Pullman Albert Park – A Calming Home Away from Home

If you’re looking for a place to stay while visiting Melbourne, the Pullman Hotel Albert Park isn’t hard to find travelling along Queens Road yet away from the busy city hub, and it offers the perfect place of calm for anyone seeking reprieve from travel and business…

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Richard who assured us not to worry about our bags. He quickly yet quietly placed the cart safely next to his concierge desk before directing us toward check-in. Here, Lindsay & Elias greeted us with welcoming smiles to ease us into their grand hotel. After checking in, Richard escorted us up to our 5th-floor abode & did more than expected by gently placing all our belongings in our room.

First impressions are lasting impressions as I absorbed the spacious room with high ceilings that made the more than ample King bed look small. My eyes then moved to the serenity of Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake. From my bedroom window, graceful swans floated on the lake surrounded by flourishing green grass & a path attracting pedestrians to enjoy at will. There was barely a noise from the busy road beneath, sounding more like a distant breeze, I was instantly calmed to relax & unwind.  

But wait, Oh my Gosh! At the kerb directly in front of the Pullman Hotel entrance, I noticed parked bikes and scooters just waiting for anyone to use at will. Now that’s going to come in handy, being that I was only 3 km from the heart of Melbourne’s CBD and close to St Kilda and the attractions of the bay area. As excited as I was, I decided to scoot around the lake later, because the first place I needed to see was the bathroom, of which, like the rest of the Pullman experience, was more than large enough to share. 

If you like travelling light like me then you’ll take advantage of the freshly clean white robes with slippers and be pleased to know the bathroom is graced with ample soaps & lotions for your indulgence. Including a mirrored closet with iron, ironing board, a safe for valuables, a hot water kettle & complimentary hot chocolate, tea and coffee.

Late afternoon drinks ushered us into Mortimer’s Bar and the candle-lit Lounge, where we toasted drinks by the glass window that extended the entire wall. Saturday nights “LIVE LIMITLESS” at Albert Parks Pullman Hotel provided debut artists to fill the air with music. We moved to a cosy couch & enjoyed the entertainment. 

Apparently “Maesa” means April, if you can speak Thai. This was taught to us by Mortimer’s bar and lounge team leader, Maesa herself, who originates from Bangkok. Come to find the venue is consistent with providing different daily attractions as an ongoing space for all to have drinks and dine or just hang out and unwind.

The next morning, we felt spoiled to know breakfast was already prepared by the hotel. The outstanding dining room was equally adorned with a grand buffet that catered almost everything imaginable to start your day. There was nothing to miss, as every breakfast item was spread out in different sections of the room, thoughtfully presented for the diner to make harmonious choices.

As we left the dining room absolutely stuffed, we passed by the open office for guests. What a pleasure to find, large computer screens, free wifi and a printer, easily accessible not far from the lobby. They really do think of the business traveller here.

All in all, yes! The Pullman Hotel Albert Park is certainly a wonderful place to stay with its convenient location and affordable classic charm. I found the staff to be forthcoming, professional in their duties as well as the friendliest in making us feel welcomed in this calming home away from home. Just what we needed on our busy trip to the Melbourne capital city.

If you are planning to come to Melbourne for the F1 Grand Prix, it is held literally across the road from the Hotel, so consider that, and book in early! The Pullman actually plays host to quite a lot of international sporting teams and while we were their, the junior world Squash titles were held at Albert Park Sports Centre which meant we mingled with many of the competing teams and their families in the restaurant and lounge.

###

Our Rating – Four out of Five Pillows
(sorry, we rarely ever give 5)

Pullman Hotel Albert Park
www.pullmanalbertpark.com.au