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| The Westin Melbourne |
"Location, Location, Location!" That is what Real
Estate Sales people say are the 3 most important aspects to look for
when buying a property.
Recently I had the pleasure
of staying at The Westin Melbourne, in the state capital city of
Victoria, Australia. The phrase "Location, Location, Location!" sums up
perfectly what is the outstanding feature of The Westin Melborrne. It
is centrally located in the heart of Melbourne at 205 Collins Street, on
the corner of Swanston Street. It is directly opposite the
magnification heritage Melbourne Town Hall and right next door to the
landmark Regent Theatre, City Square and the magnificent St Paul's
Cathedral. It is a short walk to Federation Square, the Arts Centre, MCG
and the Tennis Centre, Southbank, Bouke Street Mall and Melbourne's
famous shopping arcades, laneways, restaurants, department stores and
designer boutiques.
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| The Westin Lobby |
To explore all that Melbourne has to offer, the
extensive network of trains and trams can be utilized. Suburban trains
depart regularly from the nearby Flinders Street Station, and using the
functional tram network a person can travel north, south, east or west.
The
Westin Melbourne, built in 2000, has had a $5.5 million refurbishment
in 2010. The impressive entrance lobby on the ground floor is filled
natural light from the floor to ceiling windows overlooking City Square.
It has comfortable seating, fresh flowers, works of art and music to
create a welcoming atmosphere. The spiral staircase and light fittings
are impressive. The hotel offers a variety of food and beverage venues: a
restaurant, bar, lobby lounge, martini bar and 24 hour in- room dining.
The Allegro Restaurant features an open kitchen and wood fired oven,
with a private terrace where people can dine alfresco amongst the tree
tops of Collins Street.
The luxurious five-star hotel
features 262 spacious guest rooms and suites, ranging from the Westin,
City View, Deluxe Rooms, the Westin Spa Studios and Regent Suites.
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| My Westin Spa Studio |
I was fortunate to be upgraded to one of the huge
50sqm Westin Spa Studios situated on a corner of the hotel overlooking
St Paul's Cathedral through the floor to ceiling windows. I spent some
time at the dark woodwork desk with leather chair where I tapped away on
my laptop computer using the wifi internet available (though there was a
multimedia connectivity panel). I viewed some of the many channels
available on the 42-inch LCD TV, and made some cuppas from the
refreshment centre. I sat in the comfy large armchair with ottoman
to read some of the magazines provided. There was an
iPod docking station available for use, but I did not make use of it as
I am one of those rare people who do not have an iPod.
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| My Westin Spa Studio |
I had a most wonderful nights sleep on the very
comfortable king-size Westin Heavenly Bed that had ten layers of
crisp and supple, pure-white 250–thread count sheets and down duvets,
plush pillows and custom pillow-top mattresses. Apparently many of hotel
guests fall in love with their bedding so much that they end up buying
the Heavenly linen, doonas, pillows and even the beds for their own
homes, using the Westin “Take a piece of Heaven Home” program.
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| My Westin Bathroom |
The modern bathroom had magnificent floor-to-ceiling
bay windows that let ample natural light in during the day and provided
wonderful views over Swanston Street, St Paul's Cathedral and City
Square. I indulged myself in not one but several relaxing spa baths in
the deep-set tub with spa jets. I also had several showers using the
separate overhead
rain shower and handheld massaging shower head. They were heavenly! The
dual
vanity was situated within the bay window and was stocked with fragrant
White Tea by Westin bath amenities. A fluffy
bathrobe added to the luxurious bathroom experience.
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| Westin Buffet Breakfast |
For breakfast I dined at the Allegro Restaurant
located on level one of The Westin Melbourne. I enjoyed eating the
hearty and healthy breakfast items I chose from the extensive buffet
range of hot and cold items that were available. If I was more into
fitness than I am, I could have taken advantage of the nutrient-rich
and delicious SuperFoodsRx dishes served on the breakfast menu.
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| Westin Pool |
For some relaxation I went to the Wellness Centre
where I swam some lengths in the lap pool, lazed in the spa, warmed up
in the Sauna, steam up on the Steam Room and (briefly) visited the 24
hour Westin WORKOUT gymnasium. If I was more energetic I could have
taken a run on a custom-designed scenic route close to the hotel. They
have an innovative Run WESTIN program where they offer three and
five mile routes through the city, along the beach or into rural
landscapes. I could have joined a group run with their Run Concierge, or
grabbed a running map and taken off by myself. Either way, I would have
been welcomed back with a fresh towel and cold bottled water. I could
have had the convenience of working out in the privacy of my own Westin
WORKOUT room, or an In-Room Spa treatment in the complete privacy of my
guest room. I couldn't really use the excuse that I hadn't packed my own
work-out gear, as The Westin Melbourne now offers New Balance shoes and
clothing to hire for only $5.00. Shoes come with socks that are brand
new and yours to keep.
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View from room of St Paul's,
Flinders St Station, Eureka Tower
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The Westin Melbourne caters for the business
community and for private functions, with seven function rooms and a
business centre with boardroom available for use for groups of between 8
and 160 people. Its prominent location in the Central Business District
of Melbourne makes it ideally accessible for these events.
For anyone looking for a chic modern five star hotel in the heart of Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is the ideal play to stay.
It
is not only the design of the hotel that is outstanding, it is the
friendly, attentive service of the staff that makes The Westin Melbourne
the ideal 5-star hotel to stay in.for any visiting interstate or
overseas business executive or tourist.
Contact Details
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| The Westin Melbourne |
Address: 205 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
Phone: (61)(3) 9635 2222
Fax: (61)(3) 9635 2122
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