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Rubber Ducky, You're the One at Como Melbourne

Where: 630 Chapel Street, Melbourne, Australia, 3141

And the prize for the silliest hotel package this week goes to ... the Como Hotel in Melbourne for naming an otherwise perfectly normal hotel deal "Duckaway". Because you get a rubber duck.

At first glance it might not be at all clear why the Como would offer a "Duckaway", but there is in fact a reasonable kind of excuse behind it. The Como is especially proud of their "Bath Time Menu"--guests can choose all kinds of treats to enjoy at bath time with different kinds of bubble bath, some served with herbal tea or a glass of whisky!

So if you're craving a very good bath and a cute rubber duck, then the "Duckaway" deal goes for A$299 (US$210) and includes a night in a studio suite, gourmet breakfast for two, valet parking and, of course, a smiling Como rubber duck. Dare we say, duck in soon for this deal? Nah, it's too corny.

Tags: Melbourne Hotel Reviews / Hotels Down Under / → All Tags

Hotels Down Under: The Warm & Friendly Como Melbourne

Where: 630 Chapel Street | South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia, 3141

Truth be told, Australia isn't always warm. Staying in Melbourne could mean some cold weekends so you'll want a hotel that can handle the ranges of temperatures and a wide range of potential requests. Apparently that hotel is the Como Melbourne. Up to several tests, the Como has passed with flying colors. For those who found themselves surprised by the occasional and rare spells of chillier weather, the hotel warmed them with its luxurious bed and spa bath which some guests claim can fit two people while others thought even four.

Got upgraded to a spa suite which was huge with a beautiful spa bath in the bathroom - def big enough for two!! Staff were exceptionally friendly and the hotel was amazingly warm (temperature wise) during a very very cold Melbourne weekend and the king size bed the most comfortable I have slept in!!!

With 107 rooms the Como prides itself on maintaining the charm of a small hotel with highly personalized service. One past guest raved how the discovery of his forgotten cufflinks was no problem as the hotel staff personally delivered a new pair within 10 minutes of his call for help. The high quality service has gotten them national attention as well, they've won "Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia" and "Best Luxury Hotel in Victoria" for several years plus, the guest reviews are top.

The only problem people seem to find here is the remnant smell of smoke as the non-smoking trend hasn't yet hit down under. But our guess is, let the staff know it's bothersome and chances are they'll get you an air purifier within 10 minutes.

Click here for more stories on Hotels Down Under

Related Stories:
· Como Melbourne Reviews [TripAdvisor]

Tags: Melbourne Hotel Reviews / Hotels Down Under / → All Tags

Hotels Down Under: The Hatton Hotel Isn't Perfect But Guests Love It Anyways

Where: 65 Park Street | South Yarra,, Melbourne, Australia, 3141

We're done with Sydney so we're checking out what's in Melbourne, Australia.

The Hatton Hotel is the #1 rate hotel in Trip Advisor in terms of popularity but this isn't exactly a top-notch luxury resort. Recent guests prefer to describe it as a posh B&B in a historic building with a great location just outside the city but still near dining and shops. Also the Royal Botanic Gardens are just steps away.

In true B&B fashion, there are no elevators so if you get a room on the top floor you will have to climb three flights of stairs. You can also hear people "stomping around" a bit sometimes and there's no 24 hour room service or housekeeping. So what do people love about this place? One guest writes

Not a chain. It's more of a posh B&B with a very homey atmosphere.

The rooftop balcony is outstanding with gorgeous city views. Recommend sitting on top to watch the sunset and enjoy wine or one of the hotel's reasonably priced cheese and fruit plates or dips. This was an absolutely liberating and relaxing experience up on the roof that I will not soon forget.

Another guest cited the free continental breakfast and the great room rate  of about $150 a night. However, not all rooms are created equal so if you want to splurge on a suite it may make your stay a bit more spectacular.

Related Stories:
· Hatton Hotel reviews [TripAdvisor]

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Boutique on the Upside Down River

Where: 14 Murphy Street [map], Melbourne, United States, 3141

South Yarra is not only the location of the upside down river, but also one of the hippest sections of Melbourne. Oh, and there is a cool hotel there.

The Lyall is a stylish, almost secret boutique with service guests crow about. The hotel employees claim to have "secret South Yarra info"--whatever that is. Owners Rowina and Peter Thomas are locals, so our guess is they have info on the neighborhood that travel guides could never get.

A recent guest chimes in on Lyall:

My husband and I stayed at the Lyall and were shocked when we got there. For a surprisingly low price, the Lyall was beautiful and luxurious, with the best service we found in all of Australia.

Related Stories:
·   Lyall Hotel Reviews [TripAdvisor]