Benjamin B.
Yelp
I first heard about The Blackman via their seminal "Steal A Banksy" ad campaign, where guests were encouraged to try and steal a Banksy original without being caught by hotel staff. "That sounds like one whack hotel, yo" I thought to myself (my internal monologue has the voice of a 70's Blaxploitation TV character, I don't know why).
So next time I was in Melbs I hit that shizz up, and man, did it live up to it's billing as an Art Series Hotel (there are two (2) others).
There was A FREAKING PERSONALISED WELCOME MESSAGE FOR ME ON THE PLASMA TV SCREEN. You have no idea what seeing your name on TV is like. Finally! After all these years! All those demo tapes! This, ladies and germs, is what vindication feels like. And it feels gooood, like hot wax on a bare chest good.
My standard room had 2 giant balconies, a pair of deck chairs, more big heavy full colour art books than a local library and a wine stain on the floor that wasn't there when I checked in. Whoops.
The staff are young, cool and pat-a-dog friendly, the cafe and restaurant adjoining either side of reception are smashing, and the Blackman art itself? Well, let's just say that if I could have gotten one down off the wall and rubbed myself against it, I would have.