Travelbeat Editorial Review Novotel St.Kilda Melbourne, Victoria Story by Kerry Hennigan Melbourne is a city bristling with hotels large and small. But finding the right kind of room at the right price on the right date isn't always easy. For travellers who come with their own transport, or who are happy to hop on the very convenient trams, the Novotel St Kilda is a happy alternative to properties in the CBD, which is only 6 kms away. Right from the time of arrival, you can pull up at the entrance overlooking Port Phillip Bay, check in, and then self park your car in the Novotel's secure carpark. It's nice to avoid the valet parking charges that accompany many of Melbourne's name brand hotels. Once checked in it's up to the rooms, of which there are 209, including 84 suites and 160 non-smoking rooms. On weekends, demand for some types of rooms is invariably high, but paying for an upgrade will not only get you the number or size of beds you prefer, but a bit more space as well. With the shopping and dining delights of St Kilda within walking distance of the hotel, the St Kilda Sea Baths, Palais Theatre and Luna Park (pictured above) just across the Esplanade, the Novotel St Kilda is an excellent base for conference groups. There are 10 meeting rooms, a business centre with support staff as well as a self service business centre, copying, printing and faxing facilities and internet access. For after hours relaxation, the outdoor heated pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre help get the kinks out of muscles or relax and refresh tired bodies. Having the space denied many big city hotels, the Novotel St Kilda is a resort-style property, which means that while you may be there for work your stay seems more like a holiday. Food is something that receives a high priority around St Kilda - the seaside suburb is a popular place for wining and dining all days of the week, and weekends in particular. But you don't even have to leave the hotel to tuck into a good meal. The Novotel has its own St Moritz Restaurant, named after the ice skating rink that for many years stood on the spot now occupied by the hotel. In fine weather, enjoy a meal on the terrace overlooking the Esplanade and St Kilda waterfront, or around the swimming pool. When you've had a busy day and can't be bothered making an effort, just pick up the phone and call room service. Room service is available 24 hours a day, while the St Moritz is open daily for breakfast and dinner. Put your feet up and dine in front of the TV, watching the local networks or satellite/cable channels or, for a special treat, a pay per view movie. Come to the Novotel St Kilda for business, and you'll probably want to return purely for pleasure. Contact ... Novotel St Kilda 16 The Esplanade, St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia, 3182 Telephone: +61 (0) 3 95255522 Fax: +61 (0) 3 95255678 E-mail: h1506-re02@accor.com For more information visit www.novotel.com.au Photos © the Accor Group except Luna Park and hotel exterior (top) by Kerry Hennigan Back to Front Page