[Melbourne] The Hatton

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The Hatton

Address: 65 Park Street  South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
Tel: (03) 9868 4800
Website: www.hatton.com.au
Price: [standard] 214 AUD [superior] 240 AUD [suite] 350 AUD
Visited on: 2012-04

For those who, like myself, prefer smaller boutique hotels over large hotel chains, The Hatton would be an excellent choice for lodging when traveling in Melbourne. This 20-room hotel, located in the pleasant South Yarra neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of the city center (but easily accessible via tram), is uniquely charming. A renovation in 2000 restored the 1902 building to its original splendor while adding contemporary comfort and style: High ceilings, wide corridors, windows to let in natural light, and exquisite decors throughout the establishment…This is a truly stylish retreat.

I checked in at the front lounge, a bright and airy space that also double functions as a breakfast room and cafe. Magazines, newspapers, and an iPad are available for guests to use, plus complimentary wireless! This is apparently quite rare in Australia and I really, really appreciated it.

It’s hard not to notice the gorgeous furniture and ornaments at The Hatton. Antique tables, cupboards, chests, chairs, and art pieces specially commissioned for the hotel, are thoughtfully placed throughout the establishment. This kimono, for example, was worn by a member of The Hatton family on her wedding, and is now displayed on the 2nd floor corridor.

Here’s another example of the mix and match of various styles: a Chinese wooden screen from Ming Dynasty harmonizing with a European stained glass window.

Due to the original design of the building, each room at The Hatton is different, but all contain similar facilities and amenities. I stayed at the Eastern Balcony Suite, which is the hotel’s largest room (54 sqm + 24 sqm balcony), accessible through this beautiful double bronze temple door from Rajasthan, India.

The spacious suite comes furnished with beautiful Asian antiques, black leather sofa, desk area, CD player, Tivoli clock radio, flat screen television, DVD player, separate bathroom, and kitchenette.

The king-sized bed was dressed in with a crisp white, down filled duvet (Tasmanian woolen blankets are also available upon request), and I was especially in love with the beautiful Chinese lacquer screen at the back of the bed.

A separate kitchenette with T2 teas, plunger coffee, bar fridge, microwave and sink. No mini bar items though, you have to stock your own fridge.

The ensuite bathroom contains a deep enamel bath tub, with separate shower, L’Occitane amenities, and bath robes. The large window lets in plenty of natural light. Like very much.

The suite has an attached balcony overlooking the serene park street. This is a perfect spot to soak up some sun while sipping coffee or wine.

There’s also a roof top terrace overlooking South Yarra, offering a great view of the Melbourne skyline. Perfect for stargazing after dark too, by the way. It’s not open to functions due to the location in a residential area, and is only open to in house guests for their private use.

Here’s The Hatton after dark. Charming, isn’t it? Note: reception closes at 11:00pm, but the locked front door can be opened by your room key.

Don’t forget to go up rooftop terrace for a night view of the city and some stargazing.

In the morning, open up the blinds and in comes the glorious Melbourne morning sunlight. The only complaint I have about the room is that the wall is quite thin and I could hear tram and car sounds during the evening – not ideal for the light sleeper.

Complimentary breakfast includes espresso coffee, pastries, muesli, cereal, a selection of toast and spreads, cheese and fresh fruit. I went downstairs at 9:45am only to realize that breakfast ends at 9:30am. Fortunately, the friendly hotel staff was happy to make me a cup of latte and asked me to help myself to all the pastries :)

Before checking out, I got to see some of the smaller rooms, which all vary in size and settings – some may have a private courtyard and some may have a split level design – but all appear to be very comfortably furnished. For details on the size and amenities provided, check The Hatton’s website.

The Hatton is not your typical hotel – there is no 24-hour reception and the floor squeaks to show its age – but it’s a charming place made warm and welcoming by its friendly staff (who are quite diverse in background too – I was chatting with a staff at the reception and found out that she’s a traveling painter). Do I recommend this hotel? Whole-heartedly.