Melbourne is a city lucky enough to be home to a stack of gorgeous five-star hotels – but tucked away on the eastern fringe of the CBD grid is a newly launched lodging that’s fast becoming a favourite for locals and tourists alike.
Located on Albert Street – with spectacular views taking in everything from the Princess Theatre to the MCG – Lanson Place Parliament Gardens is the brand’s very first Australian hotel, and expertly blends heritage elements with modern touches. It is, after all, housed in the historic 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works building, which has been beautifully restored to its full glory; the fabulous front facade sure does make for a grand first impression.
Attached at the back is a new tower that boasts 137 rooms, including studios, one- and two-bedroom suites and two exclusive penthouses. I’m shacked up in a one-bedroom apartment, and it has everything you could need for a cheeky staycation. I’m talking a dreamy king-size bed, a giant bathroom with a shower and bath, and a generous lounge-kitchen area that could very well be bigger than my own at home.
But it’s the curated amenities that take this hotel to the next level. There’s a Dyson hairdryer (IYKYK), Nespresso coffee machine, Miele two-burner cooktop and a Ninja blender. You can even do a load of laundry in the Whirlpool washing machine, if that’s your holiday vibe. Oh, and did I mention the robes? On a level of one to ultra-fluffy, the dressing gowns are off the chart.
No good hotel is complete without somewhere to take a dip, and Lanson Place’s heated indoor pool is perfectly equipped for all of Melbourne’s seasons. At 20 metres in length it’s ideal for a couple of laps, after which you should definitely unwind in the adjoining spa. On the same level is a fitness centre with treadmills, exercise bikes, weight machines, yoga mats and more.
While the central location means there’s a plethora of restaurants at your doorstep, it’s well worth staying in for a bite to eat at Chronicle 502 Bar and Dining, which is situated right in the foyer of the hotel. The cosy booths and plush lounges make for a relaxed environment, and the menu offers a solid selection of modern Australian dishes and classic hotel snacks. My hot tip? Don’t skimp on dessert – the red velvet cake with raspberries and cream is a winner.
Come morning, the Albert Lounge does an excellent buffet brekky. You can load up on pastries, yoghurt and cereals, or hot items like hash browns, crispy bacon, mushrooms and eggs made to order. If you want to be super healthy, down one of the immunity shots – on the morning I was there it was an invigorating combo of ginger, celery, citrus and beetroot.
A defining feature of the hotel is the art, and there are more than 450 commissioned pieces dotted throughout the building. The most striking is a 40-metre installation inspired by the native melaleuca paperbark tree. Situated in the hotel lobby, the layered elements represent the pages of a manuscript – a nod to the building’s origins as a printing press.
With staff who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome (every person I encountered was eager to receive feedback or make sure that all my needs were being met), top-notch facilities and a central location that means you’re just a hop, skip and jump away from the action of Melbourne’s inner hub, Lanson Place Parliament Gardens really does tick all the right boxes.
Time Out tip: make sure you pop into Chronicle 502 Bar and Dining and order the Gardens by the Bay cocktail – with matcha and coconut this lip-smackingly fresh concoction could almost be mistaken for a healthy smoothie, if not for the cheeky splash of vodka. Yum!
Leah Glynn stayed as a guest of Lanson Place Parliament Gardens in September 2024.