Over the weekend I took a trip to Melbourne, staying at the Adara Richmond. The hotel is in a great spot, you can see the Melbourne CBD from the corner of Bridge and Lennox streets and easily jump on a tram or train to get there. The famous sporting grounds of the MCG and AAMI Park are also close by and Bridge Street is lined with loads of cafes, restaurants and shopping to keep you entertained close to home.

The hotel has recently been refurbished so the rooms are modern and comfortable as well as fully self-contained. I stayed in a one-bedroom apartment which was a great size, with plenty of room to spread out and relax. The one-bedroom apartment included a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry, a great size living room and large television, a writing desk and square dining table (perfect for 2) and a separate bedroom.

Adara Richmond bedroom

The bedroom has a queen-size bed which is very comfortable and comes with big, comfortable pillows too. The bathroom is modern, new and very clean without that sterile over-the-top modern feel. Importantly, the shower was great – fantastic water pressure and lovely hot water to relax tired muscles after walking around all day.

Richmond is a great spot to stay in Melbourne as it’s out of the CBD and allows you to experience the real heart and soul of Melbourne; inconspicuous cafes tucked into shop fronts, boutique shopping, trams whizzing by and locals packing into restaurants in the evening. I had never stayed outside of Melbourne’s CBD until this trip and found it was my favourite trip to Melbourne ever! I found fantastic places to eat nearby and strolled around the area just looking at things for hours, it was a great place to get lost and see some very cool things.

There are times when I enjoy the simplicity of a standard studio-style hotel room, but there are times when I prefer a self-contained apartment. Melbourne is a great place to get a self-contained apartment like those at Adara Richmond because you can pop down to Queen Victoria Markets and stock up on cheese, wine, bread and other yummy things then retreat back to your apartment for a feast, without feeling cramped. Little things make all the difference in these apartments, like being able to do your laundry (meaning you aren’t stuck with a whole suitcase full of clothes that needs washing when you get home). The best way I can describe Adara is, it’s a home away from home.

My room had sliding glass doors off the living room, which were perfect for opening up in the afternoon to let the cool summer breeze and afternoon sun through. It was the perfect way to relax and unwind. The room never felt cramped and I was able to find plenty of space to unpack my things as well as eat and work when needed, meaning it is a great spot for either a short or long stay.

Aside from the one bedroom apartment, Adara Richmond also has Studio, One Bedroom Executive and Two Bedroom apartments, making it suitable for those travelling solo or as a couple or family on a longer stay. The rooms were quiet, comfortable and well-considered, making them really enjoyable and the kind of space you want to hang out in.

At the front desk, the staff are friendly and helpful. They make you feel welcome and answer any questions you have as well as help you understand the local area and organise anything you need, like the transfer shuttle to the airport or a taxi. You can also purchase a Myki and public transport pack from the reception staff so you can easily jump on the tram or train to get around town.

Window view Adara Richmond
The view from our room

Also on site is a brand new gym stocked with free weights, treadmill, weight machines and everything else you could possibly need to get a good workout while you’re travelling. The hotel also has great conference facilities and meeting rooms for anyone travelling for work or looking for an appropriate venue in Melbourne.

Each room includes Foxtel and WiFi internet access complimentary (hallelujah!) and secure undercover car parks are available for $20 a day, perfect if you’re hiring a car, as on-street parking is metered and capped at 2 hours during the day.

I was also really interested to learn Adara Richmond sponsors the nearby Epworth Hospital and works closely with the hospital to provide accommodation for the families of patients receiving much-needed treatment at the hospital. The hotel staff go the extra mile to make sure these guests feel supported and have every comfort to make their stay as stress-free and enjoyable as possible in difficult times. These seem like small things, but they make a huge difference to the lives of those affected.

I’d recommend Adara Richmond as a great place to stay for anyone visiting Melbourne, it’s well suited to people travelling for business or pleasure and those travelling solo, with children or as a couple or friends. Overall, it’s a modern hotel in a great location with comfortable, warm and welcoming rooms and is run by lovely staff. Book Adara Richmond here

Melbourne Street Art

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