The Lyall Hotel – Five Star and Proudly Boutique by Helene Ravlich

A friend of mine remarked to me a few months ago that “if you can’t be bothered with a plane ride to New York, Melbourne is definitely the next best thing,” which is a rather big call. However like New York, Melbourne is a vibrant, thriving city with a style and a modus operandi all its own, and both tourists and residents alike are raving fans of its easy, cosmopolitan charm.

One of the city’s biggest draw cards is its fantastic array of restaurants and bars, which range from the stark and fabulous to the kitsch and kooky, and everything in between. However, when in Melbourne you must sleep sometime, and where better than the award-winning boutique hotel, The Lyall. It may be boutique by name but the suites are spacious in nature, and this St Kilda property is the best spot to begin your exploration of this fabulous city. The Lyall is situated in the heart of South Yarra, discreetly tucked away in a tree-lined street. Just a short stroll from Toorak Road and Chapel Street, it also has the city centre less than ten minutes away by cab. Hailed by Tatler as one of the “101 Best Hotels in the World,” it is as abundant in accolades as it is petite in nature, but only by staying in this hidden treasure can you truly experience The Lyall at its best.

The small library in the foyer is testament to how at home people feel away from home, as it is constantly filled with guests grabbing a glass of wine and trawling through the vast array of books. Add to that the fantastically friendly staff who are incredibly knowledgeable about everything from the rugby score to local tram routes, and you have a base you just don’t want to leave. With only four days in Melbourne this time around I didn’t have time to try their much-feted spa and champagne bar sadly, but that means there is always a reason to come back… as if I needed one!

The Lyall Hotel, 14 Murphy St, South Yarra, VIC 3141, Australia. +61 3 9868 8222; http://www.thelyall.com/