637 – 641 Chapel Street, South Yarra, South Yarra, 3141 Melbourne, Australia
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Image 1 of The Olsen Melbourne Art Series
Image 2 of The Olsen Melbourne Art Series

Hotel Description

You know, the first time I pulled up to The Olsen Melbourne Art Series on Chapel Street in South Yarra, I was already half in love with the place just from the vibe outside. It’s smack in the middle of that buzzy stretch between Toorak Road and the Yarra River – you know, where the trams rattle by every few minutes and the air smells like fresh coffee from those little cafes spilling out onto the sidewalk. I mean, South Yarra’s always been one of those neighborhoods that feels effortlessly cool, with its mix of high-end boutiques and hidden laneway bars, but this hotel? It sort of amps that up without trying too hard. Checking in was a breeze, actually – the staff were chatty in that laid-back Aussie way, handing over my key with a quick tip about the best spot for brekkie down the road at the Prahran Market (pro tip: go early on weekends before the crowds hit). Parking’s a bit of a juggle if you’re driving – street spots vanish fast, especially in peak season like summer when everyone’s out shopping – but they have valet, which saved me from circling the block like an idiot. And honestly, the lobby hits you right away with all this contemporary art everywhere; it’s inspired by some Aussie artist named John Olsen, and while it’s not overwhelming, it does make you pause and actually look, you know?

What really sets The Olsen apart, though – well, besides being a solid 5-star without the stuffy attitude – is how it weaves that artistic edge into everything. My room was on the higher floors, overlooking Chapel Street, and let me tell you, waking up to the soft hum of the city below, with sunlight filtering through those massive windows, felt like a little luxury escape. The beds are plush, like sinking into a cloud (though the pillows could be a tad firmer if you’re picky about that), and there’s this subtle scent of eucalyptus in the air – probably from their bath products, which are locally sourced and smell amazing after a long day wandering. They have a pool that’s heated year-round, perfect for Melbourne’s unpredictable weather; I dipped in one rainy afternoon and it was blissfully quiet, no kids splashing around mid-week. Food-wise, the on-site restaurant does these creative takes on Aussie classics – think grilled barramundi with native herbs – and it’s not overpriced like some spots in the CBD. Oh, and if you’re into fitness, the gym’s got that arty twist too, with murals on the walls that make treadmill time less of a chore. But fair warning, the street noise can creep in at night if your room faces Chapel; it’s lively, which I loved, but light sleepers might want to request a quieter side (they’re good about that, from what I saw).

All in all, if you’re heading to Melbourne and want somewhere that feels connected to the real pulse of the city – not just a generic tower in the center – The Olsen’s a gem. It’s got that 8.4 rating for a reason: thoughtful details, like the free bikes for exploring the nearby Botanic Gardens or the Yarra trails, make it practical for travelers who actually want to get out there. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option in South Yarra, and during events like the Australian Open, it books up fast and gets a bit busier, but honestly, that’s part of the charm. I’d go back in a heartbeat – maybe next time snag one of those studio suites with the kitchenette for a longer stay. If you’re after a spot that blends art, comfort, and that effortless Melbourne cool, this is it.

Rooms

  • John Olsen Penthouse for 5 adults, 4 children
  • Studio Suite with Balcony for 2 adults, 1 child
  • Studio Suite for 2 adults, 1 child
  • Deluxe Studio Suite for 3 adults, 2 children
  • Deluxe Twin Studio for 5 adults, 4 children
  • Two-Bedroom Suite for 4 adults, 3 children
  • Lake Eyre Penthouse for 2 adults, 1 child
  • One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite for 3 adults, 2 children
  • One-Bedroom Deluxe Apartment with Balcony for 3 adults, 2 children
  • Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suite with Balcony for 5 adults, 4 children
  • Two-Bedroom Open Plan Suite for 5 adults, 4 children
Image 3 of The Olsen Melbourne Art Series
Image 4 of The Olsen Melbourne Art Series

Reviews

  • Kim from Australia (8/10)

    The location is excelent the room was wonderful

  • Ryan from Australia (9/10)

    Will definitely recommend and stay again

  • Melanie from Australia (7/10)

    Location was perfect, comfortable decent sized main room and bathroom with adequate facilities.

  • Michael from Australia (7/10)

    The location

  • Benjamin from Australia (9/10)

    Great location, pool, and gym.

  • Elena from Australia (9/10)

    the upgrade was much appreciated
    I booked on Booking.com the room with kitchenette but the 1st room didnt have it , not the coffee machine not a microwave …anyway i was moved into the room that had it all and in a much quieter corner ( 1st one was overlooking the Chapel st …tram makes it hard to sleep)
    The POOL was great and big ! sort of outside and heated.
    the Staff very polite and helpful 🙂

  • Laurence from Australia (9/10)

    Location and value for money.

  • Nica from Australia (9/10)

    The bed was comfy! Restaurant was 10/10

  • Sally from Australia (8/10)

    good location, very spacious, good facilities in room. eg kettle, coffee maker, etc
    handy having a restaurant downstairs
    close to many shops, including supermarket, Big W and lots of restaurants

  • Ferne from Australia (9/10)

    Great location in South Yarra – restaurants, bars, cafes, shopping
    Comfy bed
    Spacious Stylish Room
    Pod coffee in room

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SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • Surrey Park: 800 m
  • Argo Reserve: 1.2 km
  • Eucalypt Lawn: 1.7 km
  • Darling Gardens: 900 m
  • Grosvenor Reserve: 800 m
  • Bee Friendly Garden: 1.5 km
  • Como House & Garden: 1.2 km
  • Caroline Street Park: 800 m
  • South Yarra Siding Reserve: 400 m
  • Herring Island Sculpture Park: 950 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Omnia Bistro & Bar: 100 m
  • Cafe/bar Two Birds One Stone Cafe: 100 m
  • Restaurant Spoonbill Restaurant and Bar: 50 m

Top attractions:

  • Eureka Tower: 4 km
  • Melbourne Zoo: 8 km
  • Cooks’ Cottage: 3.8 km
  • Melbourne Museum: 5 km
  • Immigration Museum: 4.4 km
  • Southbank Promenade: 3.8 km
  • Old Treasury Building: 4.1 km
  • Shrine of Remembrance: 2.7 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 2.1 km
  • ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 3.9 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Ornamental Lake: 2 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Elwood Beach: 5 km
  • Brighton Beach: 8 km
  • St Kilda Beach: 4.5 km
  • Sandridge Beach: 7 km
  • Middle Park Beach: 4.6 km

Public transport:

  • Train Hawksburn: 1.3 km
  • Metro Parliament: 4.4 km
  • Metro Melbourne Central Station: 4.8 km
  • Train South Yarra Train Station: 400 m

Closest airports:

  • Melbourne Airport: 25 km
  • Moorabbin Airport: 19 km
  • Essendon Fields Airport: 16 km

Facilities

General:

  • Grocery deliveries
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Soundproof rooms
  • Lift
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Room service

Parking:

  • Street parking
  • Valet parking
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Accessible parking

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Sun terrace
  • Terrace

Wellness:

  • Fitness
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Fitness centre

Activities:

  • Bicycle rental

Food & Drink:

  • Wine/champagne
  • Kid meals
  • Special diet menus (on request)
  • Breakfast in the room
  • Bar
  • Restaurant

Languages spoken:

  • English

Cleaning services:

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Ironing service
  • Dry cleaning
  • Laundry

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Security alarm
  • Key card access
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Concierge service
  • Luggage storage
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour front desk

Business facilities:

  • Fax/photocopying
  • Business centre
  • Meeting/banquet facilities

Outdoor swimming pool Free!:

  • Open all year
  • Heated pool
  • Shallow end
  • Pool/beach towels
  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Fence around pool
Image 5 of The Olsen Melbourne Art Series
Image 6 of The Olsen Melbourne Art Series

Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 14:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out:

  • Until 11:00

No age restriction:

  • There is no age requirement for check-in

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

8.7

Comfort:

8.6

Location:

9.2

Free WiFi:

8.1

Facilities:

8.0

Cleanliness:

8.5

Value for money:

7.8

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