{"id":27454,"date":"2013-09-11T08:36:09","date_gmt":"2013-09-10T22:36:09","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=27454"},"modified":"2018-05-14T09:41:12","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T23:41:12","slug":"hotel-review-ovolo-hotel-melbourne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-ovolo-hotel-melbourne\/","title":{"rendered":"Hotel review: Ovolo Hotel Melbourne"},"content":{"rendered":"
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From the moment you walk through the doors of the super-central Ovolo Hotel<\/a> on Little Bourke Street in Melbourne\u2019s CBD, you can tell this is a boutique hotel that does things a little differently. <\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

Don\u2019t let the small foyer fool you; this little space packs a punch. I\u2019m immediately offered a coffee from the Nespresso Machine or a bottle of still or sparkling water from the fridge (\u201cHelp yourself whenever you like!\u201d they say).<\/p>\n

Of a morning, guests can pick up a \u2018grab n go\u2019 brekky (pastries, muffins) and from 6pm to 8pm, you can help yourself to beer and wine during happy hour.
\nThat is one mighty fine foyer.
\n\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Despite it only being 11am, I\u2019m able to check-in to my room, one of 43 behind brightly coloured doors.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

Jumping up to my level four suite, things get even better. For starters, the mini-bar is complimentary! The fridge, stocked with beer, Sauv Blanc, sparkling water and flavoured mineral water is refilled daily. While the loot bag \u2013 including peanuts, skittles, a Tim Tam Bar, mints and gummy bears \u2013 is more of a welcome gift.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

So what else makes this hotel a little different to many of its Aussie counterparts? Wi-fi is free, the 11am check-out time is flexible, local calls to landlines are complimentary and there\u2019s an Apple TV set-up so you can watch your own movies and TV shows if you connect up your own Apple device.<\/p>\n

The all-inclusive treatment is all part of the hotel\u2019s mission: \u2018Shiny happy people all around\u2019. What\u2019s not to love about that?
\n\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The one bedroom suite itself is fairly simple with an NYC feel. Practical touches like power points in easy-to-locate spots (don\u2019t you hate having to move furniture to charge your phone?!), a rainwater shower and iPod dock are all appreciated. The lounge room features an LCD TV with Foxtel (Melbourne\u2019s largest hotel listing apparently) and comfy couch, plus there\u2019s a kitchenette for any simple cooking cravings.<\/p>\n

There are funky touches too like this chalkboard, complete with personal message.
\n\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Aside from the shiny extras, as with any boutique hotel, it\u2019s often the staff that make a big difference. During my stay Matt was an absolute star. He and the team at reception were friendly, helpful and always remembered my name (it\u2019s the little things) and their level of service was on par with that of a big-name five-star hotel.<\/p>\n

The Ovolo is a great choice for business travel but if you\u2019ve got a little leisure time on your hands, the nearby Princess Theatre has your entertainment needs covered. And, business or pleasure you have to eat right? Here are my top picks in close vicinity to the Ovolo:
\nFor the perfect Italian meal: Grossi Florentino<\/a><\/strong>
\nPart of celebrity chef Guy Grossi\u2019s Melbourne empire, this gem is located just around the corner on Bourke Street. On a weekday at lunch time, I venture in for a solo meal at the Cellar Bar and the warm Italian hospitality is the best service I\u2019ve received in a very long time. The food matches the welcome \u2013 my Tortelli Di Zucca Della Lungiana (roast pumpkin tortelli with fried sage leaves), is pasta at its best. Prices are extremely reasonable. This charming place is a must.
\n\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For a go-to restaurant you can actually book: Gingerboy<\/a><\/strong>
\nIn Melbourne, hot-right-now restaurants that accept bookings are few and far between so it\u2019s convenient that Gingerboy is a short stroll from the Ovolo. The modern Australian interpretation of Asian hawker style food is mouth-wateringly good. Narrowing down the menu to a few items is tough (next time I\u2019ll be returning with a group for the banquet!) but I\u2019m more than satisfied with my seared Hervey Bay Scallops (so delicate and light), Spicy Green Papaya Salad (fresh and zesty) and Sesame Crusted Kingfish Tataki (one of the tastiest sashimi dishes I have had in a long time).<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

For breakfast to get your day off on the right note: The European<\/a><\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re after something a little heartier than the Ovolo\u2019s muffins and croissants, The European on nearby Spring Street is your go-to. Here you\u2019ll find a mix of corporate crowd meets travellers enjoying everything from bircher muesli to pikelets with maple syrup and goat\u2019s cheese omelettes to bruschetta with caviar. My simple sourdough with avo and ricotta hit the spot.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

For a classy afternoon tea: The Hotel Windsor<\/a><\/strong>
\nWhere better to spend an afternoon of luxury than Australia\u2019s oldest grand hotel. The historic Hotel Windsor has your afternoon tea<\/a> needs covered with a renowned line up of freshly baked scones with jam and double cream, exquisite pastries and finger sandwiches served on elegant tiered silver stands.<\/p>\n\"<\/a>\n

What\u2019s your favourite hotel in Melbourne? Do you always stay at the one hotel or do you try new ones each visit?<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grossi Florentino<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Grossi<\/a><\/td>\n		Gingerboy<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Gingerboy<\/a><\/td>\n		The European<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"The<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n