Why not stay in Atlantis Hotel during your Melbourne break?

Australia; a country that is able to attract Brits like other. It’s as familiar as it is strange; Australians speak the same language and have (broadly) the same sense of humour, although its beaches, landscape and climate is far removed. Large numbers of holidaymakers arrive in the culturally-diverse city of Melbourne. With the city home to so many hotels, where’s the best place to start? Many begin their Australian adventure at Atlantis Hotel, and it’s easy to see why.

Located just 22km from Melbourne’s airport, Atlantis Hotel is located on Spencer Street overlooking the impressive Etihad Stadium. Previously known as the Telstra Dome, the arena is primarily used for Australian Rules Football – so why not take in a game of this traditional Aussie sport during your stay? The arena also hosts one-off cricket matches, and in 2000 it was the venue for the first ever indoor one day international between Australia and South Africa.

Other points of interest and convenience nearby are Southern Cross Station – which has numerous rail links and a coach connection to the airport – Observation Deck, Rialto Towers and Melbourne Aquarium. Located on the banks of the Yarra River, the aquarium recently underwent a major expansion, with some of the latest exhibits including king and gentoo penguins. The aquarium is also home to a range of Antarctic fish – the only place in Australia where these can be seen.

Atlantis Hotel is equipped with 232 contemporary rooms, all of which are furnished with amenities including air conditioning, cable TVs, radios, alarm clocks, hair dryers, telephones, coffee makers and radios. If you don’t fancy venturing outside for breakfast or dinner, you can take advantage of the restaurant’s menu, which features local, regional and international dishes. While tucking into your first or last meal of the day, you can enjoy the stunning views of Victoria harbour.

Further attractions located close to Atlantis Hotel include the Immigration Museum, ANZ Banking Museum and Victoria Police Museum. The latter is perhaps more exciting than it sounds and explains the colourful history of some of Melbourne’s most notorious criminals. Visitors can see armour worn by Ned Kelly’s gang members, view cold case crime scene photographs and learn more about the execution of Victorian criminals.

Central to Melbourne’s appeal is its beautiful Victorian architecture and leafy, wide boulevards; characteristics that make it almost comparable to a European city. The locals, Melburnians, are refreshingly laid back, which isn’t always the case in a sprawling metropolis. Areas including Carlton, Fitzroy and St Kilda produce some of Australia’s finest art, music, food and drink – with shopping and eating two of the locals’ favourite pastimes.

Another popular accommodation choice is Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne, which is located right in the city centre. After a night in one of its 160 comfortable rooms, guests can wake up refreshed and looking forward to a day’s sightseeing. Some of Melbourne’s most famous attractions are located close by, including the State Library of Victoria, the Post Master Gallery and Old Melbourne Gaol. The latter, a 19th century prison, is the oldest building of its kind in Melbourne. Among the criminals to spend time within its confines were Ned Kelly and feared gangster Squizzy Taylor.

Situated on Lonsdale Street, Hotel Grand Chancellor is just a stone’s throw from the city’s Chinese Museum. Guests can find the attraction right in the heart of Chinatown and explore its five floors, which explain Australia’s 200-year Chinese history. Kids can be entertained by the treasure hunts that regularly take place inside the museum, while the grown-ups can explore international and local exhibitions, contemporary art shows and cultural events.

Also nearby is The Princess Theatre, Parliament House and St Peter’s Church; meaning that Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne guests are never stuck for something to do during their Australian city break. During your time in the room, however, guests can take advantage of wireless Internet access and a telephone, while amenities including air conditioning, hair dryers and alarm clocks are all available.

The hotel is also equipped with an excellent restaurant, which is renowned for its excellent evening menu and fine drink offerings. Guests can kick start their day with a tasty breakfast, while snacks are available right the way through the day. If it’s a bit of downtime you’re after, you can take advantage of Hotel Grand Chancellor’s swimming pool, while the more active can indulge in a workout at the in-house gymnasium.

One thing that Australia’s second-largest city may remind you of is the temperamental British weather. If you’re walking around in the searing heat, be warned that in the next hour you could be looking for shelter in drizzly rain. But aside from your feet, what are the best ways of getting around? Well, Melbourne has the claim to fame of being home to the world’s largest tram system. Considered a tourist attraction in their own right, the city’s trams are among the most convenient ways of getting around.

The city’s rail network, meanwhile, consists of 16 suburban lines which cling around the central City Loop, part of which runs underground. One of the network’s major landmarks is Flinders Street Station, which in 1926 was the world’s busiest passenger station. Hotel guests can take advantage of the excellent railway system and continue their Australian adventure by travelling to Sydney or Adelaide via rail.

Another easy way of getting around is by bus, with the city’s network consisting of an impressive 300 routes. A city synonymous with private cars, Melbourne has made great strides in public transport in recent years; with its use having increased by 20 per cent since 2006.

Considered Australia’s most cultured city, Melbourne is also famous for its beautiful parks and gardens and a packed events calendar. Depending on when you visit, you’re likely to stumble on a festival, major art exhibition or international music event; so it might be worth checking what’s on before your trip begins.

Visiting Melbourne is an excellent way to begin your Australian expedition, and with so many excellent hotels to choose from, finding good accommodation needn’t be a concern.

Tags: Australia, Guest Posts, Melbourne

Category: Australia