DoubleTree by Hilton brings Melbourne into the bedroom with its laneway inspired Graffiti Loft.
As a life long Melburnian, I’m pretty passionate about our little city – the world’s most liveable city for seven years running, anyone? – so it was with much excitement that I had the opportunity to take part in Platform 270’s Graffiti On A Plate event, and even sneak a peak at DoubleTree by Hilton’s exciting new Graffiti Loft.
From our obsession with cold drip coffee (I’m not a fan, but I drink it anyway because ‘Melbourne’), to the Myer Christmas Windows, or a post-night out breakfast kransky from the Queen Victoria Market, there’s always something interesting, delicious, or quirky hiding in a corner of the Hoddle Grid, just waiting to be discovered. The only disappointing aspect of Melbourne is that it wasn’t named ‘Batmania’, as city founder John Batman would have liked.
But the real heart of this city beats in the criss cross of laneways and alleys, where Melbourne’s cafe and street art culture thrive. Known the world over as a top destination for graffiti artists and admirers, the constantly evolving art covered walls of the city embody the spirit Melbourne: vibrant, creative, beautiful, and political – sometimes heartbreaking, often inspiring, and always thought-provoking . The story of modern Melbourne is written in the layers of paint that have been built upon over the decades in our laneways, and the voices of the often-voiceless are still heard in the ever changing rainbow of the alley ways.
It’s in this spirit of vibrancy and creativity, that DoubleTree by Hilton have created the Graffiti Loft. Teaming up with legendary local graffiti artist, Dan Wenn of 90 Degrees, they’ve created a hotel room space that is quintessentially Melbourne, from the stunning feature wall designed and painted by Wenn himself, right down to the repurposed milk crate bedside tables. Wenn, who has been involved in Melbourne’s street art scene since the late 1980s, has previously provided murals and art for other Melbourne favourites Adriano Zumbo in South Yarra and George Colambaris’ CBD restaurant, Gazi.
The hotel room itself has all the creature comforts you’d expect, as well as unique added extras like books and DVDs hand picked by Wenn that capture what he loves most about Melbourne and street art. And visitors are encouraged to get in the spirit of things by leaving their mark on the in-room desk – paint pens provided in an (equally iconic, in my opinion) Itty Bitty bin, of course.
Overlooking Flinders Street Station, and just a short walk from Melbourne’s iconic Hosier Lane and the just as snazzy – but less squishy – Union Lane, the Graffiti Loft is perfectly located as a home base for an urban adventure, or even just as a great place to chill out and watch the city move below.
But it’s not just a feast for the eyes at the Graffiti Loft. DoubleTree by Hilton’s in-house restaurant, Platform 270, is dishing up graffiti inspired delights for the palate as well. Chef Phillip Latta, formerly of the prestigious Attica restaurant, has created a playful menu that showcases the best of fresh, local produce in an interesting and creative way. One of the most exciting dishes that I tried – and one that you can too – is their “Girl with a Balloon” inspired dessert: a white chocolate and strawberry shortcake dome ‘balloon’, bendable chocolate, honey caramel ice cream, balsamic jelly, and raspberry meringue, all washed down with a delicious De Bortoli ‘Down The Lane’ Rosé Gris de Gris.
As is the ephemeral nature of street art, the Graffiti Loft is only available for a limited time. Taking bookings until the 2nd of October, there’s still time to book your stay. From just $259, you can experience a very Melbourne night in the Graffiti Loft, as well as a enjoy buffet breakfast for two and a graffiti inspired snack delivered straight to your room.
Graffiti Loft at DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Melbourne
270 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Ph#: (03) 9654 6888
www.doubletree3.hilton.com
