It’s a wet and dreary afternoon when I wander up Flinders Lane in Melbourne. But as I walk up the small flight of stairs into my home for the night, the Adelphi, I’m instantly hit with warm smiles from behind the front desk.
Located among the thriving hub of Melbourne’s CBD, it must be difficult for hotels to grab the many traveller’s interest and intrigue. But Adelphi gives it a real go with a life-size iron horse greeting guests from the top of an extended lobby, which leads you down to a mix of tasteful table dining and informal window-side bench swings. It’s an open invitation to spend time and relax. And why wouldn’t you with one of Melbourne’s premier dessert hot spots, Om Nom, awaiting you once you’ve left the horse and cart behind.
But it’s the little touches of Adelphi that make you feel extra special: a personal welcome message on the room mirror; a bar fridge with water, juice and Coca-Cola refilled each day for your use, all free (boom!). There’s also a snacks jar with a generous selection of savouries and sweets, again free and refilled each morning for guests. “If they’re not gone in the morning, I’ll be pretty disappointed,” Michael says with a grin.
The bathroom is also pimped out with an eclectic range of soaps, scrubs, and ‘fizzes’ – a new concept for your male blogger who up until now, didn’t realise baths could fizz… But the Australian-made Appelles skincare range presented in a rustic looking box by the bath is a welcome treat (if not for me, for Mrs LML at home!). And with the weather outside preventing me from exploring the rooftop lap pool and other city sights for the time being, it’s a good excuse to put all these treats to the test.
Later that evening I emerge refreshed and ready to face the outside world. I’m delighted to find the venue for my central city event is only a short walk away, so the weather won’t worry me too much. After mixing, mingling and braving the cold, I’m back a few hours later and ready to cap the night off with a complimentary glass of Josef Chromy’s Botrytis: yet another perk to add to the list.
My three top tips for enjoying every lastminute of Adelphi:
1. Make sure you get through at least a few things on the dessert menu – too good to miss!
2. Enjoy the free snacks, drinks and WiFi in your room – it’s rare you get such complimentary service from even the highest quality hotel.
3. After a night out in Melbourne, head back to the Adelphi bar for a quick sticky or cocktail while reclining on the swing chairs and enjoying some relaxing lounge music.