Pictures of Melbourne’s Hotel Indigo always showcase the wow-factor feature walls behind the hotel beds – the wall displays a striking, larger-than-life photo of a woman’s face. She’s wearing sunglasses and peeking out from behind an actual fabric (not photograph) curtain that drapes along the wall. The photo is by famous Melbourne-based fashion photographer Helmut Newton. His photographs grace walls throughout the hotel, in all of the rooms, as well as the lobby and bar – an appropriate style theme, considering Newton had a photography studio on this hotel’s very street (Flinders Lane) back in the 1940s. It’s also a dramatic style theme, which makes this a stylish yet affordable base for anyone (like me) who finds the blank walls and beige carpets of more corporate-like hotels soul-destroying.
Why stay at Hotel Indigo Melbourne?
As soon as I check in to Hotel Indigo, I realise every little detail here has been considered to make sure you have a memorable Melbourne stay. As well as Newton’s photos, there is striking décor (an old-fashioned photographer’s light, for instance), button-controlled curtains (my fave), a range of adjustable lighting options to suit the hour and mood, and a wonderful French-style bar and bistro. To top it off, there’s even a free photobooth in the lobby, so you can capture some special Indigo moments during your stay as keepsakes.
This isn’t the only Hotel Indigo – Indigo properties are part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts group, which also includes InterContinental, Kimpton, Six Senses and more – and while there are Indigo accommodations across the world (including Sydney), each property has its own distinct look and feel; this is the only Helmut Newton-coded one.
Oh, and pet owners, listen up – this hotel is pet friendly. I’d say enquire before rocking up with your rottweiler, though.
What are the rooms like at Hotel Indigo Melbourne?
Hotel Indigo offers Suites, Premium Rooms and Standard Rooms. All of them come with free wifi and a dial-up mini bar. I’m lucky enough to be in a Suite, and I’m on the corner of the building, on the first floor, so I have a just-above-street-level view of people going about their business on busy Flinders Street. I’m travelling solo, but I definitely don’t feel lonely, thanks to the hustle below (and that girl peeking at me, haha). Of course, I can also block the view of the people below out – and their view of me – with a simple press of the curtain buttons.
My room is more than a room – I have a large lounge room with a V-shaped red lounge, a flat-screen TV, a coffee table, sitting table and also a desk; with all those different options, it’s a dream hotel room to work from while I’m here.
Where to eat and drink at Hotel Indigo Melbourne
Hotel Indigo’s restaurant and bar are under the experienced direction of chef Luke Mangan. The lounge bar is just to the side of the lobby, and it feels very accessible and comfortable – while I’m there, there are people alone working on laptops, some sitting waiting for friends, others having snacks with their drinks. They have a few good happy hour specials.
The restaurant is called Bistro Bisou, and it’s like a French brasserie. It’s where the hotel breakfast is served, and it’s open for lunch Tuesday to Friday, and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.
The menu features French classics, like steak tartare, rare seared tuna niçoise, duck dishes, even vol-au-vents. I order the scallops, which come served with a Champagne sauce (Taittinger, no less) and barley in a rich, aromatic stock (delicious). As a main, I order the steak frites. The steak comes sliced and cooked perfectly medium rare, in a flavour-packed veal jus. Just right.
Breakfast is a regular hotel buffet including fruits, muesli, yoghurts, and all the regulars: bacon, scrambled eggs, baked beans, sausages, hash browns, baked tomatoes and more.
What is the service like at Hotel Indigo Melbourne?
The service at this hotel is some of the best I’ve experienced lately. The reception staff are attentive and warm, yet relaxed and good at conversation. Everything runs seamlessly during my stay (no Fawlty Towers moments here). On the night I come, the bar/restaurant waitstaff are all French, and very good at their jobs.
What facilities does Hotel Indigo Melbourne have?
As well as the restaurant and bar (and lobby photobooth), there’s a gym on the mezzanine level. There’s daily housekeeping, the hotel is pet-friendly, and there’s free wifi.
What’s the area like around Hotel Indigo Melbourne?
Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders is located on Flinders Lane in the city. It’s a short stroll from Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, the Immigration Museum and the Yarra River. It’s about a seven-minute walk across the bridge to Southbank/the Convention Centre, and a 15-minute walk to Marvel Stadium, so it’s a convenient place to stay for those attending events or wanting to be right in the city. It’s close to plenty of restaurants, bars, Southern Cross Train Station, and, of course, trams.
Who should book a stay at Hotel Indigo Melbourne?
Hotel Indigo is a stylish, not-boring stay that offers great value in a convenient location, so it’s an excellent pick for anyone who wants a memorable stay in Melbourne city that they don’t have to break the bank for (and for pet owners!).
Address: 575 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Price per night: Prices start at $198 per night
Closest transport link: Plenty of trams, and Southern Cross Train Station
Book now: Click here
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