Doubletree By Hilton Melbourne
I love flying. I love airports and I love the feeling that comes with knowing that I'm actually in the clouds. Flying to from Sydney to Melbourne on a clear day is one of my favourite domestic travel feels. From the Sydney City landscape enveloped in early morning mist to snow capped mountains in transit - this one particular trip to Melbourne put me in a zone. I've been on the cusp of so many changes lately, and this impromptu getaway came at the perfect time. Especially because I needed some silence, clarity, and a little disconnect from the Sydney big smoke. One of the things I love about Melbourne is that you can choose how fast you want your experience to be. If you crave the perks of the busy city shopping scene, bars and restaurants, it's there for the taking. But if you're anything like me, you'd probably feel more drawn to losing yourself in winding alleyways, armed with nothing but coffee in a paper cup.
Being my husband Kevin’s hometown, a trip to Melbourne is always a good idea. Kevin and I both agreed that there would be only 3 things on the agenda; watching the football, sleeping in; and as always, good food. We were invited over to experience a new hotel for the weekend; The Doubletree by Hilton. Personally, I was hoping to lose myself in a little bit of quiet time, away from the stresses of my Sydney work life.
The Doubletree by Hilton on Flinders is a delight. Close enough to wander all my favourite streets and coffee spots, this property is everything we needed for some quality downtime. We arrived late on a Friday night, already feeling the brunt of the week's work. Upon entrance into the hotel foyer, I was suddenly reminded of something a little bit New Yorky... it must have been the low lighting and lofty industrial chic interior that took me back to the West Village in an instant.
The night we arrived, we were treated to a dining experience at the hotel's restaurant Platform 270 - a name fitting to its close proximity to Flinders Street station, 270 being the hotel's street adress. We were greeted by a delightful host who seated us and took our orders. Knowing that we had just come in from Sydney – the kitchen took over and brought out the chef’s recommendation. We started with some tapas style share plates of soft shell tacos, and the most delicious lamb shoulder spring roll. Then came the quail, served still smoking in a jar. The mains were perfect – Kevin had the rump of Victorian lamb, and I went with the pan roasted barramundi. I loved the vibrant styling of the dishes, and I’m always a fan of little edible flowers.
Dessert was a stand out. We shared the espresso pannacotta – two things Kevin and I adore. It was served in a large bowl and was big enough for the both of us to enjoy, especially because we were so full. After finishing the last of our wine, it was definitely bed time. I know it goes against every healthy living rule, but there’s nothing like going to bed feeling relaxed and satisfied after an epic meal.
The room was small, but perfect for our short stay. I was especially taken by the interior of the bathroom, making sure I let Kevin know that when we build our dream home, that's exactly how I want our ensuite to look. While the room had a crisp corporate feel, I appreciated the details that elevated our experience to something luxurious; warm bath robes, and fresh warm chocolate chip cookies that you receive when checking in. That’s right, warm cookies for each guest when checking in…a hotel after my own heart. Breakfast the next moring was served in the same dining space at Platform 270. There were plenty of options for both the leisurely and the corporate traveller. Premade fruit and yogurt cups were stocked up and ready for the ones who were in a rush, and the hot breakfast options were lined up for the folks who wanted to take it all in. Delicious jams in mason jars inspired me to go for something simple – toast. But that didn't cancel out the second course of eggs, and the third course of fruit.
We spent the rest of that day walking circles around the city, catching a football game, and not feeling worried about deadlines and time limits. Sometimes, it’s nice to forget about the grind and retreat to something slower. Doubletree by Hilton Melbourne is definitely one for the books; modern, stylish, amazing dining, and just what we needed to take the edge off.
Plan your stay at Doubletree by Hilton Melbourne 270 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Victoria www.melbourneflindersstreet.doubletree.com or call 1300 HILTON.
Kevin and Viola of Project Sweet Stuff enjoyed this experience as guests of Doubletree by Hilton Melbourne