Melbourne's Hidden Gem: DoubleTree by Hilton Flinders Street Luxury!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the DoubleTree by Hilton Flinders Street Luxury, Melbourne's Hidden Gem (according to some folks… we’ll see if I agree!). This is gonna be less a polished brochure and more… well, you'll see. Let's get messy, shall we?
(First, a disclaimer: I'm not being paid to do this, and my opinions are my own. I'm just a seasoned travel blogger with a penchant for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth… except when I'm being overly dramatic for effect. Consider yourselves warned.)
Where to Begin? The Arrival – Or, My First Impression of "Luxury."
Right, let's get one thing straight: Flinders Street. Iconic. Bustling. Chaotic (in the best way). The DoubleTree? Right in the thick of it, which is a huge plus and a slight minus simultaneously. The location is gold for exploring Melbourne – trams, trains, everything.
Accessibility – Because, Let's Face It, It Matters (and Sometimes Gets Overlooked)
Accessibility! Okay, so here's the deal. Wheelchair-accessible? YES. Elevators are plentiful, and from what I saw (and, admittedly, didn't extensively investigate), navigating the public areas seemed doable. Though I'm not physically impaired, I always scope this out. It's a huge consideration, and a good hotel will go the extra mile. We'll trust they do. Let's hope they don't drop the ball.
More Accessibility (and Other Considerations)
- Facilities for disabled guests: This is listed so I'm assuming they've got something going for themselves.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Hey, safety first, right? Gives you a feeling of some peace of mind.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature: These are the things your hotel should have.
- Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]: And you get 24 hour security.
Internet – Because, Let's be Honest, We're All Hooked
Free Wi-Fi in all Rooms! Praise be! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet, and even options in the Wi-Fi in public areas. (Yes, I just listed those separately because finding good, reliable Wi-Fi is a literal lifesaver when you're on the road and desperate to upload that perfect Instagram shot or, you know, actually work.) The speeds were decent in my experience, no major complaints. Did I binge-watch a few episodes of "Schitt's Creek"? Maybe. Don't judge.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Talk Food!
Okay, this is where things get interesting.
- Restaurants (plural!): Promising.
- Bar: Essential.
- Coffee shop: Also, essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: HELL YES. (I'm a sucker for midnight room service.)
- Breakfast [buffet]: The holy grail.
- Western breakfast, Asian breakfast: Gotta love the options.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Options, options!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: I will be there.
- Desserts in restaurant: Do they offer a whole dessert restaurant?! (One can dream).
- Bottle of water: Important.
My DoubleTree Food-Related Anecdote
Okay, this is where it gets messy. I was desperately hungry - long day of travel, and the jet lag was kicking my butt. Ordered room service. Classic. But let me tell you, the burger I ordered… was… chef's kiss. Perfectly cooked, juicy, the works. Then, I also had a dessert. Like, an entire chocolate cake, because why not? Now, this is where the imperfection comes in: I may have spilled some of the delicious chocolate cake on my white shirt. Oops. But even with chocolate cake-gate, the food was a win. Especially after such a long trip.
Things to Do, Ways To Relax – Or, Where's the Freakin' Spa?!
Alright, time to see if this 'luxury' hotel has the goods to help you unwind:
- Fitness center: Standard, but good to have.
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Okay, now we're talking! Pool with a view is a luxury, especially in a city.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: Potential for relaxation? Yes, please!
My Rambling Response
Here's the honest truth: I didn't personally use the spa (I know, I know, shame on me!), but the descriptions and the photos look promising. A pool with a view is a HUGE selling point - seriously, there's something magical about taking a dip and gazing at the Melbourne skyline. Next time, I'm making this a priority.
Cleanliness and Safety – Gotta Cover Our Bases
This is super important, especially these days:
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer
- Hygiene certification
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Staff trained in safety protocol
Good stuff. Makes me feel slightly less paranoid. (And, trust me, as an experienced traveller… the paranoia is real.)
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty-Gritty Stuff
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: essential, especially in Melbourne weather!
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Not my focus, but good for business travelers.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange: Useful.
- Concierge, Doorman: Adds a touch of class.
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Yes, yes, and YES! (I hate ironing, let's be honest.)
- Elevator: Essential, for goodness sake.
- Luggage storage: Always a lifesaver.
- Safety deposit boxes: Smart.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly?
- Babysitting service: Interesting.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Promising for families.
More Details – In Your Room and Everywhere Else!
Alright, let's get into the specifics:
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: whew. That's a lot. Seems like they've thought of everything.
The Verdict: Is This a "Hidden Gem"?
Okay, so is the DoubleTree by Hilton Flinders Street a true hidden gem? Eh… Maybe not "hidden." Considering it is a chain. But is it a good hotel? Absolutely. The location is killer. The rooms are comfortable. The food is decent. (Burgers and Chocolate cake are a winner!) And the amenities, esp the pool, are a huge draw.
It's not flawless (no hotel is!), and it's probably not the most unique boutique hotel experience you'll find. But, for the location, the price point, and the overall experience, I'd say it's a solid choice, and is certainly worth considering if you're planning a Melbourne adventure.
The Offer: Book Now and Get a Free Cocktail (or Two!) and a Late Checkout!
Here's the deal: to sweeten the pot and help you experience this Melbourne gem for yourself, if you book through my affiliate link [Insert Affiliate Link Here], I'm tossing in a little something extra:
- Free Welcome Drink: Get a complimentary cocktail (or your choice of non-alcoholic beverage) at the bar upon arrival. Start your Melbourne adventure on the right foot!
- Late Checkout: Enjoy a more relaxed departure with a special late checkout. Sleep in, explore a bit longer, or just savor those last moments of luxury.
**Don't miss out
Uncover the Secrets of the Three Chimneys Inn: A US Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your polished, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, my chaotic, beautiful mess of a trip to the DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne - Flinders Street. Consider yourselves warned.
Melbourne Mayhem: A DoubleTree Diary (aka. My Brain Dump)
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh My God, It's Real!" (or, Jet Lag and Lost Luggage)
- 9:00 AM (Local Time): Landed in Melbourne. The air is… different. Crisp? Maybe? Exhaustion clouding my judgment. This is Australia, remember? The land of everything upside down. I fumble with my phone, manage to find the airport wifi, then… BAM! My luggage is MIA. Gone. Vanished. Poof. Cue the silent scream.
- 10:00 AM: The lovely (and very patient) Q at the lost luggage counter assured me they'd find it. They always do. I'm trying to project zen, but internally, I'm picturing my carefully curated travel wardrobe, disappearing into the abyss. Thankfully, I have my carry-on, which miraculously contains a toothbrush and a very unstylish, but necessary, travel-sized deodorant.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the DoubleTree. The driver, a bloke named Kevin with a handlebar mustache that could rival a walrus, shared questionable life advice about the best way to eat a sausage roll. Apparently, "straight down the hatch" is the preferred method. Noted.
- 12:00 PM: Check-in at the DoubleTree. The lobby is surprisingly elegant, a welcome balm to my current state of anxiety. The welcome cookie? Lifesaver. Seriously, that warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie felt like a hug from the universe. I’m starting to feel marginally human.
- 1:00 PM: Room: Finally! The view isn’t the Sydney Opera House (because, duh, wrong city!), but it's still pretty sweet, overlooking Flinders Lane. I have opinions about hotel rooms. This one's good. Feels clean. Bed looks fluffy. I'm resisting the urge to throw myself onto it. (Mostly).
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Commence the "Walk of Shame" to the nearest shopping area. My brain is muddled by jet lag's insistent haze of fatigue, and my wardrobe is limited to the clothes on my back. I must purchase: 1) Underwear. Essential. 2) Toothpaste because I have visions of my teeth turning green from lack of brushing. 3) Jeans. The most practical purchase on a budget.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the DoubleTree. Showered. Changed. Feeling marginally better. The lost luggage still hasn't appeared. I may have sent the hotel a slightly desperate email pleading for help with the lost luggage.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. It's late, I'm tired, and I'm surrounded by the most stunning views of the city. I order gnocchi and feel like I am living in the best place on earth. The restaurant staff are incredibly polite, and I'm almost certain the gnocchi is trying to woo me with its cloud-like softness.
- 8:00 PM: Stumbled back to the room. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and the quiet hum of the city outside. I've had one too many glasses of wine with dinner, which has enhanced my ability to doze off.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. If I can. Pray for the luggage gods to smile upon me.
- 10:00 PM (Approx.): I wake up for no reason. And write this journal entry.
Day 2: City Adventures, and That Damn Luggage (which is now a personal vendetta)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Surprisingly, the jet lag is… fading? Maybe this is what it's like to live in Australia. Maybe I am an Aussie now.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is impressive. Fruits I've never seen before, eggs cooked to perfection.
- 9:00 AM: My mission: Find Coffee. It's a national emergency. Walked to Little Collins Street, a little area filled with cute coffee shops, boutiques, and bars. Finally found a coffee shop and ordered a "flat white." The barista's a chatty guy named Dave, who insists on my order and recommends a croissant.
- 10:00 AM: The Eureka Skydeck 88. It was a blur. The views were incredible.
- 12:00 PM: Walk to Melbourne Central shopping centre. I bought a hat. I don't normally wear hats, but I am a new and improved version of myself.
- 2:00 PM: An hour of absolute blissful, self-indulgent nothing. I sat in a cafe. I watched people. I let the city noise wash over me. I feel like I'm starting to actually be here.
- 4:00 PM: The call! The luggage! Found! I'm almost dizzy with relief. The receptionist, a woman named Susan, actually squealed with joy when she told me. It's moments like these when you realize how ridiculously attached you are to your belongings.
- 6:00 PM: Refreshed and ready to go. And, in my own clothes! Dinner at a restaurant in a lane. I can't remember the name.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the room. Packing to go out on a tour of the city.
- 9:00 PM: Fell asleep.
Day 3: Departure and Parting Thoughts (aka. Did I Actually Leave?)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. A bit sad to be leaving.
- 8:00 AM: Packed. Ate a leisurely breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Check-out.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Kevin's walrus friend, Kevin, is my driver.
- 11:00 AM: Saying goodbye to Melbourne.
Final Thoughts:
Melbourne, you were a whirlwind. The DoubleTree, you were my safe haven. The coffee, the food, the people… all amazing. And even the ridiculous ordeal with the luggage? It's become a story, a quirky little blip on the radar. This trip? It was more than just a vacation. It was a reminder to embrace the chaos, the imperfections, and the joy of saying "yes" to new experiences. I already want to come back.
Seminyak DREAM Villa: 3BR, Private Pool, Paradise Awaits!
So, is this DoubleTree *really* a "hidden gem"? Let's be honest.
"Hidden gem"... Hmm. It certainly *feels* hidden, tucked away on Flinders Street. But a gem? That's... debatable. It's more like a semi-precious stone, perhaps a lovely piece of polished agate. It has potential. The location? Gold. Smack-bang in the heart of Melbourne. Everything's at your doorstep. But the "hidden" part? Well, you’d probably *want* it to stay hidden if you read some reviews. (Spoiler alert: I read *all* the reviews, compulsively.)
What's the deal with the location, actually? Is it as amazing as everyone says?
Alright, the location *is* truly fantastic. Utterly brilliant. You stumble out the door and BAM! Flinders Street Station – instant photo op. Federation Square? A hop, skip, and a frantic crossing of the road. The laneways? Coffee, graffiti art, and tiny bars – all within spitting distance. Seriously, the proximity to everything is a major win. I felt like I could just wander endlessly. And I did… until my feet screamed for mercy. But the *access* is incredible. And trust me, after a couple of Aperol Spritzes, you'll be loving the stumbling distance back to the hotel.
Okay, but what about the rooms? Are they actually "luxury"? Because "luxury" is such a loaded word...
This is where things get… interesting. The rooms are… *decent*. They’re clean. They have the requisite amenities: a (slightly temperamental) coffee machine, a TV you probably won’t watch, and a bed. And the bed? Okay, the bed was actually pretty comfortable. But "luxury"? No, not really. It’s more like… *functional comfort*. Like a well-worn leather armchair. It's good, it's reliable, but it won't exactly knock your socks off. My room, by the way? Faced a brick wall. I stared at that brick wall for hours. It was… meditative? Or just depressing. I still haven't decided.
Let's talk about the breakfast. Is it worth the hype (and the price)?
The breakfast... Ugh. Okay. Here's the truth. Their breakfast *is* okay, but don't get your hopes up too high. This is the point where the "luxury" falls apart a little. It's a buffet, which, let's be honest, is rarely the pinnacle of culinary excellence. The usual suspects are there: scrambled eggs (a little dry), bacon (perfectly crispy, thankfully), pastries (eh), and a fruit selection that looked a bit… weary. The coffee? Lukewarm. I complained. They said they'd fix it. They didn't. Seriously, I had to find a decent café nearby for my DAILY caffeine fix. The *actual* food was fine, perfectly serviceable. But it wasnt anything to write home about. Honestly, I'd give it a 6 out of 10. And the staff... I felt like they were a bit understaffed. It’s a little bit of a free-for-all. No one gets angry though, everyone is trying their best.
Okay, so... what about service? Are the staff friendly at least?
The staff are, for the most part, lovely. Honestly, they're genuinely nice people. They try their best. My main issue? Efficiency. It felt a bit slow, a little *understaffed* at times. Like they were run off their feet. My check-in took forever. I had to wait, fidgeting and checking my watch. They were apologetic, but still... waiting makes me twitchy. Then there was the luggage situation... more waiting. The key here is: be patient. And maybe bring a book.
THE COOKIES! I keep reading about these cookies... are they the saving grace?
Okay, *the cookies*. YES. The DoubleTree cookies. This is the one thing everyone raves about. And you know what? They’re pretty damn good. Warm, chewy, and chocolate-chippy deliciousness. Arriving at the front desk and getting handed a warm, freshly baked cookie is a genuinely nice touch. They actually *do* deliver. It's a tiny, sugary moment of joy in an otherwise slightly… *meh* experience. One tiny, perfect, delicious cookie. Worth it? Maybe. Definitely helps gloss over some of the other issues.
Any particularly memorable (or disastrous) moments? Spill the tea!
Oh, where do I begin? Okay, confession time: I had a *very* close call with the fire alarm. I was using the iron (for some reason, I felt the need to iron a silk shirt) and… *whoosh*! Steam. Plumes of it. The smoke detector started beeping. I panicked. I waved frantically. I opened windows. I imagined the indignity of having to evacuate in my pyjamas. Thankfully, the alarm didn't go off fully, but I swear, for a moment, I thought I was going to single-handedly set the place ablaze. That was a memorable moment, alright. Not exactly the "luxury" experience I was hoping for, but it made a good story at least.
Would you stay there again? Be honest.
Look, the DoubleTree Flinders Street is a mixed bag. The location is amazing – you literally can't beat it. The staff were lovely. The cookies were divine. The rooms? Adequate. The breakfast? *Sigh*. Would I stay there again? Honestly? Probably. Not if I was looking for true luxury. But if I wanted a convenient basecamp for exploring Melbourne, with access to everything, and the promise of a warm cookie upon arrival? Yeah, maybe. But I'd also bring my own instant coffee. And maybe a fire extinguisher. Just in case.
