A review of the Pan Pacific in Melbourne
Pan-tastic Views and Melbourne Evenings to Swoon Over
When you get to stay at somewhere like the luxurious Pan Pacific in Melbourne, the hardest decision is whether you prefer the view of a clear winter’s day, or the glittering colours of evening.
Such was the panoramic suite I stayed in, with 180 degree spectacular views of Yarra River and city skyline. It was a tough choice, but raising the electronic shades on the floor to ceiling windows to reveal a glorious sunny Sunday morning, I did enjoy watching rowers carve their way gracefully along the Yarra.
The room review at the Pan Pacific in Melbourne
The room was large and elegant, with a gentle decor of beige and tan that glows like gold when the morning sun enters. As a suite, there is a separate lounge and small dining area with a large tv but if you’re lazy like me, why sit on a couch when you can lie in bed nestled among scores of squishy white cotton pillows and watch Netflix until you fall asleep, remote in hand.
The bathroom is immense, possibly half the size of my apartment, with a deep bath which I fill with bubbles and can still see the view of the Yarra while soaking and reading my book.
An impressive art collection in Melbourne
The foyer of the Pan Pacific is gorgeous. One of the chain’s selling points is its impressive art collection. Over a glass of wine in my suite, I flick through the coffee table book of the art collection that adorns the walls of Pan Pacifics across the globe. Happily for Melbourne, much of the art is indigenous.
Southbank location
One of the best things about the Pan Pacific is the location. Down at Southbank, in between the Convention Centre and the Crown Casino, it’s a pleasant 15 minute walk into the centre of the city which is crammed with bars and restaurants that Melbourne is renowned for. I already had dinner plans at Osteria Ilaria in Little Bourke street – which I highly recommend for the ambience, delightful bar staff, exquisite Nebbiolo and pasta-to-die-for – but the Pan Pacific has restaurant Dock 37 that serves reasonably priced modern Australian fare.
The breakfast buffet, one of my favourite features of any hotel, is extensive but I recommend getting there early as I had a late breakfast and items were running out or looking a little tired.
For families or solo travel
While I travelled solo, Pan Pacific looks like the place to stay for families. There are family room rates, and South Wharf is reminiscent of Darling Harbour in Sydney – kid-friendly with plenty to do.
And it wouldn’t be a trip to Melbourne without shopping, right? Pan Pacific is conveniently located near DFO South Wharf which features more than 140 outlet stores. I manage to keep my credit card in check this time but going by the weekend crowds, it’s the best place to pick up a brand bargain.
But as Melbourne is undisputedly the Australian capital of arts and culture, there’s more to do than shop. For my weekend, a stroll along the Yarra to the National Gallery was the perfect end to the weekend – which was warmer and drier than Sydney!
Pan Pacific, Melbourne, is located at 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf.
A night in the Panoramic Suite is $895.
Hotel Deals Melbourne CBD | Special Offers at Pan Pacific Melbourne
