Described in recent Sydney Morning Herald write-up as "über-boutique" and "beyond boutique", it is more than just a little bit trendy. It's even been nominated for the title of Australia's best boutique hotel in the World Travel Awards.

The foyer is almost space age, and the rooms are big and light, although each of the 40 rooms has its own original design features. They even light an aromatherapy burner before you get there. You can eat at the hotel cafe Il Fornaio (great freshly-baked pastries) or at Circa, an award-winning restaurant that can't quite be categorized but has a heavy Japanese influence. When you stay at The Prince, our tip is to ask for one of the corner suites with views over Port Phillip Bay--just gorgeous.

[Photo: MrJ]

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· Princely Pleasures [SMH]
· Hotels in Melbourne [HotelChatter]
· Travel Stories in Melbourne [Jaunted]