Tolarno Hotel

I recently had a very enjoyable stay at the Tolano Hotel, and it was quite an unexpected experience! This charming, old hotel has a quirky character that really sets it apart. While it’s clear that the hotel has seen better days, the unique artwork adorning the walls adds a delightful touch of personality and creativity to the space. The service was absolutely wonderful. Steve was friendly and accommodating, making sure that all my needs were met during my stay. It’s evident that he takes pride in his service, which enhanced my overall experience despite the rooms needing an upgrade. One thing to note is that the hotel doesn’t have a lift, which might be a consideration for some guests, especially those with heavy luggage or mobility issues. However, the heritage feel of the hotel is captivating, along with all the intetesting characters who stay there. It’s a reminder of the charm of yesteryears and the oppotunity to connect with a rich tapestry of all walks of life. If you’re looking for a place that’s right in the middle of the action, the Tolano Hotel is perfect. It offers fantastic value for money, especially for those who appreciate a bit of character and history over modern luxury and just want a place to base yourself without the added cost. Overall, it’s a fun and memorable place to stay, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget hotel and unique experience! Don't expect a 5 star hotel, it's a budget boutique hotel servicing a price point, she is in need of some love but it's all part of the charm and caters to those on a budget.

Honestly this place is awesome. Beautiful paintings on walls, very colourful ans vibrant. Staff were really helpful and friendly. First time in St Kilda and I don't think I'd stay anywhere else. Right on tram line too so it's easy to get around. Plenty of cafes and pubs around too :)

The staff and service at this hotel was very good. The hallways and artwork were impressive also. Which made up for the room. My booking was last minute so I got stuck at the front of the building with a busy street down below. Not only was there street noise but I could hear people in the hallways also. The bed was comfy enough, the shower was good, but the toilet floor needed a bleach clean and scrub- it smelled like a public urinal after a busy day. In terms of accessibility- there is none. There are steps into the hotel and no lift to go up, only more stairs. Yes, I would stay here again, but I would try and book earlier so that I get a back end room.

A little hidden gem reasonably priced with friendly staff. Would have loved more time there to admire the eclectic art on display. The showers had good pressure. Look forward to staying again next month..

You can tell this hotel has SO much potential and was once a quirky St Kilda destination. There is alot of promise but it’s very run down, and a little sketchy at times. Location is great and I really hope the new owners bring this place back to its former self without losing the soul and essence of Mirkas establishment. It just needs cosmetic freshen ups especially carpets, bathrooms and paint. The first room we were given smelled like urine and changed rooms. Front desk Steven was awesome and helpful. In all, really wanted to love it here, hopeful it will get the TLC it so deserves!

Just back from the Tolarno. My haunt since it opened. Still the same brilliant, quirky art hotel soul – slightly weathered now, but great value. A real St Kilda institution. What keeps me returning? The friendly staff, the perfect location (a stone's throw from Leo's), and that unique character you can't find anywhere else. Yes, it's seen some years, but the heart's still there. I'll be back.

I was looking forward to staying at the Tolarno Hotel after reading about the artists and artwork on display. But the room I was given was so dirty, and the smell was dreadful. I've been travelling from Sydney to Melbourne over a matter of 10 days and stayed in small motels and rooms above pubs, and all were spotlessly clean, so I was so disappointed to arrive at my final destination and have to leave the hotel and request a refund for the nights that I'd booked. There were stains on practically everything, the carpet was badly stained and rotten in certain areas, the shower screen, walls, skirtings, etc, needed a good clean and were so unhygienic, the TV had a thick layer of dust on the screen, and the blinds, which were broken, were thick with dust. The manager was very approachable and understanding and explained that cleaners had been in to do a deep clean and to try and eradicate the awful smell in the room coming from the bathroom, but obviously they hadn't sorted it. I'm sure there are a few rooms that are ok because I've since read some of the reviews, but the room I was given was really awful. He offered me another room later that evening, which was slightly better but still very dirty, and the sheets had stains on them, it was so bad that I had to check out early. It's such a shame because it could be a great hotel if the rooms were cleaned thoroughly and refurbished.

Really bad experience. It was poorly maintained. Starting off with the unpleasant smell coming from the bathroom and turned out it was mold. The exhaust fan was not working. Room was spacious but wasn’t clean either. Fleece blankets were available but it didn’t smell nice either. And to be honest, I don’t know when was the last time they washed them. Loud noises from the streets and from other rooms. The guy on the front desk was helpful though.

Worst experience. Was given a tiny noisy standard room when I booked a studio for 2 nights. The receptionist was the rudest person I have ever met. He told me to pay for parking at hotel reception and park exactly in front of the hotel with the car parking voucher on my dash which is what I did. I had to move rooms 24 hours later to the studio room I booked as the receptionist gave my booking to someone else. So I move into my booked Studio 1 day late and look out the window and I have a parking fine on my windscreen. The hotel receptionist denied he told me to park out the front. I packed up and left. Hands down the worst hotel I have ever stayed at. It's seedy and it smells.

Customer service. Remember that? Well the staff at the Tolarno go out of their way to make you feel like their only guest. I originally booked my room via wotif for a date that ultimately did not suit. So, I e-mailed the Tolarno & they were more than happy to change my booking to a date that did suit. On arrival I had a warm greeting & in the middle of the night when I arrived back to the hotel - quite tipsy to say the least, the reception helped me choose a DVD from their extensive collection - a free service. The Tolarno is filled with visual eye candy. Art pieces are hung on every spare wall. I spent a good hour or so browsing the pieces in the homely hallways. My room was modern, clean and the mini bar was very well stocked. Coffee & tea making facilities and also a microwave. My room had a gorgeous Japanese spa in it and a very large shower with hot water never ending. As I left my room I saw the cleaning lady who gave me a bright smile & was very chirpy. I really enjoyed my stay at the Tolarno & my experience there does make me want to return if I ever need to stay in St Kilda again.

Stayed here back in January during the Australian open. A colleague had booked the hotel and I had checked the web site, reviews, etc. before agreeing but was completely confused when I arrived. Have you ever seen those advertisements on TV where a family books a beautiful looking resort for their vacation and they up to find a nightmare scenario? That was Tolarno for me. Staff: The staff always seemed high. Friendly enough but not very professional....and well....they always seemed high....not just a little....like WAY high. Facilities: Business Center? Well, if a computer and printer are a business center....sure...but....not really. Room: This was terrifying. Terrifying. The artwork was an assault on my eyes due to how aggressive it was in terms of color and content. I want to RELAX in my room after a day of working. It was tiny....if I say on the toilet, I had to sit at an angle as the bathroom sink was against my chest. I guess this would be convenient if I were drinking heavily and needed to use the toilet while vomitting. It might be the only way I would find this hotel acceptable. Parking: They claim to have parking, but it basically means you can park on the straight a few blocks away. Combine that with having to walk in an area where people generally party hard and the random crazies on the streets and it becomes a very undesirable concept. Confusion: Look at the web site.....then look at the real place. The pictures are not falsified but they must have hired one hell of a photographer. Absolutely not kid friendly: Risque artwork even in the lobby and lounge area....who knows what is in some of the rooms......