Art Series - The Chen

Art Series - The Chen in Box Hill, Australia, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive and art-infused experience for travelers. The hotel consistently receives positive feedback for its unique design, excellent service, and convenient location in the vibrant Box Hill neighborhood.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Art Series - The Chen is highly positive, with an impressive overall rating often exceeding 8.3 out of 10. Guests frequently describe their stays as memorable and enjoyable, praising the hotel for its blend of luxury and affordability. It is rated "Very Good" based on numerous reviews, with high scores across categories such as location (8.9), cleanliness (8.6), value for money (8.5), facilities (8.5), comfort (8.7), and staff (8.9).

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Art and Design: The hotel is a "haven for art enthusiasts," themed around contemporary Chinese-Australian artist Zhong Chen, with his vibrant and dynamic artworks displayed throughout the hotel and in every suite. This artistic ambiance, including in-room art libraries and dedicated art channels, is a unique draw.
• Rooftop Pool & Entertainment Deck: The impressive 25-meter rooftop pool and entertainment deck offer spectacular panoramic views of the Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs. It's described as a gorgeous area for relaxation or exercise.
• Location: The hotel's prime location in Box Hill is frequently highlighted as superb and convenient, being close to public transport, shopping, and a wide array of dining options.
• Cleanliness: Many guests commend the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, noting spotless rooms and well-maintained facilities.
• Comfortable Beds: The "plush Art Series Bedding" and comfortable mattresses are often praised, with some guests stating the beds are better than those found in many other four or five-star hotels.

Room Quality

The 100 intelligently designed suites at Art Series - The Chen are celebrated for their contemporary accommodation and artistic flair. Rooms are described as lovely, beautiful, spacious, and comfortable, featuring unique art designs by Zhong Chen. Key room features include:

• Vibrant artworks by Zhong Chen.
• Walk-in showers and private bathrooms.
• Workstations, flat-screen TVs, and minibars.
• Tea and coffee facilities.
• Plush Art Series Bedding.
• Some larger Deluxe Studio Suites offer full kitchenettes, including microwaves.
• Free WiFi is available in all rooms.
• One and two-bedroom apartments are also available, often featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan living and dining with timber flooring, private balconies with spectacular views, and designer kitchens with Miele appliances.

Dining Experience

While the hotel itself doesn't offer an Accor-affiliated restaurant, guests have access to several onsite dining options within the complex. These include BBQ-K, Golden Lily Chinese, Katori Japanese, and Zero Mode Café. Golden Lily, located on the first floor of the hotel, is a boutique Chinese restaurant offering authentic Cantonese, Shanghai, and Sichuan cuisines, including exquisite handmade yum cha dim sum. Guests can also find an excellent food court and numerous restaurants in the nearby Box Hill Central shopping complex.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Art Series - The Chen receive consistently high praise, with a staff rating of 8.9. Guests commend the team for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and concierge services.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime location in Box Hill, a vibrant suburb approximately 14 kilometers from Melbourne's city center. It's considered a highly convenient area with excellent accessibility:

• Public Transport: Tram stops are directly in front of the property, and Box Hill train station is just a two-minute walk away. Box Hill is a major transport hub with two train lines, two tram routes, and 21 bus routes.
• Local Amenities: The hotel is just 500 meters from Box Hill Central shopping complex, which offers cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and department stores. The bustling Box Hill Market, known for its authentic Asian produce, is also nearby.
• Attractions & Institutions: Box Hill Hospital and Epworth Eastern Hospital are a five-minute walk away. Several educational institutions, including Deakin University and Swinburne University of Technology, are also within easy reach. Melbourne Airport is approximately 18 miles (29 km) away.

Value & Pricing

Art Series - The Chen is often praised for offering exceptional value for money, providing a luxurious and comfortable stay at competitive rates. While prices can vary, a recent search indicated a 1-night stay for two adults could start from approximately AU$157.50. The average room price has been noted around $107, compared to Melbourne's average of $137, suggesting good affordability.

Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some minor points of feedback or potential issues include:

• Parking Fees: Self-parking is available but incurs a daily charge. Limited onsite parking is available, and an offsite facility may be used if the onsite car park is full.
• Credit Card Surcharge: Guests should be aware of a 1.4% credit card surcharge when using a credit card for payment.
• Deposit: A refundable damage deposit of AUD 100 is required upon arrival.
• Box Hill's Development: Some reviews suggest that while Box Hill is developed, parts of the area can feel "unfinished" with vacant blocks of land, implying it's still evolving as a vibrant community. Additionally, while Box Hill Central is excellent for food, it may not be the best for clothes shopping, with recommendations to visit larger suburban centers or the city for that purpose.
• Pool Accessibility: Depending on the specific block a guest is in, reaching the rooftop pool can sometimes be "a bit of an effort".

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. mantrahotels.com
4. youtube.com
5. thehotelconversation.com.au
6. thechenresidences.com.au
7. expedia.com.au
8. com-hotel.info