{"id":24253,"date":"2013-06-26T11:28:45","date_gmt":"2013-06-26T01:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=24253"},"modified":"2013-06-26T11:28:45","modified_gmt":"2013-06-26T01:28:45","slug":"hotel-review-10-things-to-love-about-the-olsen-melbourne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/hotel-review-10-things-to-love-about-the-olsen-melbourne\/","title":{"rendered":"Hotel Review: 10 things to love about The Olsen, Melbourne"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the travel world, there are three words we all long to hear: \u201cYou\u2019ve been upgraded.\u201d

\nOnce that magic phrase is uttered on check-in at The Olsen<\/a>, it\u2019s clear this is going to be a hotel I\u2019ll have to drag myself away from (even with a handy 11am check-out).
\nThe extremely friendly reception staff joke (or so I thought) that there would be enough space for lawn bowls in my two bed open plan suite but they weren\u2019t exaggerating; the 91 square metre space is HUGE!
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<\/p><\/div> I\u2019m talking a king AND queen signature bed (apparently so comfy, half of the hotel staff have purchased their own for home), two bathrooms (complete with baths and cute toiletries), a spacious lounge area (with new copies of Vogue<\/em> and Real Living <\/em>for my reading pleasure \u2013 it\u2019s the little things) and a full kitchenette in case I\u2019m inspired to whip up a quick meal.
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<\/p><\/div> The styling is tranquil, modern and warm with plenty of natural light \u2013 it feels more like you\u2019re staying in a super chic home than a hotel room.
\nAside from the suite itself (where you could happily spend your time) here are ten reasons why staying at The Olsen is a no-brainer.
\n1.\tYou\u2019re staying in<\/em> a gallery <\/strong>
\nAs part of The Art Series Hotel group which takes design inspiration for each of its properties from Australian artists, The Olsen features the works of contemporary landscape artist, Dr John Olsen. His original artworks feature throughout the hotel including the guest rooms, giving a sense of class, sophistication and culture wherever you look.
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<\/p><\/div> 2.\tLocation, location, location <\/strong>
\nWhen it comes to Melbourne bases, it\u2019s hard to beat trendy South Yarra and The Olsen is located on the hottest shopping strip in town, Chapel Street.
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Room with a view - hello Chapel Street!<\/p><\/div> The precinct is made for walking and you\u2019ll be hard pressed not to walk away with a bargain or ten from the boutiques. Set aside a day (or two) and shop until you drop.
\n3.\tSweet temptation <\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re on a diet, I suggest averting your eyes as you approach this little slice of dessert heaven. If however, you share my view that calories consumed when on holidays don\u2019t count, a visit to Burch and Purchese Sweet Studio<\/a>, conveniently located right next to The Olsen, is an absolute must.
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<\/p><\/div> Owner and Chef Darren Purchese (who you may have seen on MasterChef<\/em>) and his team (including 2012 MasterChef <\/em>contestant Kylie Millar who we spotted on our visit), produce the most exquisite, unique sweet creations that choosing just one (or three!) is nearly impossible. You have to taste it to believe it, trust me on this one.
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<\/p><\/div> 4.\tRooftop space and that<\/em> pool<\/strong>
\nEven in the middle of winter, you can appreciate the beauty that is the blue shimmering heated pool perched above Chapel Street.
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<\/p><\/div> Venture up the swirling stairs to the rooftop terrace, the perfect spot for soaking up the views (or even a spot of chess!). Or if you\u2019re feeling active, hit the small but well-equipped gym.
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<\/p><\/div> 5.\tA reasonably priced mini-bar (!) <\/strong>
\nI\u2019m not usually one to touch hotel mini-bars (I prefer my Pringles without the $10 price tag) but The Olsen\u2019s little buddle of goodies is surprisingly reasonable with most items, including Red Rock Deli Chips, Maltesers and soft drinks around the $3 mark.
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<\/p><\/div> 6.\tDid someone say pamper time? <\/strong>
\nAs a premier boutique hotel, you\u2019d expect The Olsen to have an onsite day spa and Norbu Day Spa doesn\u2019t disappoint.
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<\/p><\/div> When Mr LML jets back to Sydney, I do what any shopped-out self-respecting 20-something woman would do: book myself in for some pampering action.
\n7.\tFab onsite dining options<\/strong>
\nVenturing away from your room, Spoonbill Restaurant & Bar<\/a> meets your foodie needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks (with room service on offer too).
\nStaying true to its dedication to John Olsen and his love of all things Oz, the menu features regional Australian produce and a seasonal menu including his famous paella, a dish he learnt to cook when he travelled to Spain in the 1950\u2019s. Talk about attention to detail!

\n8.\tMelbourne\u2019s best new cafe is a short walk away <\/strong>
\nRecently named Melbourne\u2019s best new cafe<\/a> in The Age Good Cafe Guide, Top Paddock<\/a> is well worth the two block walk up the road to nearby Richmond.
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<\/p><\/div> The all day menu (oh how I love cafes with an all day breakfast option) features favourites like bircher muesli, <\/em>along with more unique options such as ginger bread with roasted blood plums and chocolate mascarpone. <\/eM>And apparently the fresh soft-shell QLD mud crab roll with fennel, dill and lime mayo in a brioche bun <\/eM>is the stuff of lunchtime heaven.
\nOn my visit I try the seasonal avocado with lime, sea salt and Movida bakery sourdough. <\/eM>Simple but truly delicious.
\n 9.\tThe wheel deal <\/strong>
\nWhile there\u2019s plenty within walking distance of The Olsen and trams nearby too, if you\u2019re after some wheels, you can hire the hotel\u2019s signature smart car by the hour, day or week.
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<\/p><\/div> For wheels of the bicycle variety, they\u2019ve got you covered too for as little as $5 per hour.
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<\/p><\/div>10.\tYour celeb chef fix is a minute away <\/strong>
\nThe latest venture from George Colombaris of MasterChef fame, Mama Baba<\/a> is literally a minutes\u2019 walk from the hotel. The menu reflects the heritage of George\u2019s parents \u2013 his Greek Cypriot Mama and half-Sicilian Baba \u2013 combining traditional Greek and Italian food with a modern twist.
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<\/p><\/div> The large warehouse style space, still manages to be warm and inviting with an almost New York-cool vibe. Add in the house DJ and extensive cocktail list and it\u2019s clear this isn\u2019t your average Italian\/Greek restaurant!
\nHighlights include the cauliflower and roasted mushroom brushetta <\/eM>(probably my favourite dish of the night!) and the prosciutto salumi plate with \u201cMama Made\u201d cacciatore, free range salami, served with pickled vegetables and olives. Mr LML\u2019s Papadalas,<\/em> a pasta from the Mama part of the menu with squid ink, snapper, sweet corn and zucchini is a winner.
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<\/p><\/div> There\u2019s always room for dessert and it\u2019s hard to go past the Cinnamon bombolini, <\/em>otherwise known as cinnamon donuts filed with Nutella. We balance things out with a refreshing lemon cheesecake with glazed baby apple with cumquat chutney and crispy quinoa <\/em>that is surprisingly our pick of the two.
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<\/p><\/div> Where is your favourite hotel in Melbourne? Have you shopped up a storm on Chapel Street? <\/em><\/strong><\/font><\/div>\n

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Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Burch<\/a>
\nTop Paddock<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Top<\/a>
\nMama Baba<\/em><\/strong>
\n\"Mama<\/a>
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Flights to Melbourne<\/a><\/div>\n
Hotels in Melbourne<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div class=\"pinkLinks\">\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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