Loss. Heartbreak. Disruption. Not quite how we saw 2020 in February. We started the year pledging to bring #emptyeskys and #holidayherethisyear to recover from the bushfires. Then Covid-19.
Across the country many put out the ‘Back in 5’ sign on the front door but never made it back.
Victorians second wave brought a world-record 112-day lockdown. They emerged to #getonthebeers and #doubledonut days. Congratulations Victoria – you did it.
Many of us reminisced for a while. In lieu of the real thing, virtual tours, cooking along at home and hosted walks via our screens delayed our wanderlust. Temporarily.
Nonetheless, American glossies flirt with disaster with US ‘how-to fly’ guides for Thanksgiving. In the light of the uncertainty, some cruise lines are being cautious – advertising only 2022 or 2023 itineraries.
As we barrel towards Christmas, our new normal looks like road trips and a staycation in the city. Meanwhile, new hotels in the pipeline pushed back opening dates. After a very difficult few months, the big name and boutique properties are enticing us with bargain rates and extra perks for a simple weekend staycation.
Now as borders re-open, Melbourne is leading the way with the opening of *5 bright, shiny hotels. Putting out the welcome mat over the next few months and in order of appearance…
Green is the word
Adina Apartment Hotel Southbank is unlike any other hotel in the country. Sustainable doesn’t come close to describing the ground-breaking construction techniques. Built atop an existing 1989 commercial building, the ten-storey hotel uses Cross Laminate Timber instead of concrete to achieve the 220 room target. The timber was sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-approved suppliers.
A fifth of the weight of concrete, CLT use results in lower transport costs and offsets carbon emissions. Prefabricated modular hotel bathrooms dramatically reduced the onsite construction hours. Best of all the use of timber saves 4,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions – which is equal to the annual carbon emissions of 130 homes.
One of the country’s tallest timber buildings, it strikes a pose at the junction of Melbourne’s historic Botanic Gardens, Southbank and the CBD. With floor to ceiling windows, the views to the north and south are nothing short of spectacular. In addition, the indoor pool area is bathed in direct sunlight. Comfortable and sustainable the Adina Apartment Hotel Southbank is sure to be a crowdpleaser for a staycation and future corporate travellers.
Adina Apartment Hotel Southbank is now open.
On the right side
Adina Apartment Hotel West Melbourne opens December 4. According to the Vacaay Future of Travel Report 2021, Aussies are looking for Restorative travel options. Adina will bring its own brand of restoration to Melbourne with 2000 square metres of Zen gardens and a private outdoor retreat complete with a 25m lap pool, plunge pool and spa pool. The wellness centre features a massage studio, yoga pod, spa, beauty parlour and treatment pods for wellness innovations.
The 92-apartment hotel occupies seven levels and the glamorous lobby design incorporates soothing rainforest green and lily ponds. Fully-equipped kitchens and laundries ensure a home away from home feel. But chic, urban design reminds you that the big city is on the doorstep. With Queen Vic markets only metres away, the option to cook fresh is easy. With nine bars and restaurants in the hotel’s precinct, you can take the easy option for the full staycation experience.
Adina Apartment Hotels – my other address.
Adina West Melbourne opens November 23.
Setting the stage
Lancemore Crossley St is letting the world know Melbourne is back, baby. Smack bang in the middle of the CBD, Lancemore Crossley St overlooks Chinatown, is 200m from the Princess, Her Majesty’s and the Comedy Theatres and walking distance to the MCG, NGV, ACMI and the best of Melbourne’s acronyms.
This is peak Melbourne: chic laneway location together with rooftop terrace cocktail bar. The city’s most notable restaurants and bars (think Bar Margaux people) are within a 10-minute walk.
Formerly Romeo Street, the reimagined public spaces are moody. The 113 rooms and suites are bright and minimal. The little extras? Free high-speed Wi-Fi, 2 free (non-alcoholic mini-bar items, Hunter Lab amenities, as well as bespoke artwork and signature Crossley St scent.
Lancemore Crossley St opens December 4.
*Due to open in early 2021 –
The 294-room W Melbourne on Flinders Lane swings open the doors in February.
Hilton Melbourne on the corner of Bourke and Little Queen Streets is also listed for a February debut.
