Crouching Koala Hidden Emu
Stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street for a short city break. The location is excellent, directly opposite Flinders Street Station and within easy walking distance of Federation Square, the Yarra River, restaurants and Melbourne's laneways.
The hotel itself is functional rather than impressive. It appears to be a converted office building, which means the layout is a little different from purpose-built hotels and there are no particularly memorable views despite the prime location. The room was comfortable enough, but the finishes and fixtures lacked the polished feel I've experienced at other DoubleTree properties. Business travellers looking for a more premium or contemporary fit-out may find it falls short of expectations.
During our stay there was an issue with our baggage, however the staff handled the situation professionally, resolved the problem and provided complimentary drink vouchers as a goodwill gesture, which was appreciated.
One disappointment was that the gym was closed during our stay, as this is a facility I normally like to use when travelling.
Overall, the hotel's strongest selling point is its outstanding location. It works well as a tourist base for exploring Melbourne, but business travellers who prioritise hotel facilities, room finishes and a more modern feel may prefer some of the newer hotels in the CBD.