{"id":33690,"date":"2014-07-03T07:46:13","date_gmt":"2014-07-02T21:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/blog\/?p=33690"},"modified":"2018-05-02T05:25:57","modified_gmt":"2018-05-01T19:25:57","slug":"melbourne-hotel-review-the-blackman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/melbourne-hotel-review-the-blackman\/","title":{"rendered":"Melbourne Hotel Review: The Blackman"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are certain places that belong in my favourites list. Of course, international hot spots like Berlin and Paris get my heart racing, but it\u2019s somewhere closer to home that I’m forever searching the flight sales for: Melbourne<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I fall more in love every visit. From coffee to culture, and shopping to nightlife, I just can\u2019t get enough. And when you\u2019re staying somewhere as special as The Blackman<\/a>, who could blame me?!<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Blackman street view<\/p><\/div>\n

From the beautifully decorated lobby to the attention to detail in our 17th floor suite, there’s plenty of things to love about The Blackman:<\/p>\n

1. The art of Charles Blackman<\/strong>
\nThe Blackman Hotel is named after Australian artist Charles Blackman<\/a>, whose work famously includes the Schoolgirl and Alice in Wonderland series of the 1950s. His pieces are displayed tastefully throughout the hotel; in the lobby, in the elevator, and in each of the 209 suites.<\/p>\n

This is something all of the Art Series Hotels share: they\u2019re all themed around the work of Australian artists. The Blackman features pieces by Charles Blackman, whereas The Cullen<\/a> focuses on Adam Cullen, The Olsen<\/a> on Dr John Olsen, and The Schaller Studio<\/a> on Mark Schaller.<\/p>\n

The walls of our room are decked out with stunning Blackman art, even making an appearance on the bathroom door. Blackman\u2019s work adds a funky, personalised feel to our stay \u2013 and some of the pieces are even for sale if you want to take home more than just photos.<\/p>\n

\"Blackman\u2019s<\/a>

Blackman\u2019s artwork at reception<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Our<\/a>

Our room<\/p><\/div>\n

2. The beautifully decorated room<\/strong>
\nThe room itself is incredibly spacious and fitted out with minimal yet stylish furniture, while the bed \u2013 THE BED \u2013 is like sleeping on a cloud. Without exaggerating, I spend a lot of the stay alternating between soaking in the bath with a glass of wine in my hand and lying on the bed. Nicole can vouch for me<\/a> here! In fact, the bed is SO good that many of the staff have actually purchased their own to sleep in at home. And like the art, the beds are also for sale. How many hotels let you take home the furniture?<\/p>\n

I try to convince Mr LML that we need a new bed, but sadly my efforts are unsuccessful. Definitely an excuse to visit again…<\/p>\n

\"Our<\/a>

Our spacious room<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The view from our room<\/p><\/div>\n

3. The personable and helpful staff<\/strong>
\nFrom the time we arrive to the time we leave, we are impressed by the staff. It\u2019s the small things like the welcome message in our room when we check in, the complimentary bottle of wine and note from the General Manager, and helping us into a taxi when we depart that make our stay just that little bit extra special.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Blackman welcome message<\/p><\/div>\n

4. The on-site facilities<\/strong>
\nLike its sister properties, The Blackman offers bikes and scooters for hire during your stay, which, even if you don\u2019t use them, is still pretty cool, right?<\/p>\n

The Blackman also has two eateries: Classico and Fleur Depot de Pain. Classico is an Italian antipasto bar and restaurant, and its interior was designed by architects Foong + Sormann to ooze elegant, minimalist style. I can vouch for their excellent cocktails \u2013 my Negroni and Mr LML\u2019s Espresso Martini are both delicious.<\/p>\n

\"Classico<\/a>

Classico<\/p><\/div>\n

Fleur Depot de Pain, aka \u2018Bread Depot\u2019, is a contemporary nod to a classic French patisserie. Throughout our stay, it\u2019s packed with both guests of The Blackman and locals of the area, which speaks wonders for the quality of the venue. I hear their pastries are pretty special.<\/p>\n

\"Fleur<\/a>

Fleur Depot de Pain<\/p><\/div>\n

5. The central location<\/strong>
\nA stay in Melbourne isn\u2019t complete without checking out a bit of everything: the CBD, St Kilda, Fitzroy and Brunswick (plus heading further afield), so having a central base is a must. The Blackman is on St Kilda Road, halfway between St Kilda and the CBD, and within walking distance of both if you\u2019ve got the right shoes. Otherwise, it\u2019s just a few stops on the tram to go either direction.<\/p>\n

We decide to walk to the CBD, through beautiful parks full of auburn coloured trees with grand plans of checking out H&M and all that Melbourne has to offer (which, if you\u2019re going by the soreness of my feet at the end of the day, is a lot! Fortunately I have The Blackman\u2019s bath and bed to return to… ).<\/p>\n

\"Maple<\/a>

Maple tree<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Autumn<\/a>

Autumn park<\/p><\/div>\n

By night, we are lucky enough to attend the grand opening of WICKED at the stunning Regent Theatre. Believe me, it\u2019s an event! With champagne in (each) hand, we celeb-spot by the stairs, as you do. We manage to find Carrie Bickmore, Josh Thomas, and Rachel Griffiths, who sits behind me with her family during the show.<\/p>\n

\"<\/a>

The Regent Theatre turns WICKED<\/p><\/div>\n

\"WICKED<\/a>

WICKED Regent Theatre<\/p><\/div>\n

The show itself is fantastic! I am blown away by the talent of both Lucy Durack (Glinda the Good) and Jemma Rix (Elphaba), who tell the tale of two unlikely friends and how they became the witches of OZ. If you\u2019re unfamiliar with the story of WICKED, it\u2019s the precursor to The Wizard of OZ; it\u2019s funny, it\u2019s sad, and it\u2019s utterly compelling. I definitely recommend seeing it, whether in Melbourne<\/a> or when it comes to Sydney\u2019s Capitol Theatre in September<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While my visit is short, I definitely manage to squeeze it all in: a stay at a lush hotel, great food and coffee, a dose of shopping and a touch of magical theatre. A perfect long weekend.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s your favourite destination for a long weekend? Tell us in the comments below.<\/strong><\/p>\n