Melbourne Travel

Why Go Now?  

The many faces of Melbourne – If you like Chicago you will love Australia’s second city. Stroll down broad boulevards of high end shops with ancient trams running down the center. Graffiti mural lined alleyways filled with discovery worthy bistros, coffee houses, bars & boutiques. Take a boat ride on the Yarra River, venture down the Great Ocean Road for “Big Sur.” like vistas, stop & marvel at the koala’s. From sun drenched beaches to the Crown Casino complex (think mini Vegas), to tennis, cricket & beer – Melbourne offers a great experience city down under.

Does being married or single influence Where2Stay? Location, cost, size & child friendly all play a part. Do you want your hotel, hip & modern with sexy dark lounges, a DJ spinning “singles” on the roof? Or do you prefer a quiet, elegant & romantic hotel? Sometimes you might want to “marry” the two which is the hardest to find. You will see an M (married), S (Single), or an MS (married/single) next to each hotel

Where2Stay

Park Hyatt Melbourne – The largest luxury rooms in Melbourne w/ huge marble bathrooms. The perfect location overlooking St. Patrick Cathedral, Fitzroy Gardens & surrounded by great dining & the best shopping. Literally an eat, pray, shop experience! Excellent staff. Have martinis in their garden. (MS)

Adelphi – Cool boutique hotel right near Federation Square. With 34 rooms, modern hip vibe & a rooftop pool rooftop. No restaurant but with places like Meatballs & Wine and the always packed Chin Chin down the street you won’t starve! (S)

The Langham Melbourne – Elegant, discreet, a bit old fashion sums up this expensive but worth every penny hotel. Know for the service, lux rooms, world class spa & its central location near the Yarra River. (M)

Where2Dine 

So many restaurants – MoVida for Spanish tapas, Chin Chin for Fusion & Donovans in St. Kilda (sample Ora Brand Salmon, thanks Shane & Anna). For Italian, Becco, Cutler & Co. for modern Australian, Taxi for Japanese & for Thai try Longrain. Head to Crown Casino Complex for be seen dining at Nobu (yes that Nobu), famous Rockpool for streak and Spice Bar for Asian.

Where2Shop

Collins St –  The usual suspects -Boss, Gucci, Lauren, Channel…  The unusual. Search out Australian designers Collette Dinnigan, Alannah Hill & Jan Logan for jewelry. Shop at Cose Ipanema & Et Al. Visit Block Arcade. Head to Brunswick St for Dizingof. Venture out to Swanton St, Burke St. Mall (home to David Jones the Bloomingdale’s of Melbourne) Queen Victoria Market & Flinders Lane for the unexpected. Cab or tram it to Chapel St for unique Aussie designers

What2Do

Day to night Melbourne will keep you hopping. Stroll the banks of the Yarra River & the esplanade in beach side St. Kilda, Wander to discover art institutions. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens & Federation Square. More importantly leave room for day trips. Drive the Great Ocean Road for stunning scenery & famous 12 apostles. Stay overnight, it’s a long way. The Penguin Parade has thousands of penguins making a nightly visit crossing beaches to feed their young. Reserve their exclusive platform. Arrange to get up close & personal with the Koalas & head to the Yarra Valley for world class Australian wines.

Reminder

Seasons are reversed. The beginning of fall & winter is May, June & July. A respite from the heat of summer Melbourne is a “cool” alternative.

Art and Fashion- the perfect fit!