Laneways by Ovolo
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Hotel Details
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Laneways by Ovolo · Melbourne, Australia
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Expert Review: Laneways by Ovolo
Laneways by Ovolo, a Michelin Key Selected property in Melbourne, stands out as a vibrant and personality-filled boutique hotel nestled in the city's iconic laneways. Guests consistently praise its exceptional location, unique design, and the genuine warmth of its staff.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Laneways by Ovolo is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it highly and expressing a strong desire to return. It's frequently described as having a "big personality" and an "eclectic inner-city stay infused with rebel spirit". Reviews on platforms like Booking.com often give it a 9.0 rating, highlighting its "great value for money". The hotel is celebrated for being bright, colourful, and fun, providing a distinctive and memorable experience.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Laneways by Ovolo. Its prime location in the heart of Melbourne's laneways is a major draw, offering immediate access to a plethora of restaurants, bars, and transport options. The staff receives continuous praise for being "delightful," "super cool," "welcoming," and "helpful". The hotel's generous complimentary offerings, such as a "happy hour with free wine every evening" and a "free lolly bar" in the lobby, are much-loved perks that add to the hotel's unique charm and value. The "sweet vibe" and thoughtful design also contribute significantly to guest satisfaction. As a Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ member, it promises a curated and independent experience.
3. Room Quality
The hotel features 43 "Memphis-inspired rooms" that are often described as "clean and well presented," "quiet and comfortable," and possessing a "good taste of the room design." While some rooms are intimate, others are expansive, including two-bedroom suites and penthouses with private rooftop patios and even outdoor spas. All rooms and suites come equipped with high-quality bed linen, walk-in rain showers, Malin+Goetz bathroom amenities, flat-screen TVs with Apple TV and Foxtel channels, tea/coffee making facilities, and a spacious work desk. Thoughtful touches like free minibars and blackout curtains are also standard. Some rooms may overlook narrow alleys, potentially leading to a "slightly dimmer ambiance," but this is often considered a minor point given the overall comfort and amenities.
4. Dining Experience
While the hotel's own restaurant/bar is currently closed, Laneways by Ovolo ensures a pleasant dining experience for its guests. Breakfast is served at the nearby Gillott Espresso, offering a choice of one selection from a menu that includes Smashed Avocado, Eggs Your Way, French Toast, and Chilli Egg Toast, accompanied by coffee, tea, or juice. Guests have described the breakfast food and coffee as "perfect." Beyond breakfast, the popular complimentary "happy hour with free wine and chips" is a significant draw, and the "free lolly bar" in the lobby adds a fun, unique touch. Room service is also available for in-room dining convenience.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Laneways by Ovolo consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "delightful," "friendly," "welcoming," "helpful," and "professional." Many commend the team for their attentiveness and for creating a fun, engaging atmosphere. The multilingual staff provides various services including luggage storage, dry cleaning, tour assistance, and concierge services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay.
6. Location & Accessibility
Situated on Little Bourke Street in the east end, Laneways by Ovolo boasts an "amazing location" at the "vibrant heart of Melbourne's many tangled laneways." It's an ideal base for exploring the city, with "Chinatown two minutes away" and trendy Fitzroy cafes within walking distance. Popular attractions like the Princess Theatre, State Library Victoria (300 meters), and Federation Square (5 minutes) are easily accessible. The hotel is surrounded by "amazing restaurants, bars, train and tram stop," making it incredibly convenient for both dining and transport. Public parking is available nearby for AUD 27 per day.
7. Value & Pricing
Laneways by Ovolo is generally considered to offer "great value for money," with guests noting its "very reasonable price" given the location and included amenities. For instance, a 1-bedroom suite was valued at A$297 per night in early 2024, which was seen as "excellent value" with its inclusive perks. Optional continental breakfast costs approximately AUD 30 for adults, and self-parking is AUD 27 per day.
8. Common Complaints
While largely positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests. The most recurring complaint pertains to the bathroom amenities, specifically the "super small" sink, which some found "verging on useless" and lacking sufficient vanity bench space. Some guests also mentioned the absence of a toilet brush. Although complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is generally praised, some reviews indicated that the WiFi could be "hit and miss." The hotel also lacks an on-site spa or fitness center, though complimentary access to a nearby Genesis gym is provided.
Sources
Google Reviews
508 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Maya K
Room and corridor around room did not smell great. Walls in room are paper thin and could hear everything in the next room. Air conditioning was so loud that we had to turn it off. Very small bathroom with minimal storage space in the bathroom. Bedrooms were a decent size though. Wifi wasn’t good at all and kept losing connection. Staff were fabulous and location was great.
Gordon Pfeiffer
Fantastic stay with thoughtful touches Laneways by Ovolo is in a great location and was a pleasure to stay at. The rooms are excellent-spacious, comfortable, and very well designed. I really appreciated the little extras, especially the free lollies, which were a fun and welcoming touch. The service was outstanding as well; the team were incredibly helpful with a parcel I had ordered, making the w...
Elizabeth Elam
Very dated and in desperate need of a refresh. The sink in the bathroom is the smallest I’ve ever seen in my life. There isn’t a single place to do your hair and make up. You basically have to do it on the floor in front of the floor length mirror. They made the room really big and the bathroom really small. All of the furniture that tired old and I need of a clean. The walls are apparently made o...
Jim
When I checked in, the lady was lovely and attentive, when I checked out the fella was wearing headphones and was okay at best. Room was comfortable enough but tight in size (I’m 6’6) and didn’t fit in the shower. The place is cool with a nice vibe but it’s not that cheap, the sink was thigh height and there was no way to fit the glasses in the sink to fill up, a complimentary bottle of water wou...
Duane
Very mixed opinion to be honest. For a penthouse apartment you would assume it would be clean and things would be looked after... The walls had glue and blue tack on them from previous stays, the bathroom had hair on the wall and roof, but to mention the fan not working and the mould on the tiles and dirty shower had. The balcony was quite dangerous, the wooden floor had holes and pieces missing ...
Kimberly K
Unfortunately we arrived on a Saturday that had numerous protests happening so the streets were closed off and we couldn’t get access to the hotel or the parking station they are affiliated with. They were unable to help us but we were lucky and found a park on the street, dragged our bags to the hotel and ended up paying less for parking as the street was free on Sunday. Room was decent size, we ...
Response from the owner
Hi Kimberly,<br><br>Thank you for the 5/5 and for sharing such a thoughtful rundown of your stay. We’re thrilled you enjoyed our location, happy hour, and the lolly station - small joys that make a qu...
Marriott