If a boutique lifestyle hotel brimming with personality sounds like your style, you might just meet your match at the Motley. Refined maximalism is the aesthetic of choice at this five-star, 80-room hotel on Richmond’s famous Bridge Road.
When the foyer itself is a masterpiece, you know you’ll be in for a lavish stay. The black and gold entryway is crowded with striking portraits in plush quilted frames, and the tasteful tiger mural behind the front desk is a subtle nod to Richmond’s AFL allegiance.
At the Motley, the attention to detail is second to none. All eight levels of the hotel are a love letter to the site’s former occupant, a popular theatre costumier and seamstress named Ms Mary Parker. The accomplished interior design by Chada features luxe fabric wall panelling, sheer drapes that hang juuuust right, leather accent bedheads, herringbone bedside tables and terrazzo touches to round out the mix. This eclectic combination of textures brings warmth and character to every nook. Even the bougie alarm clocks are covered with tasteful fabric and connected to a tablet that makes ordering room service dangerously simple.
Speaking of sustenance, the ground level plays host to Ms Parker, a fine diner which also transforms into a café by day. Settle into a booth beneath low-hanging lamps and partake in a few expertly prepared courses that hero some archetypical Australian ingredients. The kangaroo tartare on a Vegemite cracker is an unexpected delight, while the grilled tiger prawns with tamarind and curry leaf are a refreshing take on an Aussie favourite.
If you’re feeling thirsty, the creative cocktail list should hit the spot. The bright pink Sloe Season is a highlight, thanks to a not-too-sweet flavour balance and some punchy freeze-dried raspberry dust. You can retire to the lounge area of the restaurant for an after-dinner drink, complete with leather armchairs, quirky decor and board games to keep you entertained.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the Motley will soon open several tailor-made Motley Heritage Rooms, each with a completely individual personality. There’ll be the Textured Room, Mary’s Room and the hotel’s showpiece, the Tiger Room.
Whether you’re visiting the city or on a cheeky staycation, the Motely’s location is in something of a Goldilocks zone – away from the crowds and noise of the central business district, but still super close if you need to nip across to the city. In fact, there’s a tram stop right outside the door. The Motley is part of Richmond’s Bridge Road dining and retail precinct and it’s only a short jaunt from bustling Chapel Street.
Time Out tip: Head down to Ms Parker early from 5.30-7.30pm for the snack and sip sessions. You’ll get a curated combination of six savoury bites and a perfectly paired glass of wine for $49 per person – quite the deal if you ask us.
Ashleigh Hastings stayed as a guest of the Motley Hotel.
