The Olsen Melbourne - Art Series

"First impressions? This member of the hugely popular Art Series Hotels group pays homage to Australian painting titan John Olsen, whose distinctive work adorns every available bit of wall space. Lush amenities and an upmarket South Yarra location make it one of the city's most tempting boutique picks. What’s the crowd like? Art aficionados, the fashion set, and travelers who'd rather be positioned away from the thrum of downtown. How was check in? At 224 guest rooms, this is the largest of the Art Series hotels—but well-trained staff prevent bottlenecks from forming in the lobby and restaurant. There's no confusion with "all-in-one" tablets for lights, TV, and A/C, which some travelers may find a relief. Tell us about your room. The champagne and silver palette in the guest rooms is a welcome counterpoint to Olsen's bright and bold work, and the signature Art Series beds are just the right kind of squishy. Not all rooms include bathtubs, so request one when you book. How about the little things, like Wi-Fi? Rooms are well set up for longer stays: kitchenettes come as standard, and the Wi-Fi is strong and free. Room service and food: Worth it? Spoonbill Restaurant & Bar is a cut above most hotel eateries in Melbourne, serving tasty savory plates for breakfast, and a mix of mod-Oz and Mediterranean for lunch and dinner. Spoonbill also takes care of room service, which is available 24/7. Anything stand out about other services and features? Thrill seekers should take a dip in The Olsen's glass-bottomed rooftop pool, which overhangs the street; and the Norbu spa offers infra-red treatments. Bottom line. Aside from being visually enticing, The Olsen is exceedingly comfortable and expertly run, which makes for a stress-free guest experience." - Dan F. Stapleton