Tall and thin to maximise sweeping views across Melbourne, the 347-room Novotel is part of the Melbourne skyline but in a part of Melbourne that many don't actually get to. It's adjacent to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a part of the city that business travellers know better than locals do.
Business travellers, those who are in Melbourne for a convention at Jeff's Shed and those who have come to the city for a bit of shopping at DFO are all well served here.
Rooms are spacious, with luxurious walk-in showers and extremely comfortable beds. If you can, try to get a room on an upper floor – the sweeping views across the city and all the way to the bay are extraordinary. You'll just want to watch the city pass by out the window, but if you can tear yourself away from the view the TVs also have Chromecast, so you can binge your favourite Netflix show and order room service for a perfect night in. There is even a pillow menu for ultimate comfort.
If you don't want to leave the hotel but are adventurous enough to leave your luxe room, head downstairs to Mr Carpano restaurant, which has a fairly small but well-crafted and well-priced Italian menu. We recommend the pasta – it's made in-house, fresh every day. On warm days, the terrace is the place to be. Happy hour runs from 4 to 7pm every day, and wines start from $5. The views over the city from here are stunning, and it's the ideal place for a pre-dinner cocktail or knock-off drink after a long day at a work convention.
Love a breakfast buffet? Of course you do, breakfast buffets are the best. So make sure you're not heading off too early in the morning to get amongst the buffet here.
Cassidy Knowlton stayed courtesy of Novotel South Wharf.
