IHG’s Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins is the colourful centrepiece of a new city precinct that pays homage to its storied past. Step inside with us after a recent stay.
There are monkeys everywhere. They’re climbing the walls and sitting beside the bed, but these cute critters are here purely to pay homage to E.W. Cole, the owner of Cole’s Book Arcade, whose monkey-filled menagerie was once located within the precinct.
It’s just one of the bold, eccentric designs you’ll find at the new Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins (the monkeys are all light fixtures), which pay homage to its past and, along with its hip location, make this one of Melbourne’s coolest new hotel openings.
The destination
Eight years in the making, Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins sits in a new precinct in central Melbourne called ‘Melbourne Walk’.
Enter via Little Collins Street via a discreet door, which will take you to a lift where you’ll arrive at the dramatic, bold blue lobby – a colour chosen as a nod to Melbourne’s street signs.
It’s a fitting entrance to a hotel surrounded by colourful laneways filled with street art and some of the city’s best eateries.
My room
As well as a cute monkey, which doubles as your bedside light, the vibrant blue in the lobby plays its part here too, as a backdrop in your kitchenette. Each room also has graphics of the city’s laneways on the walls and recycled terrazzo side tables made from Skyy Vodka bottles.
There’s a curved curtain, so no sneaky light can come in the cracks to wake you up; the bathroom and walk-in robe can be sectioned off for privacy, and opened up for ease of access.
And there’s everything you’d expect in a boutique luxury hotel, a full amenity kit and the little extras that add comfort – slippers and robes.
Look carefully and you’ll make out the famed quote by E.W. Cole engraved in the room numbers, which have been designed like coins, which reads, “The world is a book. Those who do not travel read only one page.”
Wine and dine
Sure, there are plenty of places to dine in this central locale, but make a point to have at least one evening meal at Fern while you’re here.
Start at the circular bar that sits around the bottom of the spiral staircase, inspired by Sidney Myer’s drapery store. Then move over to the vast restaurant – a booth at the back means you can soak up the entire surrounds.
The menu is created by Darryl Hand, formerly Victorian Arts Centre and Collins Square Hospitality Group, who has mastered modern Melbourne cuisine.
Think sesame prawn toast with Yarra Valley salmon caviar and baked hand-rolled potato gnocchi with confit tomato, vodka sauce, black olive crumble and basil, and finish it off with three Victorian cheeses – all matched with primarily Victorian wines like Giant Steps Pinot Noir, Dal Zotto Pinot Grigio King Valley and Kooyong Estate Chardonnay Mornington Peninsula.
Out and about
With this location, you want to spend days exploring the city and the Block Arcade, where you’ll find the renowned Tea Rooms, which first opened in the late 1800s.
Come for high tea, or just take a cake back to the hotel for an afternoon treat, but make sure you also explore the myriad of boutiques that line the arcade. Think Haigh’s Chocolates, Art Of Dr. Seuss and the French Jewel Box, which has been selling fine antique and vintage jewellery here since 1905.
You’re also only a 10-minute stroll from the East End Theatre District, where you’ll find all six of the precinct’s major theatres for big-name musicals, local comedy gigs, literary talks or live music.
Verdict
This hotel has a definite vibe: it’s one of the cool kids in appearance, but underneath it’s all heart.
You’ll feel like you’re in good hands with warm and attentive service, without being over the top, and the food is exceptional. Suites are perfect for business guests who might want to host drinks on the terrace before dinner at Fern, but it’s equally the perfect getaway for couples looking for a fun city escape.
The details
Address: 288 Little Collins Street Blgd 2 Melbourne
Room type: King Standard City View Balcony
Check-in: 3pm
Check-out: 11am
Rates: $440 – 884 per night (depending on the time of year)
For more information, visit Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins.
