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The Cullen
Add: 164 Commercial Road Prahran VIC 3181, Australia
Tel: (03) 9098 1555
Website: www.artserieshotels.com.au/cullen
Visited on: 2012-04
In Melbourne’s quirky and bohemian Prahan neighborhood sits The Cullen, a daring and unique hotel named after one of Australia’s most collected contemporary artists, Adam Cullen. From the architecture to the interior design of individual rooms, each part of the hotel has been influenced by Cullen’s famously controversial artwork. Its motto? Live fearlessly.
Here are the reception and foyer areas, both featuring some of Cullen’s original pieces. Upon checking-in, I was given a map that outlines some fun shops and restaurants in Prahan, which is a really fun neighborhood to explore. Just diagonal across from The Cullen is the vibrant Prahan Market (where Market Lane Coffee is), and Chapel Street (great for food and shopping) is only a few minutes away. Very charming.
I stayed in a studio room, which, like all other rooms and suites at The Cullen, is equipped with designer furnishings, a luxurious king-sized bed, and replicas of Cullen’s artworks. There is a kitchenette (convenient for making breakfast in the morning, which is not included in the room rate), 42 inch flat screen TV, iPod dock, and the basic (some not so basic) amenities that you can think of.
One complaint I have is that the toilet would sporadically make noises…
So who is Adam Cullen? Known as the enfant terrible of Australia, Cullen’s works combine irreverent humour with an astute sensitivity to society, addressing a range of topics like crime, masculinity, and cowboy culture. His paintings, defined by iridescent colours and bold gestural marks, have been described as “raw, aggressive and angry with…a narcotic intensity…empathic, melancholic and expressive”. Nope, it’s not so sunny if you ask me. More on Adam Cullen here.
There are some fun touches in the room that made my smile. With the welcome card, for example, came a painting kit!
These door signs…:)
And guess what this is?
Mini bar items.
The room, after dark.
As is the case with any hotel with such individuality and character, The Cullen is not for everyone, but will no doubt amuse those who can appreciate its quirky style. Take a look at their website to see more pictures, and decide for yourself whether this place is disturbing or delightful.
