The Crown Metropol, Melbourne

My first visit to Melbourne and where would I stay? Probably every tourist’s first choice, the costly but rather lavish and modern Crown Metropol. Directly placed in the hub of Melbourne city central you have St Kilda and Fitzroy at your fingertips.

The Room

I can’t speak for the other rooms but by experiencing the Luxe Twin Share I think I have a firm grasp on Crown Metropol’s style and service. The room is split into two, one area for the beds and desk, the other a kind of glass box encasing the ensuite bathroom. Put simple the spacious room of 38 square meters has everything you need; a wardrobe, television, desk, cosmetics, towels and as ever, an alluring view. All guests are offered wireless internet, mini bar, in-room dining and valet parking at an additional charge.

Leisure
Over the street (accessible by an indoor bridge) the Crown Casino lies in wait. Endless nights can be spent here, winning, losing, socialising. Sip a bitter martini while playing roulette or invite your friends down to the Black Jack table. With live entertainment, sports screen and the complex being hugged by the most vibrant nightclubs around even on a Monday there's never a dull moment. Hey, you might see a few escorts dotted about, you never know.

Isika Spa takes your stay from being a busy and excited blur into a retreat or relaxation. Each room comes with a spa ‘menu’ offering a variety of different services. Even a salon and nail bar to prepare you for those long nights or to give you a whole new look for your trip home. Not a vanity fan? Take a toe dip into the life of a millionaire with Crown Metropol’s own infinity pool. Opening at 6am it’s the perfect place to wake up and watch the sunrise.

Crown Metropol boasts some of the best shopping in Melbourne with a luxury shopping mall selling high fashion brands from Burberry to Prada only minutes from your room.

Nightlife
What better way to start off the night than a couple of drinks overlooking the sunset on Southbank? 28 SkyBar Lounge offers one of the most luxurious drinking experiences with a library, fireplaces and balcony. With the highest caliber bartenders serving you $20 cocktails you’ll be drinking till the sun comes up.

As well as serving wonderful breakfasts to kick start your morning of sight seeing (or nursing a hangover) Mr Hive can turn itself on a head and become a sleek place for an evening drink. The added bonus? They do room service.

Location
Located on Southbank it poses every city transitors nightmare. I made the death-defying mistake of trying to drive through the city center during rush hour. If there’s one piece of advice you take away from this: Do. Not. Do. That. Other than the hell of experiencing the Melbourne commute the hotel itself is in a top notch area. A mere taxi ride across the bridge and you’re in the heart of Melbourne’s never waning shopping district. Southern Cross station, Melbourne aquarium and the business district are all in walking distance, so whether you've come for work or play it's the perfect spot for your getaway.

Pricing
Prices start at $268 for two people in the Luxe King or Twin room although various deals can knock it down to $216 if you do your research.