"Among Australian cities, Melbourne rules the design and foodie game. But until now it has fallen shamefully short on the hotel front and developer Darren Rubenstein knew it. When asked advice by a friend on where to stay in his hometown, he was completely uninspired. So he decided to become a hotelier and sort it out himself. The result is a gift to his friend and anyone planning to visit Melbourne. Rubenstein enlisted architect Sue Carr to create a four-story, glass-and-concrete new-build opposite Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens in the upscale suburb of South Yarra, just 10 minutes from the city center. Of the 12 smart yet understated rooms, those in moss-green tones have views of the gardens; the others, in shades of dusky pink, overlook the neighborhood. Every detail here is carefully considered and in line with the taste level expected in this style-driven city. There are expansive balconies for relaxing with a dram of Sullivans Cove whisky, distilled in Tasmania, and a Patricia Urquiola Redondo sofa to curl up on in the living area. There’s no lobby, just a discreet entrance, and the shadows of a custom-made Laura Woodward kinetic sculpture draw you towards the lift to your room. Each morning, a seasonal breakfast (yogurt with berries and dark chocolate) is delivered at a time that suits." - Dan F. Stapleton
