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It’s the year 1888 and a wool storage facility is built in the working class suburb of Pyrmont. In the same year, Kodak launch their first box and roll camera, making selfies accessible to the masses. Today, after two years and $30m worth of developments, the 'world’s first Instagrammable hotel' opens in this very building by boutique hotel operator 8 hotels. Yes, Instagrammable is an adjective now – deal with it.
This is a hotel for the hip 20-something who has opinions on architecture, those who took a design subject at uni or the peeps who know their Hefe from their Hudson. Your mum would probably not approve of the exposed brick and splintery pillars in the tiny rooms or the staff dressed in denim – but your mum probably wouldn't stay here.
A tour takes us to the hotel’s pièce de résistance- the ‘007 Williamson’ room, which offers its own private entrance. This suite is pimped out with its own bar, a bespoke piece from the 1950s and you can even hire a bartender if you aren’t capable of shaking your own martini. The furniture is eclectic with vintage pieces and modern leather sofas side by side and much of the original building is still on show. “We want the building to do the talking,” says General Manager Roberto Russo.
Indeed, if these walls could talk – the round bath is built big enough for three – perfect for when that soirée turns into another popular French expression.
The junior suites are more than adequate with big windows allowing natural light, reclaimed iron bark pillars, exposed brick and bench tops made from the atrium’s original wood.
For the rest of you, the self-aware ‘shoebox’ rooms are deceptively spacious with high ceilings and a bathroom that doesn’t feel like a closet. Yet, starting at $179 a night, does seem a bit steep for something that actually describes itself as cell-block size.
Dining in the hotel is minimal with no room service, a mini bar stocked with healthy, organic snacks and a bar that only serves antipasto plates. The drinking man’s diet might not satisfy everyone but we noticed staff were more than happy to let guests BYO their own takeaway pizza. They do, however, allow you to start the day well – the continental breakfast has all the trimmings, made from locally sourced produce, and a barista who knows his beans.
So why is the year 1888 so important to 8 Hotels?
“The building was opened in 1888 so we thought, ‘what happened in that year that’s relevant today,’” explains Russo. “Taking the Kodak theme, we created the Picture Perfect Package, where guests are treated to free wifi, an antipasto plate with two glasses of wine and breakfast the next day for $239 a night.”
Showing off holiday photos is nothing new, our parents had slide shows in the 80s, so in a way, 8 Hotels are cleverly letting the guests do their marketing. There’s even a gilt frame hanging from the ceiling at reception where you're encouraged to get in on the picture. A true Instagrammer would know that for a perfect fit the frame should be square, not an oversized rectangle, but whatever. There are free iPads and wifi in the rooms so you can lo-fi to your heart’s content, and popular social media fiends with over 10,000 followers are given a free night’s stay. But will it work?
Only time, and the kids, will tell.
“We want guests to become part of the project,” explains Russo. When we point out that you can buy your own followers, their PR company are quick to tell us that you could also buy a night in the hotel for around the same price. Snap. Veruca Salt, they don’t want your money!
If you don’t have 10k worth of followers, you still have the chance to win a free night if you’re really creative with the filtering of your photos. So get in there, relax, recharge the batteries (on your smart phone) and start spreading the news.
Where: 139 Murray St, Pyrmont NSW
Rooms: Start at $179/night
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Pulling into the driveway at Merribrook Retreat in Western Australia's glorious Margaret River region, a forgotten yet welcome wholesome feeling takes over. Rolling onto the dirt track sidelined by virgin forest we come across a sign pointing to reception, even though we haven't spotted a single other building yet.
Originally-owned and hosted boutique accommodation, Merribrook Retreat is perched on 160 acres of natural bushland, maintaining its private, luxurious and escapist vibe with just 10 architecturally-designed villas on offer. Warmly greeted by Lorraine and Richard, who founded Merribrook in 1984 and built it from ground up over the years to follow, we are immediately made to feel welcome and easily make ourselves at home.
Despite being located just off a main road and close to wineries, galleries and townships, the retreat is perfectly set in a peaceful valley where the sounds of birds, insects and frogs provide a peaceful backing track and kangaroos freely hop through the grounds.
The true beauty of Merribrook Retreat however lies in its ability to be exactly the kind of holiday you are longing for, whatever that may be. It's the perfect base to explore the Margaret River region's tourist hotspots, as well as a remote sanctuary for those wanting to completely escape all that bustle. It functions as a beautiful conference, training and team-building site, and for those seeking an active holiday there are many peaceful trails to walk, winding roads to ride and beautiful oceans to swim nearby.
Common luxuries for all
With only 10 villas to share all common facilities between, it's not hard to find yourself a quiet spot to relax in. Boasting the largest private pool in the district - 20 metres long and solar-heated - as well as a gorgeous spa with starry sky views and a Swedish sauna, be sure to pack your bathers.
If you find water more relaxing to look at than to swim in, the retreat is perfectly perched on a slope overlooking a freshwater lake, with views from all around the grounds. A small deck and chairs await by the lake, while there's plenty of grass to picnic on.
The Lakeside Lodge, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is a great place to seek respite from your room during an extended stay. The lovely outside verandah overlooks the lake whilst inside it feels much like a warm and cosy ski lodge. You'll find books and DVDs to borrow and tea and coffee making facilities for any time of the day. In the winter, there's even an open wood fire to curl up by.
Kitchen facilities and breakfast
If you aren't heading out to sample the local restaurants at night, a fully stocked commercial kitchen - and a BBQ on the verandah - is available for guest use.
Breakfast however is included. That you will be thankful for. Consisting of a starter buffet of fresh seasonal fruits, cereals, muesli, toast, pancakes, muffins and sweet breakfast loaves, a few different options for a cooked breakfast follows. Locally roasted Yahava coffee and speciality teas are also served.
A villa for every occasion
Merribrook's Lakeview Deluxe Villa provides a high level of comfort for two. It boasts a private verandah and ceiling-to-floor glass offering uninterrupted views over the freshwater lake. Features include a Queensize bed and daybed, exquisite bathroom facilities and a deep double bathtub, and a fan and heating for temperature control.
The Forest Edge Garden Villa suits those looking to bring a few extra people. Recently refurbished, these villas are set amongst beautiful gardens and orchards. Features include a Queensize bed and single daybed in the bedroom, as well as a table and chairs alongside a Queensize bed and single daybed in the main room. It also has a modern bathroom and heating.
The Luxury Lakehouse is Merribrook's answer to your perfect romantic weekend away. Situated well away from the rest of the retreat, and with its own private driveway entrance, full privacy is guaranteed. Fully self-contained, the Luxury Lakehouse boasts its own outdoor starlit spa bath, a natural outdoor shower, and a private deck with BBQ facilities overlooking a small lake. It also features plenty of living space including a couch and kitchen, a Japanese-inspired bathroom, Kingsize bed, reverse cycle air-conditioning, and beautiful robes, candles and flowers to set the scene. If you should wish to leave your hidey hole, breakfast is still included at The Lodge.
All rooms feature a CD and DVD player, iPod dock, small fridge, tea and coffee making facilities. Private massage and pampering services are also available in your villa, which are very popular. It's advised to book ahead.
Take a stroll near or far
A three-kilometre walking/running circuit brings the chance to see more of the Merribrook property if you're feeling active or looking to immerse yourself in nature. Stroll past lakes, mature cork oak, olive and stonepine plantations, and if you want to bring your own bike, you can even ride the track.
For the serious walker, consider the Rails to Trails Track, a five minute drive away, as well as the Cape to Cape Track from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, accessible just four kilometres away. Merribrook Retreat offers Cape to Cape Walking Escape Accommodation Packages, which includes pickup and dropoff each day of your self-guided walk.
Local grooves around Margaret River
From the beautiful coastline to the fresh green forests, and with many charming towns in between, the Margaret River region is world-famous. A prime wine-producing district, there are some 200 vineyards and 90 wineries to choose between, as well as a number of quality cheese and chocolate factories.
Crowds also flock here to experience some of the best surf along the West Australian coastline. Top-notch restaurants, galleries, and arts and crafts outlets also add character to the region. If you plan to really explore, consider buying the Margaret River Gold Pass to get the best value out of your Margaret River holiday.
Armstrong Road 114, Cowaramup, WA, Australia
Contact tel: +61 (0)8 9755 5599, fax: +61 (0)8 9755 5081
Services pool, sauna & steam, massage
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From the suburban Brisbane street, Spicers Balfour Hotel evokes a tinge of mystery with its modern, bold design sprouting a distinctly Queenslander-style wraparound verandah. Swathed in moody indigo hues that shimmer beneath the lights by night, one can’t help but wonder what’s inside.
Originally a Queenslander house built in 1901, a three-year long overhaul transformed the building into a suave yet welcoming boutique hotel far from its airy timber origins. The newest addition to the luxury Spicers brand, it’s the only inner-city residence, yet still captures the same intimate escape. Stepping into the lobby and wandering upstairs to reception, the blues that captured me were met by chirpy purple tones, a sparkly chandelier suspended over the counter.
Although the feel is now more European than Queenslander, a few telltale signs hint at its 110-year heritage. A replica of the original front door leads onto the verandah, original mouldings and trims feature in the common area along with revamped exposed beams overhead, and leadlights have been switched around to create an interesting mix combined with the dramatic furnishings.
Standing at the reception counter, a wooden chessboard over to my left caught my attention, perched in the common lounge area by a congregation of velvety chairs, sidelined by a tall, dark bookcase offering anything from fiction to art history reads. My host, friendly and without the stiff smile, then showed me to my room down the dimmed hallway lined with colourful artworks by leading Australian artists.
Rooftop bar
After a poke around my room – comfortable yet stylish – to the sound of the smooth jazz radio beats left on for my arrival, I ditched my bags and head upstairs having arrived in perfect time for canapés at the rooftop bar, served daily between six and seven o'clock.
From cocktails to cognacs, liqueurs, beers, wines, port and vintage champagnes, the high-end class of the hotel is represented in the bar list. But there are plenty of options still priced at the same you’d find anywhere down the road in hip and happening New Farm. Whilst the small outdoor bar area would have been tempting if there were stars, I instead found refuge from the drizzly weather inside by the bi-fold windows.
Looking over and between the local tin rooftops and sturdy Jacaranda trees, the Story Bridge dominated the night skyline in front of the city, its peaks lit in lines of blue lights. Whether it was the view or the smooth latin beats that soon switched into jazz – amplified by the wondrous and free Friday night feel – my crisp drop of sauvignon blanc glided down ever-so-smoothly.
The rooms
After heading out and about until nearly midnight, returning to a warm towel rack was the deal-breaker that landed me in a hot bubble bath. Of the nine rooms, four have baths and deep ones at that, which are spread across the room types. The four Executive Rooms on the central level are great for short stays, whilst the one-off Terrace Suite boasts a well-sized private slice of the verandah overlooking the front garden.
On the bottom level, as well as a small room with some exercise equipment for guests, the Courtyard Rooms offer a little extra breathing space with a small courtyard lined by green bamboo plants. Bold and sleek inside, unique furniture pieces complete the style whilst laptop workstations come in surprisingly handy. And the LCD TV provided perfect Will and Kate royal wedding replay screening.
Local grooves
Located on the cusp of the city, in trendy New Farm, here you reap the benefits of being close to the city but without the sounds of traffic whirring below. Walk out the front and turn right, pace 300 metres, and you’ll discover a grassy cliff-top park with one of Brisbane’s quietest and nicest views down over the winding Brisbane River, through the Story Bridge and to the city. Otherwise turn left, pace 100m, and find yourself standing on Brunswick Street amongst the plethora of quality cafes, restaurants and bars. Try restaurants Ortiga, Dell’Ugo or Anise.
Room packages are inclusive of continental and à la carte breakfast, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the verandah speckled with rays. Also open to the public by reservation, chef Tyson Buchanan offers a great selection to start the day – from exotic jams and granola to French toast brioche and eggs how you like.
Asking the host for her opinion, I went with her favourite, Eggs Benedict, to accompany my cappuccino and freshly made pear, pineapple and ginger juice. Upon placing my reservation, Spicers Balfour confirmed any special dietary requirements, so my breakfast came perfectly on gluten-free bread as well.
With a flick of the paper and a gaze over the quiet street, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye. This special spot may be more European than Queenslander these days, but the homely feel still lingers.
Hearty breakfasts
Room packages are inclusive of continental and à la carte breakfast, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the verandah speckled with rays. Also open to the public by reservation, chef Tyson Buchanan offers a great selection to start the day – from exotic jams and granola to French toast brioche and eggs how you like.
Asking the host for her opinion, I went with her favourite, Eggs Benedict, to accompany my cappuccino and freshly made pear, pineapple and ginger juice. Upon placing my reservation, Spicers Balfour confirmed any special dietary requirements, so my breakfast came perfectly on gluten-free bread as well.
With a flick of the paper and a gaze over the quiet street, it was time to pack my bags and say goodbye. This special spot may be more European than Queenslander these days, but the homely feel still lingers.
Guest book peek
There are no ‘good’s or even ‘great’s scribbled in here, it’s more like ‘wonderful’, ‘amazing’ and ‘fabulous’, as well as ‘homely’ and ‘welcoming’.
Set on three acres in the majestic Port Stephens, at the south-east edge of Tomaree National Park, The Batch is a charming bed and breakfast perfect for a weekend getaway for two. Nestled at the end of a quiet street, but off a busy main road, this warm home-style oasis lies almost hidden amongst the array of activity in the port, radiating a sense of old-world charm and seclusion.
Boasting beautifully manicured gardens, a salt-chlorinated pool and backing onto a block of bush land, geese and ducks wander about, you may spot a koala or two clinging to trees nearby, and the proud resident peacock often loves to show off his exotic fan of colourful, metallic-fringed feathers.
The Donga
The standout choice would have to be The Donga, perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s your answer to a private ‘adults only’ flee from everyday life. Nestled in its own garden at the back of the property away from the main house, The Donga features its own jacuzzi, an outdoor shower for starry night-sky views, and a fully self-contained bush kitchen including cook top, microwave, fridge and BBQ facilities.
Also boasting an air-conditioned queen-size bedroom and expansive wooden decks to relax on, you could easily hide away for days, if you please, without ever leaving. The flat screen TV and DVD player may be tempting, but the nature at your doorstep is so much more inviting. Relax on the deck at night, bubbly in hand, and hear the surf pounding the shores in the distance.
Grevillea Room & Upstairs Wing
Back at The Batch, the expansive two-level cedar house, there are two other cosy accommodation options. The Grevillea room, on the bottom level, is ideal for nature lovers with direct access onto the verandah.
The Upstairs Wing offers two rooms, a queen-size master bedroom and a single bedroom (an additional room can be used as another single or for storage). Spread over two levels, downstairs has its own lounge/dining room with enclosed verandah and a private entrance.
Recommendation: whilst all options are great – indulge, go for The Donga!
Robert Connell Close, One Mile Beach 5, Anna Bay, Australia
Contact tel: +61 2 4981 9918, fax: +61 2 4981 9874, e-mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.