Crown Metropol – Melbourne
January 10, 2013 at 7:17 am 11 comments
On the Melbourne leg of my Mariah tour I chose the Crown Metropol. I’ve never stayed in the Crown complex before but since the concert was mere minutes away at Etihad Stadium I thought it seemed like a logical choice.
For the location, amenities and luxury feel I thought the room was fairly inexpensive. I paid $250 for a standard room and was inexplicably upgraded to a City Luxe King room which is valued at $310 per night. This price did not include breakfast but a full buffet brekkie (including coffee) could be purchased for $38.50 extra. I did have breakfast and thought it was fairly good value. The food selection looked small on first inspection but with fruit, pastries, three types of eggs, hash browns, sausages, bacon, pancakes, mushrooms, cereal, cold meats and cheeses and toasts there’s really nothing I can think of that was missing.
The room was really spacious and had a table, chairs and a chaise lounge. The layout of the bathroom was a bit annoying, with a large panel obviously vacant from the room divider. I prefer the whole bathroom section to be separate in hotels, but that might just be me. Also, the view was nothing special but I think that’s Melbourne in general. Sorry, but it’s not the prettiest city from up high.
The bed was sooooo comfortable. I just melted into it and I found it really difficult to get up in the morning so don’t stay here if you have an early flight!
To be honest the reason I even knew about this hotel was because Kim Kardashian tweeted about it on her last visit here and I then later saw pictures of the pool on Melissa Hoyer’s instagram account.
I rarely make use of hotel pools unless they’re really spectacular and I think that, even though indoors, the infinity pool overlooking Melbourne city fits into this category. There is a ‘plunge pool’ (actually a spa) or a large pool if you prefer to do laps and plenty of big day beds to recline on. The hotel’s day spa is interconnecting, as is the gym, but I didn’t have time to check it out. Maybe next visit.
My only qualms (apart from the open bathroom area) were the fact that I was referred to as “Mr” and the $8 water in the mini bar. I pretty much ‘had’ to buy it since the tap water in Melbourne sucks.
Those minor issues aside I will most definitely be back. In fact, I already have a trip planned for later in the year. Later I will be putting up a post on Spice Temple, which is also within the Crown complex. The close vicinity to the river means easy access to some of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants; Nobu, Rosetta, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Guiseppe Arnaldo & Sons and Bistro Guillaume – so this is another big selling point for the Crown Metropol.
For packages or more information, head to the Crown’s website: http://www.crownmetropolmelbourne.com.au/default-en.html
1.
Jessica | January 10, 2013 at 7:57 am
I didn’t like Crown Metropol. Crown Towers is wayy better. And they are very hospitable in that they will upgrade you if possible.
I agree that the views in Melbourne are boring. And I love Melbourne. But … eh.
Have you thought of staying in the Art Series hotels with their new check out policy? Basically if no one has booked the room you’re in you’re free to check out whenever you please. They’re located in Prahran, South Yarra and just off St Kilda Road. I’d be interested to try it purely for a “adults night out” experience.
2.
Marlo Perry | January 10, 2013 at 8:12 am
I’ve considered the Art Series hotels but they always seem a bit out of my way. I usually stay close to where I’m going for whatever I’m doing and it’s never been appropriate. They look great, though.
3.
Jessica | January 10, 2013 at 9:06 am
This is what I thought and that’s their downside. I can’t justify staying at The Cullen because it’s literally at the end of my street. And I do adore Charles Blackman’s paintings but St Kilda Road isn’t in the best location.
As far as I can tell they’re more for long stays but I love the concept.
4.
Diana | January 10, 2013 at 8:03 am
Aw our water sucks? I drink it every day!
5.
Marlo Perry | January 10, 2013 at 8:12 am
hahah it tastes so different to Sydney water. I’m sure you guys wouldn’t like ours
6.
Marlo Perry | January 10, 2013 at 9:15 am
Yeah, I think that’s the other thing about the Art Series – it’s more of a holiday type experience whereas when I go to Melbourne I usually have a specific reason for being there so I’d feel guilty ‘wasting’ the hotel. It’s the kind of place I’d like to stay in if I went overseas or something.
7.
A Shoe Affair | January 10, 2013 at 10:26 am
I loove the Crown Metropol too – especially their pools. Both the lap pool and the heated chill out pool are amazing! Though I have heard the towers are better so maybe you need to give that a try as one of your other commenters has mentioned.
You didn’t like the bathroom design? I liked it as a person staying in the room by myself (watch TV while brushing your teeth!) but its definitely a bit weird when staying there with more than one person.
8.
Marlo Perry | January 10, 2013 at 11:18 am
I just found it a bit pokey. The shower door basically straight off the entrance and then the glass toilet door…I know it’s not see through but it doesn’t feel right!!
Not enough to put me off staying there again, though!
9.
hollypop | January 10, 2013 at 10:50 am
marlo, melbourne water is yummy.
i love metropol! been there heaps and never been to the pool. silly.
10.
Marlo Perry | January 10, 2013 at 11:15 am
Haha ok I will give it another shot next time I am there. Baby steps. You must try the pool! It was a bit cold when I went but that was the day after the heat was high so they may have had the pool temp lower. Otherwise, *thumbs up*
11.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella | January 12, 2013 at 5:00 am
I really liked the Metropole and those robes during Winter were amazingly luxe. Hehe I can’t say that I’ve noticed Melbourne water either in a good way or bad