Although I love a fancy pants 5-star chain hotel as much as the next person, I’m also a sucker for good quality, unique, boutique accommodation, and The Hatton, in Melbourne’s South Yarra, is just that. I had the pleasure of staying in this historic Italianate mansion when I visited for Life Instyle last week.
First impressions were fantastic with this grand exterior, tucked away in a quiet residential street full of beautiful old houses. There’s a cosy welcome at the front desk/breakfast/lounge room, where coffee and continental breakfast is served each morning and included in the room price. It doesn’t feel like a hotel, more a grand, but not intimidating, and very charming, old home.
In warmer weather, there’s the gorgeous front balcony too. It really isn’t like any hotel I’ve ever been to. I love the combination of the cosy feel of the place (you can’t underestimate the vibe of a building, can you?) and the grandeur of the building itself.
I stayed in a superior room which was very spacious and tastefully decorated with vintage furniture and a very comfortable bed with quality white linen. All the decor feels very appropriate for the age and style of this building. While it doesn’t have the perfect, slick finish of a brand new, 5-star hotel room, it has a lot more space, charming character details, and a very comfortable, quality feel. All the rooms are different so you never know quite what you’ll get.
I love the fact that these rooms haven’t been over-decorated or become too fussy, yet they have everything you need. A great bed, table and two chairs, bedside lighting, overhead lighting and a floor lamp (none of it too harsh or too dingey), a good flatscreen TV discreetly on the wall, air con, warm carpet underfoot, magazines, and an alarm clock radio. Everything about The Hatton feels just right.
Downstairs you’ll find a similarly no-fuss but spacious and lovely bathroom with a deep bath, L’Occitane toiletries, plenty of white fluffy towels (and waffle robes in the wardrobe). En route, tucked away in an alcove, is a handy kitchenette with microwave, kettle, toaster, T2 teas, plunger coffee and plates, glasses and mugs.
As I checked out of The Hatton, with almost no voice (laryngitis to be diagnosed the following day!) the kind staff made sure I took a hot honey and lemon tea with me in my cab. I will definitely be back and would love to stay in summer, when you can take advantage of the roof deck, by taking your breakfast or a drink out there whenever you fancy. I know, as if it didn’t already offer enough!
The 4-star Hatton is great value too, with rates from $171 per night for standard rooms, $209 per night for a superior room, and $350 per night for the impressive eastern balcony suite, which spans the width of the building with private access to the front balcony and is furnished with Asian antiques.
Disclosure: I stayed at The Hatton as their guest with no guarantee of positive coverage.
