"First impressions?Melbourne's love of rooftop revelry and its allegiance to vintage Americana have spawned Notel: a collection of six 1970s Airstream trailers on a downtown roof overlooking Flinders Lane. Yes, it's gimmicky—but it's also undeniably fun. What’s the crowd like?Primarily Instagrammers who weren't alive when these trailers were manufactured. How was check in?Notel is essentially unstaffed: to gain entry, you must download an app, which is used to operate several electronic 'locks'. Technophobes need not apply. Tell us about the rooms.The roominess of the trailers may surprise you—there's ample space for two people plus luggage, and the bathroom has a decent shower with strong water pressure. The pink-and-grey color scheme channels a bygone era. Most pleasing, the door and windows block out a lot of city noise. How about the little things, like mini bar?Malin + Goetz toiletries and an iPad with Netflix are nice touches, and there are ample charging points. Most notably, there's free Australian wine, cold-drop coffee and locally made potato chips in the mini bar. Room service and food: Worth it?Aside from the mini bar, there's nothing to eat or drink at Notel—but the laneway downstairs has ample options. Anything stand out about other services and features?The Airstreams have been retro-fitted with AC and heating, which you will almost certainly require. Bottom line.Notel is hugely entertaining and perfectly located along one of the city's most vibrant laneway stretches. Best of all, it feels quintessentially "Melbourne." - Dan F. Stapleton
