Cool Hotels in Melbourne—the Art Series
Art Series Hotels are a family of hotels each inspired by and dedicated to a specific Australian contemporary artist. Located purposefully in cultural city hubs and taking design inspiration from the artists of their name, each hotel features a range of prints and original artwork to delight guests during their stay. Guests will also find dedicated art channels, libraries, tours, and even art utensils offered by the hotel for guests to use and create their own artwork. Plus, guests will be reassured that all Art Series hotels have increased their cleanliness policies to meet today's current expectations.
The Olsen - Art Series
Set on Melbourne's iconic Chapel St, The Olsen is dedicated to revered Australian landscape artist Dr John Olsen and his work. Be greeted by the eye-catching frog sculpture and suspended lighting as you enter off the streets of South Yarra, and take in the numerous prints and artworks on your way to one of their 224 elegant suites. The Olsen boasts its own day spa, onsite gym, and a glass-bottom pool with its very own sun deck. It's located just minutes from the many restaurants and bars of South Yarra and Chapel Street and is also home to Spoonbill Restaurant, which showcases the very best of Australian regional produce and ingredients. And as an extra bonus for families, guests can enjoy complimentary Bugaboo Bee 3 pram hire to make getting around with the little ones that much easier.
The Cullen - Art Series
Named after and inspired by late Australian Artist & Archibald Prize winner Adam Cullen, The Cullen in Prahran is a wonderfully different hotel experience. The rooms combine contemporary design with unique touches inspiring art pieces, and come complete with full kitchenettes. Dining options are plentiful, with house restaurant Golda spinning a range of international flavours from North Africa to the Middle East and beyond, while Hutong Dumpling Bar slings classic Xiao-Long-Bao dumplings and Peking duck. The Cullen also boasts a fleet of Smart Cars and Lekker bicycles available to hire for guests so that guests can enjoy easy access to the rest of Melbourne's delights.
Endurance is more important than the truth
- Adam Cullen
The Larwill Studio - Art Series
As one of Melbourne's best-reviewed boutique Hotels, The Larwill Studio is a well-known gem located in Parkland, just a hop away from the CBD. Dedicated to Aussie artist David Larwill and inspired by his studio, The Larwill is a creative's dream. With free art tours, meditation guides, and creative spaces fitted with state of the art tech solutions, guests will appreciate its considered combination of business and leisure. The hotel also features yoga mats and a dedicated yoga TV channel, so you can wind up your work, and then wind down your day. Located near a range of trendy coffee shops and with views of both the city and lush parklands, The Larwill is an experience in itself.
I just wanted to paint, and I wanted people to smile when they looked at my paintings
- David Larwill
The Chen - Art Series
Designed to emulate the work of Chinese-Australian abstract artist Zhong Chen, this luxury boutique is found in Box Hill, just outside of Melbourne's CBD, and was awarded Best Hotel in the suburb by TripAdvisor in 2018. The Chen hosts facilities such as a state-of-the-art gym, a heated rooftop pool, and a sun deck with breathtaking views of the impressive Melbourne city skyline. The Golden Lily is their spectacular house restaurant serving premium Cantonese, Shanghai, and Sichuan cuisine and the occasional Yum Cha luncheon. With Smart Cars and bicycles available for hire, guests can take advantage of the surrounding array of restaurants, bars and shopping locations.
You have to believe in what you are doing before someone else will believe in you
- Zhong Chen
MGallery by Sofitel
MGallery is a quirky, luxurious collection of hotels from around the world, each with a unique design and story to tell. We're lucky enough that the city of Melbourne is home to three of these unique locations - Hotel Lindrum, The Como, and Hotel Chadstone that should all make your list of cool hotels in Melbourne.
The Como Melbourne - MGallery by Sofitel
Travel back in time to 1837, and the land that is now occupied by The Como was being used as a Cattle Run. Since then, it has gone through numerous transformations, from a humble four-bedroom residence built in 1847 to a pioneering fine dining restaurant in the 1950s, and even almost to a huge development called "Little Venice" in the 80s, before it finally settled as The Como in 1989. The resulting hotel provides a luxurious experience with upbeat hospitality and is well known for its heated rooftop swimming pool with a retractable roof. Visit the gym or sauna before grabbing breakfast at The Brasserie, then head out and get into the vibe of South Yarra & Chapel Street.
Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel
Strikingly designed to embrace the artisan culture and innovative architecture of Melbourne, Hotel Chadstone truly embodies the eye-catching cityscape. Located in one of Australia's most revered shopping districts, Chadstone features over 550 stores, designer boutiques and over 30 luxury brands. Pair this with Hotel Chadstone's unique Shopping or Style This Way packages which combine your stay with shopping and styling extras, and you have the ultimate base to undertake some much needed retail therapy. Once you're shopped out, enjoy an elevated High Tea at the Altus rooftop bar while you stare at the skyline, or nurture your body and soul at the Holism Retreat Day Spa.
Mövenpick Melbourne on Spencer
Last but most definitely not least on the list is the Mövenpick Melbourne. With its very own daily Chocolate Hour for guests, which offers free Ice Cream for kids under 12, the Movenpick brings a more literal sense to the idea of a “cool” hotel. Located in the CBD, its proximity to the bustling Southern Cross Station & nearby tram routes mean you can explore every corner of Melbourne’s streets. Inside the hotel, you’ll find a massive range of art from some of the city’s most successful photographers, including Steve Scalone and Sean McDonald, which combine effortlessly with the intricate design and inspiring entrance to create a hotel experience primed to make unforgettable moments. Enjoy the 24-hour gym facility, relax in the heated pool, or indulge in the food and wine that Melbourne is known for.
With so many cool hotels in Melbourne, anyone looking for a unique holiday is spoilt for choice. Once you know which hotel is right for you, you can book your Melbourne accommodation and begin your unique getaway.
