; exercise room; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk;
24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking
rooms. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, dataport, kitchen, minibar, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
MODERATE
Hotel Lindrum If you like your hotels stylish and contemporary
then the Hotel Lindrum is for you. It's quite typical of the new wave of modern
hotels that puts great emphasis on trendy interior design. Standard rooms, if you
can call them that, have lots of hardwood, soft lighting, and forest greens—and
even a CD player. Superior rooms have king-size beds and lovely polished wood
floorboards, while deluxe rooms have wonderful views across to the Botanic
Gardens through large bay windows. The hotel boasts a smart restaurant and a
cigar bar with open fire.
26 Flinders St., Melbourne, Vic 3000. & 03/9668 1111 . www.hotellindrum.com.au. 59 units. A$215-A$300
(US$140-US$266) double; A$260-A$410 (US$169-US$266) junior suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking A$11
(US$5.20) off-site. Amenities: Restaurant; cigar bar; billiard room; fully equipped board room; same-day
laundry service; valet; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for guests with disabilities. In room: A/C, TV w/free movies,
coffeemaker, dataport, iron.
Ibis Melbourne The good-value Ibis is right next door to the bus sta-
tion and a short walk from the central shopping areas. The four-star rooms are
spacious, immaculate, and bright, and have attached showers. Apartments come
with kitchenettes and tubs. All guests have free use of the swimming pool, sauna,
and Jacuzzi just up the road at the historic Melbourne City Baths.
15-21 Therry St., Melbourne, VIC 3000. & 1300/65 65 65 in Australia, 03/9639 2399, 800/221-4542 in the
U.S. and Canada, 0800/44 44 22 in New Zealand. Fax 03/9662 9263. www.ibishotel.com. 250 units (some
with shower only). A$109-A$119 (US$71-US$77) double (depending on high/low season); A$149-A$149
(US$97-US$97) 1-bedroom apt. Additional person A$30 (US$20). Children under 12 stay free in parent's
room. Ask about package deals. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking A$11 (US7). Amenities: Free use of nearby swimming
pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi. In room:A/C, TV, kitchens (in apts), minibar, coffeemaker, iron.
Oakford/Somerset Executive Apartments These serviced apart-
ments, located inside an 1884 National Trust-listed building, are some of the
best I've seen, and are a good alternative for travelers who like to cook their own
food. The spacious apartments come with full kitchens, including a dishwasher.
Those in the south block are older in style but still have contemporary furnish-
ings. Those in the north block are new and a little more upscale; they're set far-
ther back from the road, too. More than half the units have a tub, but specify
when booking to make sure.
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