The Laird Hotel
149 Gipps St, Abbotsford, Yarra, Victoria 3067 Australia
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About
#1 of 1 special hotel in Abbotsford
Location
4.5
Rooms
4.5
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
4.8
Service
4.5
Sleep Quality
4.5
Australia's longest running men-only gay hotel, catering to the leather, bear and alternative crowd, open seven nights a week with unique accommodation. Male only exemption VCAT H18/2018
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Wine / champagne
Adults only
Non-smoking hotel
Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Quaint
Location
149 Gipps St, Abbotsford, Yarra, Victoria 3067 Australia
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 77 out of 100
77
40 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
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Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
I travel both for pleasure and work to this beautiful city, The hotel allows me to be close to my night life and a great venue downstairs. The events page on what is on at the PUB is fantastic and up to date as well as the social media page.
The hotel part is clean and well maintained.
As a person who travels alone I feel comfortable and safe here and the surrounding community
You need to be aware this is a hotel that caters to those that identify as male.
The hotel part is clean and well maintained.
As a person who travels alone I feel comfortable and safe here and the surrounding community
You need to be aware this is a hotel that caters to those that identify as male.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: There is not bad room in the hotel, The beds have been updated not long ago
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brett_Lasham, Owner at The Laird Hotel
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Thanks for the review mate! Cheers, Brett & Mark
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
In world that is changing so quickly it’s so reassuringly wonderful to find a place that doesn’t but remains fantastic.
The laird has been around for a very long time as the guest comment book will attest. There are entries in there from 40 yrs ago .
This place is a great place to stay wether alone or as a couple.
Very good transport links for an easy journey from the city.
Despite the decor being from the the late 70s early 80s the laird is well cared for and very clean .
The showers are so powerful I was afraid my skin would bruise.
I firmly believe places like the laird should be protected as an important piece of gay history and culture.
Visit and stay at the laird guys !!!
The laird has been around for a very long time as the guest comment book will attest. There are entries in there from 40 yrs ago .
This place is a great place to stay wether alone or as a couple.
Very good transport links for an easy journey from the city.
Despite the decor being from the the late 70s early 80s the laird is well cared for and very clean .
The showers are so powerful I was afraid my skin would bruise.
I firmly believe places like the laird should be protected as an important piece of gay history and culture.
Visit and stay at the laird guys !!!
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Overall my stay at the Laird hotel was exactly what I hoped it would be. The rooms were nice, the staff were very helpful and friendly, and it doesn't hurt to have one of the most popular men's bars in Melbourne downstairs. Makes stumbling home a little easier.
You also get the added benefit that the other guests tend to walk around starkers, so there's some good eye candy.
My only complaint -- and it's a minor one -- is the water temperature. During the day and evening the hotel staff is washing sheets, towels, dishes, etc. This means that the water in the shower frequently goes from scalding hot to ice cold to scalding hot -- repeatedly. Eventually you learn to hear the difference in the water pressure so you can leap out of the way in time, but the idea of taking a leisurely and relaxing shower is out of the question.
But that's it. Kitchen was nicely stocked. Beds were comfy and rooms were large.
I'm already looking forward to my next trip back!
You also get the added benefit that the other guests tend to walk around starkers, so there's some good eye candy.
My only complaint -- and it's a minor one -- is the water temperature. During the day and evening the hotel staff is washing sheets, towels, dishes, etc. This means that the water in the shower frequently goes from scalding hot to ice cold to scalding hot -- repeatedly. Eventually you learn to hear the difference in the water pressure so you can leap out of the way in time, but the idea of taking a leisurely and relaxing shower is out of the question.
But that's it. Kitchen was nicely stocked. Beds were comfy and rooms were large.
I'm already looking forward to my next trip back!
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Date of stay: March 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brett L, Owner at The Laird Hotel
Responded Aug 18, 2016
Hi mate, sorry for the delay in responding. I only just got a notification from TA that we have a few reviews awaiting response. We appreciate your feedback and it's great to hear you enjoyed your time, except of course the hot water issue. We'll be looking into that. Thanks again, Brett & Mark
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We decided to spend a night in the city after seeing a show. We rocked up to the place expecting to check in but at 5 pm it wasn’t open, God forbid if we had wanted to check in earlier. We were travelling by train and previously thought we might check in before the matinee show, luckily we didn’t pursue that. At 5:20 the doors opened and we went to check in, only to be greeted by a surly receptionist, Mark, who clearly couldn’t give a s@@t if we were there or not. After an inordinate amount of time (seriously, how hard is it to find a room key?) we get our slip of paper to sign in, having already paid the $160 for the night (a room with an antiquated en-suite). Anyway, we went out for dinner, had a few drinks and got back to our room thinking we might watch some ‘adult tv’ that was on offer. But the picture was so grainy-gees were these guys using VHS?. We got to bed at 2:30 am expecting to have a nice lie in before heading off to the train station. However, we soon learned that the blinds did not work, we couldn’t close them and so at 6:30 we were woken up by the sunlight streaming into the room. So much for a good nites rest!!! With so many other hotels in the CBD available at $114-$160 per night, we were definitely overcharged for what we got. Another example of a gay business ripping off the gay community. As a side note, we can remember when The Laird was packed with men on a weekend but sadly this has all changed and the maximum men on a Saturday night would have been maybe 30.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Just don’t!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thursday night is Spit & Polish night; a dress code applies and is published on their website. I phoned to confirm that what I’d be wearing would be acceptable, was told “absolutely!”....and was refused entry on the night.
If you’re going to have a dress code, then follow it as published, change it, or get rid of it altogether and tell people that your staff will make arbitrary decisions on who gets in.
It appears I didn’t miss much. Another reviewer summed it up as a gay business ripping off the gay community, and I agree. AVOID this place - it deserves to fail.
If you’re going to have a dress code, then follow it as published, change it, or get rid of it altogether and tell people that your staff will make arbitrary decisions on who gets in.
It appears I didn’t miss much. Another reviewer summed it up as a gay business ripping off the gay community, and I agree. AVOID this place - it deserves to fail.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brett_Lasham, Owner at The Laird Hotel
Responded Feb 27, 2020
Hi there. I'm sorry you had such a bad experience at our event. That said, wishing we would fail is a bit harsh! Is there any chance that what you described on the phone sounded like the right gear but wasn't actually suitable when sighted? Would be good to clarify this. Cheers, Brett
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This unique lodging is men-only, and is right upstairs from what is probably Melbourne's most fun gay venue. With different theme parties each night, there's always something to do right downstairs. You barely have to leave the building to enjoy a whole weekend here!
The common room is very comfortable; I had some work to catch up on, and spent most of an afternoon there. As guests came and went, it was really like being part of a big, friendly family.
The common room is very comfortable; I had some work to catch up on, and spent most of an afternoon there. As guests came and went, it was really like being part of a big, friendly family.
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Date of stay: March 2014Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great venue for socialising and making new friends. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. The room was neat and tidy and very clean. Place is full of history with the guest book dating back to 1981. Will definitely be back and recommend this place to friends.
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brett_Lasham, Owner at The Laird Hotel
Responded Jan 6, 2019
Thanks Travis, great to hear you enjoyed your time with us. See you next time! Cheers, Brett
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The guest house has a rustic feel, fitting for being atop a Gay Leather and Bear bar where guests don't pay cover. It's well kept by a friendly crew who are happy to help guests find their way about town. An easy walk to trendy dining, shopping, and clubs in Fitroy and with more simple options within a couple blocks. Buses and trams nearby allow for easy access to the whole city. Delightfully smoke-free setting, and noise from the dance floor was easy drowned out with basic earplugs.
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Date of stay: July 2014Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Having not done much research into the hotel and just booked accommodation near the gay area . I read about the amazing Sunday afternoons at the Laird and decided to book here as the prices are reasonable and reviews are good. Having arrived from Sydney the first impressions were where are the high rises are we in the ghetto...the gentleman who let us in was so friendly and helpful we knew then this was definitely not Sydney. First impressions of the interior were very Tom if Finland verging on sex club chic. A little different I kept telling myself. The room upstairs however was immaculate, clean and comfortable. In addition to the great room the communal lounge and kitchen was a great touch making the venue feel less commercial and more a home from home environment. Meeting other guests again was great they were actually friendly and helpful. I began to realise that Melbourne is a warmer friendly more inviting City and the Laird shows Melbourne’s warm hospitality to the utmost . A big thank you to Mika who always smiled said hello and made time for us at the bar downstairs. Overall never judge a book by its cover and whilst being a men only hotel the Laird is a great experience in hospitality and I would highly recommend this venue.
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Date of stay: August 2017Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brett_Lasham, Owner at The Laird Hotel
Responded Sep 17, 2018
Wow, sorry for taking so long to reply. Thanks for your honest and entertaining review - we hope this means we'll see you again some time. Cheers, Brett
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed at the Laird for a few nights in the En-suite room. The room was very clean and had everything you need. Bed was comfy, air conditioning and free WiFi. The location is right next to Collingwood station and near some of the gay bars but a treck to anywhere else in the city. The mangers and staff are really nice. I had the corner room pointing away from the outdoor area of the downstairs bar and i couldn't hear any music, but apparently on the other side of the hotel you can hear the music late at night.
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Get an ensuite room
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Brett L, Owner at The Laird Hotel
Responded Oct 29, 2016
Sorry for the late response! We're glad you enjoyed the stay. Cheers, Brett & Mark
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Rob and thanks David P for your response! Rob, of course I'll say it'd be a great hotel to stay at! As David has advised, the accommodation is above the bar and depending on the room and day of the week you may hear some residual noise from the bar.
We are located just a few train stations from the city centre or a nice 25 minute walk.
Cheers, Brett
The Laird
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaGreater MelbourneYarraAbbotsford
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Laird Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Laird Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Curium Experience (0.3 miles), MANIAX Axe Throwing - Abbotsford (0.08 miles), and Collingwood Town Hall (0.07 miles).
What food & drink options are available at The Laird Hotel?
Guests can enjoy a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Laird Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Jinda Thai, Three Bags Full Cafe, and Le Bon Ton.
Is The Laird Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the center of Abbotsford.
Are there any historical sites close to The Laird Hotel?
Many travelers enjoy visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral (1.0 miles), Parliament House of Victoria (1.1 miles), and St Paul's Cathedral (1.6 miles).