Melbourne - Australia 2004 - page 539

IN FITZROY
The Nunnery Guesthouse This former convent offers pleasant
accommodations, just a short tram ride to the city center. Set in a terrace on the
city's edge, the Nunnery is perfectly situated near the restaurant and nightlife
scenes on Brunswick and Lygon streets, in nearby Carlton. This informal,
friendly place is well suited to couples and families. Rooms have wooden floors,
rugs, and leafy views. All rooms share good bathrooms, one with a tub. Attached
is a backpackers' place with simple rooms and shared bathrooms. There's a spa-
cious communal lounge with wicker furniture, self-catering kitchen, and a cob-
bled courtyard with lots of greenery.
116 Nicholson St., Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC 3065. & 1800/032 635 in Australia, or 03/9419 8637. Fax 03/
9417 7736. www.bakpak.com/nunnery. 30 units, none with bathroom. A$90-$100 (US$59-$65) double
(more expensive price for larger rooms); A$115 (US$75) triple; A$130 (US$85) quad. In backpackers' section:
A$23-$27 (US$15-$18) bunk rooms; A$55 (US$36) single; A$70 (US$46) double. Guesthouse rates include
breakfast. MC, V. Free parking available (but book in advance). Tram: 96 to East Brunswick (stop 13). Ameni-
ties: Tour desk; car-rental desk; kitchen; lounge; coin-op laundry; all nonsmoking rooms. In room:TV.
IN ST. KILDA
Hotel Tolarno The quirky Hotel Tolarno is right in the middle of St. Kilda's
cafe and restaurant strip, and a long stone's throw away from the beach. Rich red
carpets bedeck the corridors throughout this 1950s and 1960s retro-style building.
Rooms vary, but all are modern and nice. The most popular rooms are in the
front of the building and have balconies overlooking the main street. The more
expensive of those come with a separate kitchen and lounge. Suites vary from
one and two bedrooms and don't have balconies, though some have Jacuzzis.
42 Fitzroy St., St. Kilda, Melbourne, VIC 3182. & 1800/620 363 in Australia, or 03/9537 0200. Fax 03/9534
7800. www.hoteltolarno.com.au. 31 units. A$115-A$125 (US$75-US$81) standard double; A$145-A$165
(US$94-US$107) deluxe double; A$145-A$165 (US$94-US$107) balcony double; A$180-A$275
(US$117-US$179) suite (sleeps up to 4). Additional person A$20 (US$13). AE, DC, MC, V. On-street parking.
Tram: 16 from Swanston St.; 96 from Flinders St. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; 4 lit tennis courts; bike rental;
concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; room service; massage; babysitting; laundry/dry cleaning service oppo-
site hotel; nonsmoking rooms. In room: A/C, TV, dataport, kitchenette, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
Olembia Private Hotel This sprawling Edwardian house, built in 1922, is
set back from a busy St. Kilda Street behind a leafy courtyard. It's popular with
tourists, business travelers, and young families; and everyone gets together for
the frequent video nights, wine and cheese parties, and barbecues. The clean
bedrooms are simply furnished, with little more than a double bed, or two sin-
gles, a desk, a hand basin, and a wardrobe. Guests share six bathrooms. There's
a very comfortable sitting room, and a courtyard area with barbecues. The
Olembia is near St. Kilda beach and the host of restaurants lining Acland Street.
96 Barkly St., St. Kilda, Melbourne, VIC 3182. & 03/9537 1412. Fax [phone]. www.olembia.com.au.
23 units, none with bathroom. A$74 (US$48) double; A$24 (US$16) dorm rooms. AE, MC, V. Free parking.
Tram: 96 from Bourke St. to stop 138. Amenities: Bike rental; coin-op laundry; nonsmoking rooms. In room:
No phone.
Robinson's by the Sea For something special, Robinson's by the
Sea fits the bill. Both the management and pet dog are incredibly friendly at this
1870s heritage B&B just across from the beach. They encourage an evening
social scene, and downstairs you'll find a comfortable, antiques-filled living
room, and a dining room. Four of the five bedrooms are upstairs. Each is
unique. The Eastern Room has a four-poster queen-size bed and Indian and
Chinese furniture, whereas the Rose Room is decorated with patterned flowers
and pastel colors. The units all share three communal bathrooms, one with a tub

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