Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne: Luxury at it’s best

Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne is without a doubt Australia’s most luxurious Hotel. Having reaffirmed it’s standing by being awarded the best Australian Hotel in 2014 by Luxury Magazines gold list – it’s hard to argue if there are any other hotels that can topple Crown’s – well “crown”.

I recently stayed at this hotel after deciding that I should treat myself to a night of luxury before I fly out to Bangkok the next day. Living just an hour away, I don’t often stay in the city itself as it’s just as easy to catch a train home after a day’s shopping, dining or visiting friends. So having a little bit more time would be a good opportunity to not only check out Australia’s best hotel but to wander about the very expansive Crown complex itself. Crown Towers is an easy walk to and from the Southern Cross station which suited me and my two suitcases in tow.

Crown Towers

I arrived at Crown Towers fresh from my train journey and Melbourne weather being as it is (hot one day freezing the next) I was somewhat blown away by wind, so I quickly entered through the casino entrance for some shelter. Within moments I was spied by the Crown Towers doorman – my luggage was a dead giveaway as to where I was heading. He was an absolute gentleman, dressed in the signature top hat and long red coat, he proceeded to carry my luggage for me and showed me to the Hotel entrance.

As I walked into the Hotel Lobby, I must say that I was impressed. Not only by the professionalism of the staff and their sincere welcoming but for the wonderfully opulent lobby, the kind of lobby you would expect from a luxury hotel. It’s a great place in itself to sit and just hang about. If you fancy a drink then to the right you have the waiting room lobby bar, where you can have a cocktail, a coffee or a bite to eat in surrounds (once inside) that are reminiscent of a bygone classy era. In the centre of the lobby is a grand piano and lounges to sit and relax whilst you listen to the music in the late afternoons.

The Room

I stayed in a twin deluxe room on the seventeenth floor which was wonderfully appointed with two double beds and plenty of space in-between. These rooms are oversized and have a separate dressing room where you can store your luggage and clothes completely out of the way of the main room. My room had a lovely view of the Yarra River, city buildings and Port Philip Bay on the horizon. This room also overlooked the rooftop gardens and the tennis court. The view from the window seat was particularly lovely at night when the buildings were lit up. There is also a large wide screen TV, desk and chairs and a minibar stocked with lot’s of goodies.

Now for the bathroom – two words – absolutely stunning! Extremely spacious, with double vanities, chandeliers, shaving mirror that you can move anywhere, a separate shower room with rain shower head and separate toilet. Not only could you hold a small party in this room due to it’s size but a separate bath tub with a TV screen for that added special touch. I immediately wanted to run a bath and watch TV mainly because I thought  now how often does one get the chance to do that?

But wait there is more of these “special touches” – look around and you will find super soft bath robes, slippers and complimentary luxury toiletries. Each room is provided with a good quality hairdryer, iron and complimentary tea and coffee. Twenty-four hour room service and any other service you require is but a call away.

The beds are turned down at night, slippers are placed beside the beds on little mats and complimentary chocolates are left waiting for you once you return to your room.

The important things

All rooms have a view of the Yarra River and the city. If your room does not have a city view to the East (main side of city) then there is floor to ceilings windows located by the lifts offering great photo opportunities during either day or night.

For me bathroom lighting is very important for doing my makeup. At Crown the bathroom lighting can be adjusted to three levels of brightness so you will not have to worry about doing your makeup in the dark or risk coming out looking like a bright orange beacon! The lighting is perfect.

I also happen to be a little fussy with hairdryers and I totally despise the ones that are attached to the wall (they generally have not much power to them).  I always pack a powerful travel size hairdryer but if the hotels hairdryer is good enough then I am happy to leave mine in the suitcase. The hair dryer at Crown is pretty good and it is powerful enough to dry your hair quickly but also able to blow dry out any frizz.

Other rooms:

The deluxe rooms are really above standard and quite luxurious, but if you really want to splash out then here are some other room types on offer at Crown.

Executive and Executive club suites prices starting from $474 per night

Premier and Premier club suites $609 per night

Tower Suite $1380 per night

Villas $1950 per night

What’s on offer at Crown Towers

Crystal club – a lounge with private check in, concierge facilities for its members and many other complimentary offerings.

Crown Spa for a truly luxurious and indulgent experience.

Pool, gymnasium and tennis court, refreshments can be served by the pool.

Rooftop garden.

Being located right within the Casino you will find yourself right in the middle of the action. Dining options are endless, bars, clubs, shows and of course the casino itself where you can roll the dice and try your luck at winning your fortune or at least hope to win back the cost of your room.

Shopping is high end couture from Burberry, Prada to Louis Vuitton, all the designer labels are here.

The verdict:

I was blown away by how fabulous Crown Towers is as a place to stay. The staff are ever so welcoming and genuinely sincere in their dealings. Every room has a view, so there is no need to worry about having an uninspiring view of a wall. There is plenty going on in and around the hotel, from award winning restaurants, to shopping and of course entertainment. I loved my stay with Crown and my only regret is that I couldn’t stay longer!

If I have to mention a negative then it would be that wifi is not free in the rooms and costs $25 per day. Having said that you can use the wifi in public areas such as in the lobby completely free.

Where:

8 Whiteman Street

Southbank Melbourne Australia

Phone: 61 3 9292 6868

Website: Crown Towers

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Securing a great deal

My advice is to book on a Monday or a Tuesday if you just want to experience Crown as these days are cheaper than the traditional weekend rate. Booking well in advance will also help in securing a great deal. Compare Crown’s room rates with other online booking agencies – such as booking.com