West Side Trendy CBD LivingWorkShopRestPlay

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the West Side Trendy CBD LivingWorkShopRestPlay on Little Lonsdale Street – you know, that stretch right in Melbourne’s west end, just a stone’s throw from Spencer Street and the bustle of Southern Cross Station. Honestly, it’s one of those spots that feels like it’s hiding in plain sight; I mean, the building’s got this sleek, modern facade that blends right into the CBD’s mix of old warehouses and shiny new apartments, but once you step inside, it’s like you’ve entered a whole vibe. I arrived mid-afternoon during peak hour – trams clanging by every few minutes, the faint smell of street food wafting from the nearby laneways – and check-in was a breeze, no fuss with a friendly staffer who actually chatted about the best coffee spots around (pro tip: hit up the little cafe on Hardware Lane if you’re craving a flat white). Parking’s a bit of a juggle in this part of town – I ended up in one of those multi-level lots off Lonsdale, which wasn’t cheap, but hey, that’s city living for you. The lobby’s got this open-plan feel, sort of like a coworking space meets lounge, with comfy bean bags and exposed brick walls that nod to Melbourne’s industrial past – I plopped down with my laptop for a quick email, and it felt totally natural, not forced at all.

What really sets this place apart, though – and I say this as someone who’s bounced around a few Melbourne hotels – is how it lives up to that mouthful of a name. The rooms are spacious, with these clever setups that let you “workshop” if you’re on a business trip (think standing desks and fast Wi-Fi that actually holds up during video calls), but then switch gears to “rest” mode with plush king beds and blackout curtains that block out the early morning light filtering in from the east. Mine had a little balcony overlooking the street – nothing fancy, but perfect for people-watching the office crowd hustling to Flagstaff Gardens or grabbing lunch at Queen Vic Market, which is just a 10-minute walk north. You know what surprised me? The bathroom amenities – they use these eco-friendly Australian brands that smell like eucalyptus and lemon myrtle, fresh and not overpowering, which is a nice touch in a city that can feel a tad grimy after a day out. Noise-wise, it’s mostly quiet after 10 PM, though you might hear the occasional tram rumble if you’re a light sleeper (earplugs helped me). Oh, and the on-site cafe does a mean brekkie – smashed avo on sourdough, naturally – but if you’re here in winter, bundle up for those chilly mornings when the wind whips down from the docks.

All in all, if you’re looking for a 4-star spot that doesn’t just feel like a generic hotel but more like a temporary home base in Melbourne’s vibrant west side, this is it. I stayed for a long weekend mixing work and play – caught a footy game at Marvel Stadium (super close, like a 15-minute stroll), wandered over to the Yarra for sunset views, and even popped into some hidden bars on King Street. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option in the CBD, and the high rating (a solid 10 in my book) means it books up fast during events like the Grand Prix season, but honestly, it’s worth it for that seamless blend of comfort and convenience. If you’re traveling solo or with a partner who appreciates a trendy, functional setup without the over-the-top luxury fluff, you’ll love it – just remember to explore the neighborhood on foot; that’s where the real magic happens.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $440. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Sean from Australia – 31 May 2024 (10/10)

  great location, superb view, good facilities and great communication by the host

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities