Art Series – The Larwill Studio

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon The Larwill Studio kind of by accident last spring when I was in Melbourne for a quick work trip – well, it was supposed to be quick, but you know how these things drag on. It’s tucked away on Flemington Road in Parkville, right across from the Royal Children’s Hospital, which actually makes it super handy if you’re visiting family or dealing with medical stuff, but honestly, it’s not all clinical vibes. The area’s got this leafy, almost suburban feel mixed with the buzz of the city – think trams rattling by every few minutes, and you’re just a short walk from Royal Park, where locals jog or picnic under those massive Moreton Bay figs. I remember pulling up in my rental (parking’s a bit of a squeeze on the street, but they have a secure underground spot for about 25 bucks a day, which saved me from circling forever), and the first thing that hit me was the explosion of color on the facade. It’s inspired by this Aussie artist David Larwill, so everything’s got these bold, playful strokes – like walking into a living gallery, you know?

Stepping inside, the lobby smells faintly of fresh coffee from their little cafe – nothing fancy, just good flat whites and avo toast that hits the spot after a red-eye flight. My room was on the third floor, overlooking Flemington Road, and while the traffic hums a bit in the mornings (earplugs if you’re a light sleeper), it’s surprisingly quiet at night, especially mid-week when the uni crowd from nearby Melbourne University isn’t out in force. The beds are ridiculously comfy – those pillow-top mattresses that make you want to cancel plans – and they’ve got these quirky touches like original Larwill prints on the walls and even art supplies if you feel inspired (I doodled a terrible skyline, but hey, it was fun). The bathroom’s modern with rain showers that actually have decent pressure, unlike some places I’ve stayed, and the free Wi-Fi held up for streaming without buffering. Oh, and the mini-bar’s stocked with local treats – think Tim Tams and craft beers from Brunswick breweries just down the road. It’s not perfect, though; the gym’s on the smaller side, more for a quick cardio session than a full workout, and during peak times like the Grand Prix at nearby Flemington Racecourse, the place books up fast and prices spike – I mean, plan ahead if you’re coming for that.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that’s got personality without trying too hard, The Larwill’s a solid choice – rated around 8.7 for a reason, I’d say. It’s about a 10-minute tram ride to the CBD or Queen Victoria Market for those fresh produce hauls, and honestly, after a day exploring Lygon Street’s Italian spots (grab pasta at DOC Espresso, trust me), coming back here feels like a creative retreat. For families or solo travelers who appreciate art and a bit of Melbourne’s eclectic edge, it’s worth it – just maybe avoid the race weekend chaos if you want some peace.

Rooms

• Corner King Room with Park View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• King Room with Park View with 1 extra-large double bed for 3 adults, 2 children
• Twin Room for 4 adults, 3 children
• Twin Room with Park View for 4 adults, 3 children

Reviews

• Michael from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Comfy bed in large, spotless room with lovely view. Just what we were looking for.

• Goldsworthy from Australia (9/10)

  Location, price

• Ursula from Singapore (9/10)

  Check in staff were helpful, including guidance on parking in the building, the restaurant staff were also great and the food plentiful and delicious. The tram was close by and we had a wonderful view of a park. Being next to the hospital allowed us to also indulge in other meal outlets.

• Alberto from Australia (9/10)

  Easy access to everything

• Derek from Australia (9/10)

  Close to events

• Mirza from Singapore (9/10)

  How spacious the room + bathroom was.
  Quiet area and convenient food options in the hospital connected to it and across the street. Tram stop 2 mins walk away lends to easy access to CBD.

• Kelly from Australia (9/10)

  Second time staying. Was perfect as the first stay. Beautiful location, friendly staff, clean and tidy.

• Basaltwang from Taiwan (9/10)

  room

• Liu from Australia (8/10)

  Close to the Melbourne zoo. The Royal park is just a few minutes walk. Other facilities, e.g. fcar park, food, toilet, supermarket, even a salon in the children's hospital complex are easily accessible for hotel guests.

• Ken from Australia (9/10)

  Great location, nice breakfast in the cafe downstairs.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities