The Cosmopolitan Hotel, St Kilda, Melbourne

Typical of all good Melbourne finds, the Cosmopolitan Hotel is tucked away down a side street. A block or two back from the St Kilda coastline, The Cosmo peeps round the corner at you and beckons to you like a cheeky Shakespearean sprite.

We were happy we followed the sprite’s bidding – the hotel ticks every box a tired traveller expects: clean, comfortable, reasonable breakfast (though no bacon!), secure parking and in particular, friendly, knowledgeable staff. Obviously there’s more to the place than that, but it’s a great starting point, isn’t it?

Our room – a deluxe terrace room – was spacious and the balcony was big enough to relax on. You could even have a meal there if you wanted to. There was a kitchenette with cooking facilities for longer stays and the air-conditioning was appropriate for the size of the room (I hate it when there’s just one tiny unit that does nothing but make noise).

Finer details aside, the draw card for this hotel is location. Ideal for the summer, the Cosmopolitan is a stone’s throw from the beach and Port Phillip Bay, you can see Luna Park from our balcony and there are bars, pubs and cafés every which way you turn.

Our favourite was the Local Taphouse, which punts incredible beer and excellent grub. We love the Sydney version, and the St Kilda original was… what’s the opposite of disappointing? If you want to head into the city instead, the 16 tram stops virtually outside the hotel’s door. And then you’ve got the whole of Melbourne as your playground.

So if it’s a relaxing weekend by the sea you’re after or a base to explore Victoria’s crown jewel, the Cosmopolitan is a great option. After all, what’s wrong with wanting the best of both worlds?

For bookings and enquiries go to www.8hotels.com/cosmopolitan-hotel

Cosmopolitan Hotel
2-8 Carlisle Street
St Kilda
Victoria 3000

Tel: 1800 333 073 (within Australia only) or internationally: +61 3 9534 078
Email: info@cosmopolitanhotel.com.au

For other hotels in the 8Hotels Group, found all over Australia, Bali, Fiji and Paris, go to www.8hotels.com

Images by Mrs Romance, and courtesy of 8Hotels.com.