MELBOURNE | Hannah St Hotel is the third hotel under the TFE banner, and the first in Melbourne. Tucked away in a wedge-shaped building next to the Kings Way overpass, the entrance to the $150 million Queensbridge Building development (which also contains a residential component) can be hard to find. It’s a location that’s going to look a lot different in a few years, as the Arts precinct develops, and the open air parking under the bridge is transformed into public space, which will include a park.
The interiors were designed by local studio, Flack Studios. They evoke an industrial chic era, informed by the factories, ports, and industries that were king in this part of town many years ago. It’s a bit old school, very stylish, and suits the neighbourhood well. Artworks by local artists, like Justene Williams and Jazz Money, line the walls. The food and beverage side of things is taken care of by Mulberry Group (Hazel, Lilac).
You can check in online, before your arrival. You can even set up your credit card for pre-authorisation online, so when you arrive you simply have your room key to pick up. If you want to check in via the more traditional option, you can. Either way, staff at the counter are friendly, efficient, and happy to help. I was recently invited to stay a night and experience the hotel myself.
Location
At the moment, the location seems like it’s a bit of a weird spot. However as I mentioned before, this whole part of Southbank is rapidly changing. The hotel’s location is particularly suited to those who are looking to explore Southbank and South Melbourne, located essentially on the border of both neighbourhoods.
The CBD, and attractions like Crown, the Arts Precinct, Fed Square, South Melbourne Market, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, are all less than a 15 minute walk from the hotel. If you’re in town for a sporting event, Marvel Stadium is a 25 minute walk away, and the MCG a 35 minute walk along the Yarra.
The City Road / King Way tram stop is located just across the road from Hannah St Hotel. It gives you easy access to the Number 58 tram, which extends from West Coburg to Toorak. Good if you want to visit the Zoo or explore North Melbourne, or head south into South Yarra and Toorak.
Rooms
Hannah St Hotel features 188 rooms with brushed concrete walls and pink carpet. Along with the carpet, plush furnishings, timber, and pops of muted colours soften the look. Like the lobby and the rest of the hotel, it creates a vibe that works. There are a variety of room configurations available, from the 21-35sqm local rooms, through to the 55sqm Hannah Suite. I spent the night in a 45sqm lookout corner suite. This room is particularly notable for its panoramic outlooks and a generous living zone with comfy banquette seating. I really appreciated this part of the room – something different than many other hotels that I’ve stayed in.
Furniture and fittings have been custom designed by Flack Studios, meaning that space in each room is well optimised. All rooms feature pod coffee making facilities, a minibar featuring local products, a hairdryer, 55 or 65 inch smart television with Chromecast, and a Bluetooth mini Marshall speaker.
There’s USB C outlets which is appreciated, and standard Australian power outlets. The light switches are a bit confusing to figure out at first, but you get there. Closet space, and hangers for your clothes, are well sized. The bed, probably the most important thing for me when it comes to hotels, is large and comfy, with nice pillows that help to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Moving to the bathroom, it’s surprisingly large and very well designed. There’s a regular and rain combo shower, a big mirror, soft towels, slippers, and bathrobes, and amenities by Malin + Goetz.
The entire hotel, and all rooms, come with free WiFi.
Amenities
The hotel isn’t short on amenities. There’s a 20-metre lap pool, steam room, sauna, and gym, plus fully equipped co-working spaces, private meeting rooms, and a podcast studio.
The pool features floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, while the gym is filled with the latest cardio and weights machines, and free weights. There’s also a quite spacious outdoor training area.
Valet parking is available, but not clearly signed. Park directly in front of the hotel, and someone will arrive to park your car safely.
Eat & Drink
The food and drink offering at Hannah St Hotel fits in well with the overall vibe that the hotel is going for. Mulberry Group (Dessous, Hazel, Lilac) runs all of the hotel’s food and beverage.
Coupette is modelled off a classic European bistro, with a lunch and dinner menu featuring classic bistro dishes that showcase local Victorian producers. It’s also where you’ll find breakfast, a tight selection of brunch classics, and pastries. You can read my full write-up on Coupette, here.
If it’s just pastries and a coffee you’re after, Hannah St Coffee to the side is what you’ll want.
For drinks and snacks, Bar Hannah is a lobby bar that features an nice selection of house cocktails and classics, again showcasing local, Victorian producers. For a cosier space, there’s the plush Carriage Lounge around the corner. If you’re looking for a drink and snack with a view, head upstairs to rooftop bar, Propeller.
The Verdict
Hannah St Hotel features everything that you want from a boutique hotel. The interiors are stylish, the rooms look great, and feature upmarket products. Importantly, the bed is nice and comfy. The gym, which is sizeable and features multiple zones, is also a step above many others in similar hotels.
The food and drink being handled by Mulberry Group is a big bonus. Food and drink are great, and Coupette could easily stand its own as a bistro in this part of town.
The location allows you to explore a bit differently than if you were staying in the heart of the CBD, but is close enough that you can explore there too quite easily. As the Arts Precinct develops, the location’s only going to get better.
Hannah St Hotel
19 Walker Street
Southbank
Victoria 3006
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9944 6000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website