The Somerset on Elizabeth manages to provide the privacy and autonomy of an apartment while still offering the hospitality of a hotel. Little things – like the daily travel suggestions and weather notices – make the residence more welcoming than other “let and forget” apartment-style abodes.
Despite being smack bang in the middle of some of Melbourne busiest retail precincts (Melbourne Central, Emporium and Bourke Street Mall are all about a minute’s walk away), a stay at the Somerset feels remarkably private. The Elizabeth Street entrance is hardly ostentatious – the unobservant could easily walk past it. But it’s clear from the moment you enter your room that the Somerset’s focus is squarely on guest comfort.
The suites – comprising a bedroom, living area and work area, kitchen and spacious bathroom – feel genuinely cosy, with every inch of the space used. Many travellers are drawn to apartment hotels for the ability to cook in-room, only to be let down by lacklustre appliances and utensils. To its credit, the Somerset’s kitchens are well kitted out, easy to use and (most importantly) clean. Bonus points for even having a separate bin for recycling.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the hotel is that you can bring your whole family – fur babies included. Dog-friendly rooms include a welcome pack (with a treat and a toy), a cosy bed for your four-legged companion and access to a dog-friendly courtyard. Food is provided, as are bags to pick up after your pooch (outside, of course) and bowls for food and water. The Somerset is not just welcoming to dogs, though. You can also bring your cat for a stay in the big city. If you book in a cat-friendly stay, your purring friend will have access to a cosy cat bed, cat toys, cat food and litter, as well as bowls for food and water. You'll even get a toy to take home.
Any hotel, apartment-style or otherwise, gets in our good books for supplying toothbrushes and toothpaste, which are surely the most forgotten item while travelling. An unusual addition are fluffy white robes and slippers. Robes are a staple at any five-star hotel, but it’s rare to see this small luxury included in an apartment hotel. They are appreciated after a soak in the tub (the robes get five out of five kittens for their fluffiness).
It’s clear that the Somerset gets its fair share of business travellers, but its central location makes it clearly popular with leisure guests as well, particularly those who want to save their money for the numerous nearby retail centres. If you’re not too tired from tearing up the shops, the complex has a jet pool, sauna and a gym on the fourth floor. Don’t want to make breakfast? Somerset has arrangements set up with a nearby café to make breakfast for you.