Northbank is the place to be. There’s plenty happening in this funky end of the city once home to Melbourne Fish Markets. Whilst it it’s not the luxury end of town, it is developing an inner city chic and it’s the perfect place to stay if you would like some comfort without a hefty price tag.
Location – The Northbank of the Yarra
Set on the Northbank of the Yarra, opposite Southbank of course, there are some real hidden gems of attractions on this side which are detailed under activities. Southbank Promenade is less than fifteen minutes’ walk, the Convention and Exhibition Centre is virtually on the doorstep and Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations are a few minutes away.
Rooms – Large kitchenette, lounge room, separate bedroom and bathroom and a balcony
Apartment hotels are so much more roomy than your normal accommodation. My room has a large kitchenette, lounge room, separate bedroom and bathroom and a balcony with Southbank vistas. There’s a toaster, a coffee maker and Pickwick teas to choose from.
The bed is snug and I even have a door from my bedroom to the balcony or I can choose to visit my outside lair from the lounge room. Decisions. Decisions. There’s a TV in the bedroom and one in the lounge room so if travelling with those with inferior viewing tastes put them on the couch while you lord it up from the bedroom. The décor is done in restful neutrals with a spot of navy here and there. It’s a touch semi-industrial with elements of concrete, black steel and timber giving the hotel an urban vibe.
There’s also a washer and a dryer which I love when staying for a few nights. No bills for expensive hotel laundry. And there’s the luxury of 24 hour reception service with secure access for guests after hours.
Facilities – Pool, spa and sauna and a fitness centre
An indoor heated pool, spa and sauna and a fitness centre which offer panoramic city views are great for those who don’t want to lounge around on the couch watching their Smart TV. I didn’t use the parking but there is guest access to parking. Wi-Fi with one MB downloads is available for all guests and with up to four devices. There are also paid options if you wish to increase the
Melbourne activities close by
For sleuths and spies the Victorian Police Fingerprinting facility is a short walk away. Who knew there was such a place? The reviews on Tripadvisor give the service here the thumbs up. So if you want to be close by but tucked away in a gem of a hotel, the Adina Northbank is for you. Near the Fingerprint facility is the Victorian police museum – another little known treasure. This smallish space offers Australia’s largest collection of Kelly gang armour to forensic evidence from Melbourne’s most notorious crimes. Well worth a look especially if you’re on your way to be fingerprinted.
Closer to the CBD but just a few blocks away is the Immigration Museum set in the grand Customs House building. Here you’ll find stories about Melbourne’s newcomers and the mark they have left on the city.
Other attractions include Cow Up a Tree Sculpture, Eight Hour Day Monument, and John Landy And Ron Clarke – Sportsmanship Statue. So for a good whiff of culture head to Northbank, it’s Melbourne’s next hot spot.
I didn’t make it to the MCG or Rod Laver Arena but they’re a short walk away and there’s also a free city tram virtually on the doorstep. Ditto for Vue de Monde, I didn’t make it – alas no booking for me but it’s a stone’s throw away. The hotel is in close proximity to Melbourne’s famous laneway culture and too many world class eateries to count.
Nicole Lenoir-Jourdan stayed as a guest of Adina Northbank.
More information: adinahotels.com/en/apartments/melbourne-northbank
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
