Travelbeat Editorial Review LIVING IT UP AT EXECUTIVE LEVEL Holiday Inn Melbourne Story and photos by Kerry Hennigan Holiday Inn Melbourne's new Executive Club Floor is exactly as promoted in the literature, right down to the sumptuous Red Earth brand bathroom accessories and fizzy bath bomb. Even if you're travelling for pleasure, and especially if you're on a sporting (e.g. AFL) weekend, the Executive treatment is a real touch of much appreciated luxury. Dressed in crisp white linen and deep chocolate accents, the rooms have been recently refurbished with modern, stylish décor (pictured above). There are data ports for guests to plug in their laptops, or a keyboard for internet access via guest room television sets. A complimentary bottle of mineral water and a fresh green apple awaits the guest on check-in, and in the lift lobby a bowl is kept topped up with more fresh apples for those of us who like a healthy treat. The mini bar selection is extensive, including some very nice wines (and a set of wine glasses), beer and soft drinks. There is a kettle and mugs supplied for tea and coffee making, with a choice of instant regular and decaf coffee, regular and Earl Grey teas, sugar and sweeteners. Beyond the Executive Floor accommodation the hotel provides a fully equipped business centre, four meeting rooms - the largest capable of holding up to 130 people in theatre style layout. The Holiday Inn also has sales and meeting professionals on-site, and conferencing hardware (i.e. DVD players, projectors, audio equipment etc) to hand. Let's not forget food either (as if we would!) Room Service is available 24 hours, the Clarendon St Grill, located on the lower level of the riverside hotel (pictured top right) overlooking the Yarra, has an incredible smorgasbord on Saturday nights. The Dragon Boat restaurant serves the best quality Chinese cuisine with a similar river view. However, for budget minded guests, the short walk to the food court across the river at Southbank leads to more economic options. Restaurant prices in Melbourne generally may be somewhat steeper than out of town guests are accustomed to, but there are plenty of affordable (and tasty) eateries close at hand, or a brief tram ride away. This is but one advantage to being so well located in Melbourne. The Melbourne Convention Centre adjoins the Holiday Inn while the Exhibition Centre can be reached by the covered walkway over the Yarra. The Crown Entertainment Complex (casino) is also opposite at bustling, colourful and exciting Southbank, with its shops, cafes, food court, fountains, ferryboat rides etc. From our Executive Club rooms at the Holiday Inn Melbourne we had front row seats for all the action along the riverfront at Southbank, including the Crown's famous jets of flame which light up the Yarra at scheduled intervals (centre right). China Town is in walking distance (if you're willing for a bit of exercise) with all its wonderful restaurants, or is accessible by public transport. Some of our group caught the tram to St Kilda on Sunday morning, and later, resplendent in team colours, we all trooped up Spencer Street to Telstra Dome (above) for our AFL match. Happily in this instance, some complimentary wine from the Holiday Inn Melbourne management came in handy for after game celebrations. Sadly the following week our finals fate dictated that we were not to return to Melbourne this season - but, as the saying goes, there's always next year! For more information on the Holiday Inn Melbourne or to make reservations visit: www.holidayinn.com.au For links to events and attractions along the Yarra visit: www.yarrariver.info For information on sporting and other events in Melbourne visit: www.visitmelbourne.com Back to Front Page