Planning a trip down under next year? Escape Hong Kong for a getaway to one of these hotels in Australia! EL’s own KATE WOODBURY reviews a funky Sydney hotel, a handy place to stay in Brisbane, and a stylish hotel in Melbourne, Australia.
Central hotel in Melbourne, Australia
Doubletree by Hilton
First impressions
Arriving in Melbourne on a typically chilly July day, a warm welcome awaited us along with the wafting aroma of freshly baked cookies! DoubleTree treats all guests with a welcome cookie on arrival. It’s a nice touch after a long night’s flight from Hong Kong. With check-in formalities quickly completed, we were soon on our way.
Inspired by historic Flinders Street Station and the nearby laneways, the DoubleTree has décor and design elements that are unique to the property. Along the left-hand side of the large lobby space, the reception desk runs seamlessly into the bar, making a refreshing change from the norm. A show stopping fireplace separates the high chairs and tables in the front of the lobby. The contemporary dining space and the open kitchen at the back.
Rooms
There are 14 types of rooms and suites, with some interconnecting options that can be guaranteed when booking. We stayed in a King Loft room with views of Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. Our split-level pad is ideal for families. It has a sofa bed, TV and workstation, and a luxuriously comfortable queen bed on the cosy mezzanine level. The compact bathroom has a luxurious rainforest shower and super soft towels.
Wine and dine
With a nod to the nearby station, the hotel’s restaurant and lobby bar, Platform270, covered all our needs. There’s a good buffet breakfast – including fried rice to keep HK kids happy! – and eggs cooked to order. We enjoyed a tasty lunch, with a focus on elevated comfort food at very affordable prices. In the evening, dinner offers a more refined menu showcasing Australian produce. The freshly brewed coffees and silky smooth hot chocolates are also highly recommended.
Out and about
A stay in this hotel in Melbourne, Australia means you’re in an ideal location to explore the CBD or jump on a train if you’re looking to venture further afield. Navigating the city is straightforward thanks to the grid system. Take advantage of the the free tram zone – simply jump on and off wherever you fancy. Outside of the free zone, you’ll need to purchase a “myki”. It’s Melbourne’s Octopus equivalent.
Nearby, we loved exploring the historic laneways, soaking up the cool vibes, street art, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Sport lovers visiting Melbourne to watch the Australian Open tennis tournament, AFL or cricket will also find the hotel is within easy reach of all these major venues.
Final thought
The DoubleTree team seem to really enjoy working at the hotel and it shows. Everyone we met was so friendly and helpful. That includes providing a pair of bolt cutters to remove a broken suitcase padlock! They were also always happy to answer questions and offer tips. The hotel’s GM Oliver Schwartz (who incidentally grew up in Hong Kong!) runs a slick operation at this hotel in Melbourne, Australia’s second-biggest city.
270 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria
hilton.com/en/hotels/melfsdi-doubletree-melbourne-flinders-street
A funky Sydney hotel
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
First impressions
Funky, fun and quirky, this Sydney hotel is situated in the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf, which is over a century old. In fact, it’s the longest timber-pile wharf in the world. After a decade or two of uncertainty around its future, the blue-hued wharf building has been painstakingly renovated inside and out. Restaurants run down one side of the wharf offering alfresco dining, whilst the inside space has been split between Ovolo and a luxury apartment complex.
Entering the hotel reception, we took in our surrounds in awe. The building has been cleverly converted into a modern, luxury boutique Sydney hotel, yet retains the original structure and some industrial features such as the massive conveyor belts, offering glimpses of its heritage and past. Check in was super quick and came with all the relaxed Ovolo warmth we’re accustomed to in Hong Kong!
Rooms
There are eight rooms and lofts to choose from; we stayed in a very spacious Cityvoo Double Double, which is perfect for families and ticks all the boxes. It offers spectacular harbour and CBD views, luxuriously comfortable beds, a huge bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, extra-long couch and plenty of storage. As expected, the tech is top-notch with super-fast Wi-Fi, a 55-inch smart TV with Chromecast and an Alexa Bluetooth speaker.
What’s on offer
Beneath the soaring atrium on the first floor, the architects have created a series of clever, cosy spaces to relax, work, sip a coffee or enjoy some good food. Bar Woolloomooloo offers an all-day dining menu featuring light bites. There’s also a cracking continental breakfast served daily – think barista coffee, sliced avocado, fruit, yoghurt, granola, a variety of freshly baked bread and pastries. Add a serve of eggs cooked to order and you’re all set for a day of exploring.
Typical of Ovolo’s generous nature, guests can enjoy a complimentary “Apero Hour” evening drink, a help-yourself “lolly cart” by the lift, flexible check-in and check-out and a free self-laundry room. Of course, there’s a well-equipped gym and an indoor swimming pool with sun deck.
Out and about
Step outside this hotel in Australia and the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens are a few minutes’ walk; from here you can stroll along the harbour shore to the famous Sydney Opera House and enjoy more stunning views. In the opposite direction, climb the heart-pumping McElhone Stairs to Potts Point where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops and boutiques.
Woolloomooloo Wharf boasts some of the city’s most famous restaurants such as China Doll and Manta. Other neighbourhood options include a couple of pubs, cafés and the iconic Harry’s Café de Wheels serving up pies and hotdogs.
Final thought
This is a unique Sydney hotel located in tranquil Woolloomooloo and with everything we’ve come to expect from Ovolo. It’s also only about a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport making it super convenient when arriving from Hong Kong.
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW
ovolohotels.com/ovolo/woolloomooloo
Heritage stay in Brisbane
Adina Apartment Hotel
First impressions
This heritage building was once home to the Queensland Government Savings Bank and dates back to the 1920s. After an extensive four-year renovation, the hotel opened in 2018, effortlessly blending its historic past with chic 21st-century living.
The impressive foyer is situated in the bank’s original grand hall, complete with panelled walls, ornate ceilings and cornices and classic marble checkerboard floors. Coupled with a warm Queensland welcome and efficient check-in, we were off to a great start.
Accommodation
Ideal for short and long stays, Adina Brisbane offers an excellent choice of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and studios. We loved our one-bedroom apartment with its stylish décor in dark green and grey tones, and wooden flooring in the living area leading to a plush carpet in the bedroom. It was extremely well equipped, too, with a full kitchen including large oven, microwave and dishwasher and a spacious open-plan living and dining area. We were so comfortable, in fact, that on our second night we ordered a delivery dinner and relaxed watching the Olympics! The bedroom is separated by a sliding door and some apartments also offer a sofa bed in the living area (additional charge). The city views from the floor-to-ceiling windows were stunning – and many apartments also have balconies.
What’s on offer
Breakfast is a convenient grab-and-go affair from the St Marks Road Co café in the foyer. Our room rate included a Breakfast Box with juice, croissant, apple and yoghurt; long stay guests would most likely dine in their apartment. There are two restaurants, Donna Chang on the ground floor with Sichuan and Cantonese fare, and the Japanese-inspired Boom Boom Room situated in the bank’s vault in the basement. Guests can use the compact but well-equipped gym and there’s a super cute outdoor pool.
Out and about
The city is easy to explore on foot and bustling Queen Street Mall is just a block away. Or, for a change of pace, enjoy the river views from a CityCat, the city’s efficient ferry service. From the hotel, walk over the bridge and explore Brisbane’s cultural hub, South Bank, with galleries, theatres, cafés, parks, a swimming pool and even a beach. (Yes, in the city!)
Animal lovers shouldn’t skip Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, about 20 minutes from the city. Holding koalas is no longer allowed, but there are plenty to be seen snoozing in the eucalyptus leaves. Our highlight, however, was wondering amongst the kangaroos and hand feeding these gentle animals.
Final thought
This was our first time staying in an Adina hotel – and it won’t be the last. We were truly impressed by all aspects of our stay, and it would suit business travellers and families alike.
171 George Street, Brisbane, Queensland
adinahotels.com
This article featuring places to stay in Sydney and Brisbane and a historic hotel in Melbourne, Australia first appeared in the Autumn 2024 edition of Expat Living Hong Kong. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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