In a city that’s buzzing with bars, boutiques, galleries, theatres and high-end restaurants, you need a high-end hotel to match. Enter , Melbourne’s new laneway hotel smack bang in the middle of the action on the iconic Flinders Lane.
Joining , and in Australia (and many other premium locations around the world), this recently revamped and zhuzhed up Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders now features nine oh-so-chic boutique room styles that fuse fashion, art and runway photography.
Inspired by the culture and colour of its surrounds (including the original studio of fashion photography loyalty Helmut Newton that was just around the corner), this eclectic, art-filled hotel provides playful interiors, state-of-the-art facilities and only the plushest fluffy robes, while floor to ceiling windows give more than a glimpse of the grand old city of Melbourne.
After you’ve settled in, it’s time to step out, but you won’t need to travel far to experience the very best bits of Melbourne. We’ve put together a short hit list of what’s hot in six of our favourite inner-city suburbs. Consider this your cheat sheet for your next interstate trip or city staycay at Hotel Indigo. Here’s our insider tips on how to experience Melbourne like a local with some of the very best places to dine, drink and play just a short tram ride away.
CBD
Get ready for cheesy bowls of pasta, smash hit musicals, queue-worthy noodles and street art hot spots—after the chaos of COVID halted the city’s businesses, Melbourne CBD is back and better than ever. From ’s top-tier Italian and a taste of Thailand well worth the wait at , to the ever-sophisticated and very ‘Melbourne’ wine bar , there’s no shortage of delicious dining and drinking destinations (with ’s hot take on tapas right on the Hotel Indigo’s doorstop). After sauntering down Degraves Lane and Hosier Lane to take in the ever-changing street art with a coffee from in hand, theatre-goers can check out blockbuster productions at the or have a laugh at .
Collingwood
Once a slightly-less cosmopolitan neighbourhood, a Melbourne trip wouldn’t be complete without a meander down Smith Street to visit some of the city’s hottest new openings and cult faves. For great Greek, check out the iconic , get a taste of Tokyo with the , then wash it all down with a drink at rooftop bar. Feel like a spot of shopping? is the ultimate haven for glorious homewares and gifts, add to your jewelry collection at or refresh that wardrobe at .
Fitzroy
Within Melbourne’s oldest suburb there’s three main streets—Gertrude, Brunswick and Johnston—each as unique, interesting and appetizing as the other. Gertrude should be your first stop for food. Starting at the Nicholson Street end, grab famous meatball sub, pop into for some oysters, and then take a seat out the front of the for an afternoon of people watching over a bottle of wine. Next, take the number 11 tram down Brunswick Street and search for a bargain at one of the many vintage stores including and , stopping off at for refueling on authentic Mexican tacos, tequila and vinyl tunes. Finish up on Johnston Street at the a late-night boogie and a tipple or two.
Richmond
Home of footy fanatics, food lovers and the mighty Tigers, Richmond is a melting pot of cultures, creativity and coffee shops. There are some stunning sangers in the inner-east: , and remain perpetually popular, while Victoria Street’s has one of the best bánh mìs in Melbourne. If a pint and a parma are more your scene, get your fix at the , the or the . Prefer cheese and vino? There’s , , or (technically in Cremorne - a teeny, tiny pocket within the same 3121 postcode - but very worthy of a mention). On the fashion front, pick up the coat of your dreams from ’s light-filled boutique before heading to a game at the ‘G.
Northcote
Just a little further out north (as the name would suggest) lies Northcote. Wildly popular among artists, creatives and young professionals, there’s a huge sense of community in this vibrant, edgy, hipster hang out. High Street is dotted with live music venues, quirky shops, and eateries serving everything from vegan food to gourmet burgers. Catch a band at or a film at the art deco style cinema . When the hunger strikes, pop into Scott Pickett’s famed , or for something a little more low key, twirl your fork around a plate of pasta at . Before you head back to the hotel, swing by and be sure to pick up a sweet treat from .
South Yarra
This sophisticated, stylish, fast-paced suburb is home to scores of equally chic food and fashion spots. Start your sojourn in South Yarra at the 150-year-old for an oozing cheese toastie from . Next, grab your caffeinated beverage of choice from and wander through the sprawling Faulkner Park. From there, head back towards Chapel Street down Toorak Road for some retail therapy at pre-loved luxury haven . Finally, end your day at Melbourne institution followed by a night-cap at .
So, what are you waiting for?! As we head into 2024, we’re leaving stuffy hotel chains in sub-par locations in the past. It’s time to shake up the way you travel and stay in a space worthy of such a city. Check into , charge up your Myki, and then check out all Melbourne has to offer, right on your doorstep.
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Image credits: Gimlet, Runner Up, Poodle, Hugo's Deli, Zsa's and Maker and Monger