Short review
Note: 3 is average
Value for money: 5/5 – Got a very good deal
Services: 4/5 – Staff were friendly and accommodating
Bedroom: 5/5 – Spacious, modern, and clean
Sleep quality: 5/5 – Different types of pillows were offered thorough their pillow talk program
Bathroom: 4/5 – Modern and clean open-plan bathroom with a quirky freestanding washbasin
Breakfast: 3/5 – Average experience
Facilities and amenities: 3.5/5 – A fairly good 24-hour gym; located in the centre of Melbourne
Pros
- Located in the centre of Melbourne
- Spacious and modern bedroom
Cons
- No swimming pool
Long review
I walked to the hotel from the Southern Cross Station given that it was only a little bit over 1 km away. It is also possible to travel by the free tram service from the station, although you still need to walk around 500 metres to reach the hotel.
The entrance was pretty small and unassuming, which was a typical arrangement for a hotel located in a CBD area. The concierge was located on the ground floor, while the lobby was located on the second floor. I just realised that Novotel and Ibis were in the same building. Ibis occupied the lower floors up to level 20, while Novotel occupied the higher floors. In the lobby, there were two check-in areas. One area was for Novotel guests, where guests were served by hotel staff. Another area comprised self-check-in kiosks for Ibis guests.
After a quick check-in, I went directly to my room on the 29th floor. The Deluxe Room was fairly spacious at around 28 sqm. Maybe 28 sqm does not sound spacious, but the room layout with its open-plan bathroom and a freestanding washbasin made it feel more spacious.
This Deluxe Room was equipped with a king bed and a long lounge chair across the length of the window. The bed was comfortable, and the hotel offered a pillow talk service where I could order a variety of pillows from the Housekeeping. This was a great thing to have to ensure a good night sleep.
The lounge was excellent for relaxing and lounging. A welcome note and welcome gifts, comprising a pair of basketball pattern socks and a block of chocolate, were placed on the lounge table. The socks were a unique gift indeed. Looking out through the window, the view was pretty much blocked by high-rise buildings, although there was a gap where I could see far.
Opposite the bed, from left to right, there were a small table and a chair, which were suitable for doing some work, a TV, and a well-stocked mini bar. Wi-Fi was adequately fast and reliable. There was also a good number of power outlets and USB charging stations scattered around the room.
Back to the bathroom, the freestanding washbasin was part of the open-plan layout of the room. Behind it, there were the shower and the toilet hidden behind frosted doors. An interesting concept indeed. I think it was good for a solo traveller or a couple, but maybe it was a bit awkward to share the room with a work colleague. The shower itself was equipped with a rainfall showerhead and the usual flexible showerhead.
Breakfast was served at the Pretty Boy Bar and Restaurant on the first floor. Typical Australian breakfast dishes were served around the bar area, while cold dishes, drinks, and fruit were served at the end of the restaurant. I could order tea or coffee directly from the staff when they showed me where to sit, and it was promptly delivered to my table. Generally, breakfast was a mediocre affair. Nothing to complain or rave about.
The hotel has a 24-hour gym located on the third floor. It was adequately equipped and was shared between Novotel and Ibis. The space was rather crammed though. There was no pool in this hotel.
As a solo traveller on business, I very much enjoyed my stay. The hotel’s central location was its main strength. The Deluxe Room was spacious and nicely equipped, providing an excellent space to wind down and rest or to catch up a bit of work.
