Perhaps you’re sitting at home this Saturday morning and wishing that instead of eating Weet-Bix and doing your laundry, you were waking up somewhere else, somewhere fresh and exciting, amongst the action with the same comforts of home.

That place is not too far away my friends and it goes by the name, Ovolo. Whether you’re from Melbourne and wanting a weekend in the city, traveling for business or pleasure, Ovolo is the best place to unwind and still be close enough to Melbourne’s most fabulous restaurants, theaters and boutiques.

I had the fortune of spending a night in the Ovolo’s latest edition to their boutique hotel empire, located on Little Bourke Street. Where in the heart of the city, the hub of hustle and bustle, time stood still and I was able to relax and unwind. Their FREE mini bar and happy hour may have helped with that.

I was greeted by a soft and warmly lit interior, smiling faces and offered assistance to my room. So far, so good. When I walked into my room a little ‘loot bag’ was waiting for me on the coffee table along with the hotel’s guide book. The ‘loot bag’ contained every child’s dream from gummy bears to Red Rock Deli crisps, I was in love.

I stayed in a one bedroom suite which contained a living area, kitchen, bedroom and ensuite. Tea and coffee supplies, beer and wine, sparkling mineral water, Foxtel, WiFi, Malin+Goetz beauty products, and iron and ironing board all at no extra cost for Ovolo customers. They believe you shouldn’t have to pay extra for all the things you would have available at home.

A friend of mine came by to help me with the mini bar and take an evening stroll around the neighborhood, although I am local to Melbourne and walk around the CBD on a regular basis, it felt different, like I was on holiday, knowing I didn’t have to catch a train home or flag down a cab. Which got me thinking, you don’t necessarily have to be traveling from interstate or oversees, it’s great for a special night in the city with a partner. Or if you and your friends want to party they have fantastic penthouse suites and terraces with vintage pinball machines and boxing bags!

With contemporary artwork by Ashlee Ng, Apple technology and architectural design by Hassell, it’s no wonder why it is the young creative type’s, fashionable folk and ‘hipster’s choice’ when picking a hotel. It has the luxury of a five star hotel, with the comfort of home, so you won’t feel uncomfortable running down to reception in your ‘happy feet’ complimentary slippers to collect your ‘grab’n’ go’ breakfast.

After a wonderful night’s sleep and a relaxing ‘rain fall’ shower, I met with kelly O’Neill, the Ovolo’s sales manager, who was more than happy to help in answering all my curious questions.

She explained that the Ovolo group had celebrated their 10th year as a company and after eight successful boutique hotels in Hong Kong, decided to open one in the world’s most livable city, Melbourne, in August 2012. They had their first check in on the 31st of August of this year with ‘high fives being shared all round’. The response has been wonderful, which is prompting plans to expand, hopefully with a second Melbourne location and one in Brisbane.

I mentioned that it was an ‘all round experience’, it’s not just somewhere to sleep for the night, the rooms are lovely with so many perks and comforts, you hardly want to leave. To which Kelly responded ‘our aim is to provide truly effortless living with all extras included’.

Well Kelly and the team at Ovolo you certainly succeeded! I had a very relaxing 24 hours and could not recommend the Ovolo highly enough.

Prices start from…

Studio $195
Studio Suite $225
1 Bedroom $245
2 Bedroom $355
Terrace Suite $499
Penthouse $525

For bookings or more information visit http://www.ovologroup.com/en/

About The Author

Bree Turner

Before becoming Couturing’s Lifestyle Editor, Bree was a country kid turned Melburnian, theatre maker and world traveller. Her love for writing stemmed from excessive emails sent home whilst travelling which then developed into blogs. She also dabbled in creative and review writing whilst studying a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Monash University. Bree is in the midst of an epic love affair with Melbourne, her screen play ‘when Bree met Melbourne’ is rumoured to of been picked up by no one, and in her dreams Melbourne will be played by Ryan Gosling and Bree will play herself.

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