My Husband and I recently spent 2 nights at the Hotel Lindrum and were extremely pleased with our choice. We arrived at the Lindrum after a swift pickup and drop off by Jetbus (more about that later) and were received into the cosy interior of the Lindrum. Upon arrival there is a large wooden door - which is not completely obvious. Entry is into a central area combining a 'reception' area, bar, lounge and the Felt Restaurant off to the side. First impressions count and the Lindrum performed well. The feel of the lobby area is cosy and warm (not implying that it is small and pokey), the lines are minimal without being austere and comforting without being down home....
The staff were very pleasant and we were checked in quickly and eficiently by the lovely Blair.
We then made our way up to the room (in a lift - I believe a previous review said there was no lift - this was not the case). We were booked into a Junior Suite and once again, were happy with our choice. The room was spacious and while open plan in design, had a clearly defined lounge area and sleeping area. The bathroom was very nice and had a bath, rainshower and normal shower head (to keep everyone happy).
The room decor is very tasteful - there is not a brightly coloured bedspread in sight (thank God)! Soothing tones of chocolate, cream, white and the odd splash of colour from a red throw cushion or ottoman at the end of the bed. The timber floors add a great deal of warmth to the room - these feature in the bathroom too!
Very comfortable bed - and not too much noise from surrounding rooms or street areas.
There are no views to speak of - but this is not a hotel that would be chosen for views anyway - so we were not at all perturbed by this. Rooms had blinds and curtains for keeping out light at night - so no worries on this front either.
We had breakfast in house both mornings (as part of our rate) and were very happy the first morning - might have been a different chef the next day - as the breakfast wasn't a patch on the day before (this based on poached eggs that were overcooked and the same with the hash browns).... However - still nothing to warrant a mention to the staff. Great coffee both days and polite, efficient service.
The bar area was great for an afternoon drink (or two....), the full size billiards table also provides some entertainment. There was a gas fireplace in the bar area (which was lit at all times during our stay), coming from the tropical North, we loved the novelty factor of this and spent lots of time huddled around with wine in hand. Kai at the bar was lovely - we did not get to take him up on his offer of a wicked mojito - maybe next time?
Reception also kindly organised our on-line check in for our departing flight and printed out our boarding passes. A late check out was possible and we were welcome to stay in the bar area while waiting for our pickup to take us back to the airport.
Location wise - the Lindrum is great - close to everything as well as being close to transport routes to get you anywhere else you might want to be (the Lindrum is a short stroll to the wonderful Movida restaurant which has to be one of Melbournes greatest eating experiences...... Do not try and go here however without a booking - we booked a few months in advance and felt terribly smug as group after group of hopefuls were turned away).
Broadband internet is available in room, with wireless available in the lobby area (the Hotel apparently have laptops they can loan you if you are not travelling with your own).
I would most definitely recommend the Hotel Lindrum and will stay there again on our next trip to Melbourne. A wonderful hotel that felt very comfortable - chic without trying to hard, contemporary - without being likely to date in a hurry - a boutique hotel packed full of charm and personality.
* As an aside to the Hotel, used the Jetbus service to and from the airport, we were very happy with this service and had no difficulty with late pickups etc. A very efficient and cost effective service *
