Melbourne’s hospitality scene has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years as a slew of new properties – both boutique beauties and big-name behemoths – have opened throughout the CBD and beyond. One of the most recent additions is Lanson Place Parliament Gardens. We checked in to find a relaxed, chic stay that has something for every traveller.  

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Review of Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne

Australian heritage

Lanson Place swimming pool
The property, and especially its pool, is an escape from the buzz of Melbourne city

Lanson Place Parliament Gardens occupies a quiet spot on the northeastern fringes of Melbourne’s CBD, so guests enjoy the convenience of being a stone’s throw from the city’s best offerings while being able to relax in tranquillity while onsite. A short walk will get you to some of Melbourne’s best retail, dining, and drinking, and cultural experiences, while a quick tram ride puts you within easy reach of big-hitting attractions like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, St Kilda Beach, and the National Gallery of Victoria. 

But it turns out, you can enjoy touches of Melbourne even without leaving the property. The hotel is housed within a meticulously restored heritage building – originally constructed in 1901 – that was once the Salvation Army Printing Works. In creating the hotel, designers worked carefully to retain the building’s historic architecture (think restored arched windows and brickwork) while incorporating contemporary interiors to create a clean yet characterful aesthetic that nods to the city’s past while anchoring it in the present.

Throughout, you’ll stumble across more than 450 artworks showcasing the best established and emerging artists from Melbourne and beyond, a quick, visual way to get a dose of Australiana. Case in point? The dramatic 40-metre-tall installation that takes centre stage across the lobby and Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining space. Created by Melbourne-based artists Jarra Karalinar Steel and Corey Thomas, the piece was inspired by the native Melaleuca paperbark tree, referencing Australia’s native flora and the building’s printing past.

Perhaps my favourite part, though, are the subtle racing references temporarily woven in through the public spaces. My stay happens to fall during the week of the Australian Grand Prix and as a die-hard racing fan, I’m delighted to see racing-inspired art posters by the check-in desk and lifts, and a make-shift podium – complete with Ferrari flags – in Chronicle 502. 

Style & substance

Lanson Place Hotel Kitchen
A home away from home, including a chance to whip up your own healthy meals in their modern kitchens

The Lanson Place brand straddles the line between serviced apartment and hotel and this is reflected in abundance in its new Melbourne property. There are 137 state-of-the-art rooms here across several different categories; some are labelled “hotel” rooms while others are more obviously serviced apartments, but both offer plenty of home comforts. The top suite here is the Premium 2-Bedroom Penthouse, which is ideal for families or groups and boasts exquisite views over the city and Parliament Gardens. And, while slightly dark – a quirk due to the duplex layout – the Heritage 1-Bedroom Lofts are an architecture lover’s dream, featuring heritage architecture from the original building. 

I checked into a very comfortable Studio Double Queen which, as the name suggests, features two plush queen beds made up with Sealy mattresses and pristine white linens. Turns out, it’s perfectly stylish and functional. The finishings and amenities are top-tier, from brass fixtures, Appelles products, and Dyson hairdryer in the bathroom to the premium local drinks and snacks in the kitchenette (which also has a washer/dryer under the two-burner cooktop). However, I’m not a fan of the glass panelling that separates the bedroom from the bathroom, and the odd mirror set-up in the latter makes it hard to do my make-up in the morning.

Perhaps the best part, though, is the seating set-up next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s perfect for an afternoon of work and daydreaming while looking out over the views of Parliament Gardens.

All the extras

Admittedly, the draw of Melbourne’s many attractions was too hard to resist, and I spent most of my time off property, including a particularly restorative morning enjoying the sun in the neighbouring gardens. But Lanson Place Parliament Gardens had everything I needed to keep my usual early morning routine going. 

Lanson Place's Albert Lounge room
The Albert Lounge is where to fuel up on a breakfast buffet

The fully-equipped fitness centre and indoor, heated 20-metre lap pool made sure I stayed consistent with my workout goals each day. And, the first-floor Albert Lounge offered a simple yet tasty semi-buffet breakfast to refuel for long days on the town (it turns into a coworking space after breakfast) 

The real culinary magic at the property, though, happens next to the lobby, at the spacious, light-filled Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining. The menu here is a celebration of fresh, seasonal Australian products served in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. A decadent meal of the Leek and Gruyere Croquettes, followed by the Handmade Prawn & Crab Ravioli – paired with a crisp local Pinot Grigio – was the perfect end to my stay.

Final thoughts

Melbourne has no shortage of hotels and if you’re looking for something uber-luxurious or in-your-face stylish, you’ll certainly find it. But Lanson Place Parliament Gardens perhaps captures that underrated Australian ability to deliver quality and style in a laidback manner – and it’s this that will likely have travellers – whether they’re here for short weekenders or extended business trips – coming back. 

Discover more about Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, Melbourne or Book through Booking.com

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