Oaks Hotels & Resorts have the Melbourne landscape covered with 8 rippers dotting various points of the city, but there’s one called William that ticks the boxes for business travellers… in fact, it ticks the square for all types of travellers! Scott Podmore explains why.
The lowdown
Oaks Hotels & Resorts have Melbourne pegged for choices all over the city, with 8 hotels ranging from Lonsdale Street to Southbank, and even as far south east as South Yarra. Oaks on William is a beauty on the western fringe of the city grid and a “walk away from all the action”, as they say.
As Winter moves through its final month or so and Spring is in the air, Melbourne is a hot place to visit this time of year: think AFL footy finals, Spring Racing Carnival, festivals and more. Oaks on William is a superb location, ideal for business travellers and surrounded by restaurants and shopping at the back and beautiful Flagstaff Gardens right out front.
Victoria markets are only 100m or so up the road and the CBD is 10 minutes or less by foot.
The room
Ours was a one-bedroom studio park view room with sweeping views of mighty Flagstaff Gardens and a skyline out west. Light, bright and spacious enough, the room has been designed to include a compact and snazzy kitchen (which is something Oaks are great at), air-con, ample modern appliances and private balcony those enviable views. The walls are adorned with minimalist cityscapes in black and white, which is a slick touch, while comfy silver beanbags reflect a style reminiscent of those fortunate enough to have had a stay at The Standard in Hollywood.
Hotel facilities
Check-in is a breeze, staff present beautifully and you certainly can’t get lost heading up to your room – the reception is tiny but crispy clean and offers a quaint little lounge area to flick through a newspaper or magazine. Oaks on William has a tidy selection of onsite offerings including a café and bar, small gymnasium and business facilities if required.
“We forked out $6.50 each for the all-you-can-eat ‘Thaali deal’ for three varieties of vegetarian stews that include basmati rice, peas and freshly baked Naan.”
Dining out
You need to venture into the grid for a world of culinary delights to hit you in the nose as you wander by, but in the immediate vicinity is the Sky Bird restaurant for a scrumptious buffet and well priced breakfast 20 metres north along William. Speaking of which, Bird’s Basement, below it, is a hot spot for jazz. The best tip for food is to walk into the city and start sniffing around the laneways for something tasty. Before heading off for a show at the Princess Theatre, we discovered OM Vegetarian dishing up super cheap vegetarian meals (please note, we weren’t looking for cheap offerings but the smell and laidback vibe of this one was irresistible!). We forked out $6.50 for the all can eat ‘Thaali deal’ for three varieties of vegetarian stews that include basmati rice, peas and freshly baked Naan.
“The biggest tip is to find time to explore the ‘grid’, Melbourne’s inner sanctum where you can discover underground bars, unique dining and some vintage shopping experiences amidst the many laneways.”
Nearby attractions
As mentioned, Queen Victoria Market is only about 100 metres away and offers a world of interesting eats and shopping, while the Melbourne Convention Centre is a short walk, as is interesting Bourke Street Mall. The biggest tip is to find time to explore in the “grid”, Melbourne’s inner sanctum where you can discover underground bars, unique dining and some vintage shopping experiences amidst the many laneways.
Ask the concierge
“Queen Victoria Markets is only a few blocks down the street and if you have the energy you’re crazy if you don’t take up the option of outdoor yoga in the Flagstaff Gardens.”
Getting around
Loads of ways to get around, No.1 being by foot because Oaks on William is generally close to everything including the CBD. Then there’s the trams … and the trains (Flagstaff Station not far) … taxis and buses. Taxi or Uber from the airport to the CBD on average is between $50 and $65 depending on drop off point.
Weather
10 Words Or Less …
Clean, stylish and close to all of Melbourne’s inner buzz.
Book your Accommodation with CT Connections
