Check-In: As I push open the double glass doors and walk into reception of the Royce Hotel in Melbourne I begin to understand why the hotel describes itself as one of Melbourne’s 5 star boutique hotels. The curved check in desk, complete with velvet wall behind greets me to the right while a grand staircase climbs from the left to a balcony above where guests at a wedding will later escape the ballroom for a quiet conversation as they lean on the wrought iron balustrade. Hanging from above more wrought iron is used in the chandeliers that provide a soft warm glow on this otherwise gloomy Melbourne day. My first impressions are that this isn’t your everyday run of the mill hotel.

Arriving early I decided to try if check-in was available, or if at the least I could leave my pack at the hotel while I wandered around the local area. I was pleasantly surprised that not only was a room available, but that I had been upgraded from the superior room I had booked to a superior balcony room. The check in process was quick and simple and before I knew it I was no longer staring at the velvet wall but heading up to my room.

One point on check-in that I want to mention, and this isn’t really a gripe to the Royce Hotel, as it is to hotels generally, is the taking of a security deposits at check-in. I have no problems with leaving my credit card imprint as many hotels do, but I’m not a fan of the hotel taking a charge, in this case the full room rate + $50 which is refunded after the stay, just in case something goes missing from the room. It’s not so bad when travelling domestically as its usually refunded quite quickly, but I’ve had some of these “holds” taking a several days to be refunded after my stay when travelling overseas. I mainly have an issue with this when the room has already been fully paid for in advance. But alas, I digress.

All ground floor public areas lead off a small circular room surrounded in mirrors which carries the design flavor of the reception area throughout the rest of the hotel with long stripy carpets and mirrors (lots of mirrors!) making the corridors feel much longer than they really are.

Room: Arriving in my room on level 5 at the end of the corridor and away from St Kilda Road and its tram noise I had mixed emotions as to what to do. Although in my original booking I had specifically requested a King Bed, I found my room to contain a queen. As I had been upgraded, I pondered whether I should just suck it up and live with the smaller bed, or be that annoying guy who is always asking for something more. After taking a few room photos I decided to be the annoying guy and called reception. I was expecting to be sent back to my original room, complete with King bed but the hotel was able to maintain the upgrade and move me a few floors down to Level 3 with a room complete with a King sized bed; that’s good service in my book.

The new room had a slightly different layout to the Level 5 room with the ensuite bathroom coming off the small entry instead of directly from the bedroom and the room itself was larger. The room had all the usual features you’d expect, a big King bed, a small round table for one and two small built in lounge seats against the wall. A long bench completed the other wall and included a luggage rack and small desk area. The frosted glass door to the ensuite and another illuminated panel both complete with a purple design decorated areas that are generally neglected in hotels.

Wrought Iron was again used to divide a series of small balconies that flow out from double doors in each room on this floor, complete with a pair of chairs and small table with views across the tree lined street and into the playing fields and historic buildings of Melbourne Grammar School. On a summer day it would be relaxing to sit out here with a glass of wine or the morning paper, however on this damp and dull weekend it was much nicer to stay indoors. The room also comes complete with a well stocked mini bar and a variety of teas and coffee available within the room.

Although the I really enjoyed the style and comfort of the room, I couldn’t help but compare it to the executive suite I stayed in last time I was at the Royce, which may have affected my impartiality when reviewing this room.

Bed: The king bed is built into the wall, with a large upholstered bed head surrounded by thin mirrors housing bedside lamps on each side. Unlike major chain hotels this bed didn’t seem to be “branded” or for sale which in no way affected its comfort. The block out curtains in the room mean that you can sleep in easily and the room is well soundproofed so outside noises don’t seem to disrupt a good sleep.

Bathroom: The bathroom was simple yet functional and contained the usual suspects, a shower, small vanity basin and of course a toilet complete with its own phone. The showerhead had a few different options, but the standard rain style was the most comfortable and effective. I think one setting was supposed to massage however it didn’t really do that good a job. The only issue with the shower was that it didn’t seal very well and water pooled under the door and onto the bathroom floor, soaking the bathmat after each shower. Generic Kudos Spa toiletries were provided and although they do the job they aren’t a feature you’d advertise. Overall it is a clean and functional bathroom but not exciting or relaxing.

Recreation: To the hotel’s credit, it does provide a small gym, however as it only contains treadmill, stepper, bike and half a dozen free weights it’s not that useful. The small room combined with its window view onto an air-conditioning unit doesn’t make it very inviting. In all honesty you really wouldn’t be using this gym, but given the hotels great location, there isn’t really a need for a gym anyway. Literally across the street is the botanic gardens and Melbourne’s famous Tan running track and Fawkner Park is also a short walk away so there are plenty of places to get out and about if you want to exercise in the area. If you really want some weights or a gym, then the hotel offers a discount coupon for a few local gyms in the room guide.

Eats and Drinks: Aside from this ballroom and function rooms, the hotel has two places where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat. The Amberoom is the hotel bar and as part of my room rate a welcome drink is provided. Mirrors from around the hotel have spread into the bar, which combine with amber lighting to continue the hotel theme into the bar. Dish is the onsite restaurant however on this stay I didn’t get a chance to dine there, however the menu looked inviting.

Staff: The staff are polite and friendly, the check in process was easy even with me getting a room change during which I was escorted to my new room to make sure that everything was ok. If everything is running smoothly, a good overnight stay at a hotel generally means you don’t really have much to do with the hotel staff, which was the case in my stay. All interactions were friendly, and staff were happy to provide assistance and offer change to purchase tickets for the trams as guests checked out in the morning.

Overall: I really like the boutique style of this hotel with its unique and not your every day run of the mill mass production line styling and atmosphere, its extremely convenient and yet also somewhat peaceful location despite the traffic of St Kilda Rd, and has a great Melbourne feel about it. The room we had was great, but if you really want a luxury 5 star getaway, I’d recommend the executive suite, which I have stayed in before. If however like my weekend you’re out and about a lot during the day and night and just want somewhere comfortable, relaxing and not an everyday hotel to come home to at night, then the superior rooms are great. I’ve stayed here before and I’d definitely both stay here again and recommend it to anyone wanting a comfortable and relaxing night in Melbourne’s inner south.