Offbeat location, but new Melbourne hotel is fun and affordable
The place
The Motley Hotel, Richmond, Melbourne.
Threads Bar at the Motley Hotel, Richmond.
Check-in
Staycations have always struck me as an odd indulgence but given the chance to check out one of Melbourne’s newest boutique hotel offerings, I am happy to pack the family into the car to make the arduous 10-minute drive from Carlton to Richmond. Situated on Bridge Road with an unassuming sign out front, the location at first seems a touch random, but having used Richmond as my initial launch pad when first moving to this city, I’m aware appearances can be deceptive. Entry to the lobby brings about a sense of calm. A series of framed, colourful artworks grace the near wall while a nook to the left of reception contains leather sofas, a well curated bookshelf, and a smattering of board games.
The look
The Motley’s design ethos was conceived around the history of the site – the story goes it was once home to celebrated costumier, Ms Mary Parker – while also reflecting the eclectic nature of its home suburb. The result is a blend of wooden furnishings and muted slate-grey palettes offset by the explosive colours of the ubiquitous artwork, a defining characteristic of the hotel’s overall feel. The works are a mix of disciplines, from large-scale prints to bold murals and striking photography, a significant portion of which was produced by Melbourne artists.
The room
The Tiger Room, a homage to the local AFL team and a deliciously chintzy finish.
There are 80 rooms spread across eight levels at an average size of 26-27 square metres. Room categories include the Motley King, Deluxe, Courtyard King, City View and the granddaddy, Motley Suite. Those looking to step it up a notch can also opt for one of three heritage rooms where the design memo must have read, “Just go nuts.” My personal favourite, The Tiger Room, (in homage to local football team Richmond Tigers) is a deliciously chintzy affair with jungle wallpaper and bedspreads, tiger themed lampshades and well, just all things tiger.
Our own room is a connected two-bedroom affair with king sized beds in each and diminutive balconies offering views over Bridge Street and the MCG. Both bathrooms feature rainforest shower heads and mirrors equipped with rear heating to avoid fogging, a nice touch.
Food + drink
Ms Parker Restaurant.
Beside the lobby, Ms Parker restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily as well as dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. It’s a cosy, relaxed hangout serving fresh, modern Australian fare spearheaded by executive chef Steve Harry, formerly of Auterra and Cumulus Inc. We opt for fresh oysters and ceviche followed by mains of barramundi and a wagyu burger, all of which are excellent. If I had a minor gripe, service could be a little languid, but go to almost any restaurant these days, and it often feels like gaining a waiter’s attention is tantamount to flagging down a passing aircraft while drifting shipwrecked at sea. Upstairs, Threads Bar is a rooftop terrace, I get the sense it’s yet to be discovered outside of hotel guests, but it’s a pleasant space for a pre-dinner drink; just bring a jacket for those Melbourne evenings that are colder than Charlotte Rampling’s stare.
Out + about
Those normally opting for the CBD chain hotel experience may initially blanche at The Motley’s seemingly more “remote” location. But the hotel is not only situated a 15-minute walk from MCG, as well as near Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Park, there’s also a tram stop out front making getting around a breeze. Even if you stay put though, Richmond itself has much to offer. Bridge Road and Chapel Street have a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants, while nearby Swan Street is also home to The Corner Hotel, among the best live music venues in the city and the adjacent, Hochi Mama is another personal favourite dishing up sublime Asian fusion food.
The hotel entrance on Bridge Road.
The verdict
An affordable, offbeat, fun hotel offering a more local experience.
Essentials
From $249 a night. 205 Bridge Road, Melbourne, (03) 9046 2300; themotleyhotel.com.au
Our score out of five
★★★★
Highlight
Friendly staff, Ms Parker is a welcome hangout serving quality food and drinks.
Lowlight
Still a few teething problems with service, likely to improve as the hotel only opened mid-February.
Guy Wilkinson was a guest of The Motley.
Sign up for the Traveller newsletter
The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.