There doesn't seem to be any websites dedicated to cool or unusual places to stay, and it's only been with a lot of searching, and a little luck, that I have found any of my accommodation that falls into this category.
The Bloomfield, well-located in Melbourne's South Yarra, ticks my boxes, but I only discovered it on a 'What to do in Melbourne' site, recommending daytrippers check out the rooftop pool.
Bingo!
And what a pool!
Even on that grey first day we were there. Made me smile.
But the pool is just the beginning at The Bloomfield –
the place
is
rock.
Very cool, very chic with not a hint of wank (as you probably know, if you know me at all, I have a low tolerance for people and places who lay claim to being cool, as they usually lack the substance). This place is effortless. Relaxed, funky and fun, even a little tongue-in-cheek – and that's why I loved it.
Brainchild of an architect/design/fashion duo, I would just as happily stay here on some fashiony trip as I would (and probably will be soon) with the kids.
The accommodation comes in different styles depending on your budget – rooms start at a low $99 – and needs.
Kerstin and I stayed in the Bloomfield Deluxe, part of the 1960's addition to the original Albany guesthouse. The renovations have been sympathetic to the style of both buildings without getting weighted down with the boring bits, and the result is eclectic and interesting.
As a 'budget' room, we did put up with intermittent hot water in the shower, but I'm not complaining. However, if you are finicky about privacy, perhaps consider one of the many other rooms available, as the opaque blinds in the bathroom are fairly revealing.
At the Bloomfield stuffiness and formality take a back seat (even the compendium is funny) which is great because there are lots of people like Kerstin and myself out there – people of our generation who should have grown up by now, but we still get around like we did in our early 20's.
This hotel is made for us.
Very few of them are.
I don't love instant noodles, but they do have their culinary place, and I can't think of any more useful addition (aside from alcohol) to a room's mini bar!
It's the extras like this that help to make your stay anywhere, special.
Harpers Bazaar meets the Q Bar,
and dingy band venues.
With a teeny bit of The Shining thrown in for good measure
If the mini bar noodles aren't your thing, the restaurant and bar is casual dining at its finest.
We enjoyed a very delicious pizza, the perfect size for a pre-gig pick me up, also available to take up to your room, and breakfast there was yummy too.
Our last morning in Melbourne was spent poolside.
I love the pink, red and blue…
…and I really want a pool like this at home.
The sunshine was beautiful and warm, but the pool was a little too icy to make full use of the water camera.
Ideal for posers, though.
See, two of the hottest supermodels in the universe were there, probably doing a multi-million dollar photoshoot for some luxury brand (she chortles).
I know I've gushed a lot about this one, but I really think it's a perfect base for a Melbourne experience.
Loved it.
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