People ask me all the time – what do I look for in a hotel? Sometimes it’s the bottom line that counts, or on other trips, it’s all about the location. I also always look for that little touch of luxury that makes one property stand out from the rest. Search no more. I just stayed in one Melbourne property that delivered on all three – Quest St Kilda Road.
Location, Location, Location
Quest St Kilda Road’s entrance is remarkably discreet. Set well back from the street it would make ideal digs for a Kardashian choosing to hide from the paps – in plain sight. Disclaimer: Celebrity sightings are not guaranteed.
St Kilda Road began as the more practical Baxter’s Track. In 1859 it was developed into a wide tree-lined, Parisian inspired, fashionable boulevard.
St Kilda Road
Victoria’s Gold Rush left its indelible mark on the capital. First, came many magnificent blue-stone monuments. Then palatial mansions were built to house Melbourne’s elite with opulent, manicured gardens. As it happens, Quest St Kilda Road is nestled behind the grand, heritage-listed, Italianate Charsfield – built 1889. One of Melbourne’s most sought after architects, Charles Webb also designed the Windsor Hotel, Melbourne Grammar and the Royal Arcade.
Quest St Kilda Road’s 3004 postcode offers business and leisure travellers the best of both worlds. Close to many of the city’s best parks, including the Botanical Gardens and Albert Park, it’s also only a short tram ride or a stroll from the CBD and the Arts Precinct.
Space to move
Cornering the market on space, style and privacy Quest St Kilda Road’s one-bedroom Executive apartments feel more Cornering the market on space, style and privacy Quest St Kilda Road’s one-bedroom Executive apartments feel more pied-à-terre than hotel. Opening the door the apartment feels brand new. The combined living/dining/kitchen space is bathed in natural light courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows.
Image: Tim Bond Photography
Meanwhile, the kitchen is sleek and fully equipped for lavish meal prep or just unwinding with cheese and wine. Quest’s pantry shopping service (fee) means the grocery shop is already done. For us, Quest’s very accommodating staff went the extra mile with French cheese and artisanal treats for our stay. *Breakfast or a three-course dinner is a breeze with an oven, cooktop, full-sized fridge, dishwasher and Nespresso machine.
Quest St Kilda Road staff will happily take care of your shopping list
The biggest decision? Dinner table or the large balcony entertaining space?
Room service is also available via Deliveroo, or Quest St Kilda Road offers convenient chargeback facilities with several local restaurants and cafes. Note – directly across the street is a convenience store with bottleshop with an extensive wine range.
Image: Tim Bond Photography
The separate king-size bedroom with Smart TV means the one-bedroom apartment has three relaxation zones with a large entertainer’s balcony off the bedroom.
Executive One-Bedroom bathrooms offer expansive showers with Milk by Michael Klim amenities. In another feat befitting David Blaine or Criss Angel, the full-size Fisher and Paykel washer and separate dryer are neatly hidden.
To explore our Quest apartment use your cursor to move around the room, click on the arrows to move between rooms
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And the rest
There’s also a 24-hour on-site gym if walking the boulevard doesn’t suit. Secure undercover parking is available for a fee. The always friendly reception team can help with printing or photocopying, which is a bonus in these days of border exemption permits.
When in Melbourne, tramming is the best option. Reception can also help with Myki visitor packs.
A Myki card does come in mighty handy. Catch the mighty 67 tram and in 20 minutes or so you’re strolling down Lygon St savouring Pidapipo gelato. (Arguably Australia’s finest). Or take a seat at D.O.C. for some of the most delicious pasta this side of Italy.
Verdict: The friendly staff at Quest St Kilda Road were so genuinely helpful it made me feel happy to stay there. And, the location means guests never risk FOMO. If however, relaxation is your quest you can immerse yourself happily in the joy of missing out.
*Stay two nights and receive a fully stocked pantry so you can prepare breakfast in the comfort of your apartment.
This Magnificent Life were guests of Quest Apartments. We do our absolute best to only provide you with information about (travel) products that we truly believe in.
Liz Bond comes from a PR background and loves fine wine, great food and rewarding travel - all the magnificent things in life. She prides herself in meeting famous celebrities at baggage carousels.
