The hotel is a short stroll across the park to the city, trains, and trams. As you enter, their famous bar is on the left where, each evening, the piano is played for a couple of hours; it's a lovely spot to sip your favourite cocktail and watch the world go by. The hotel also has an upmarket bistro that serves great smorgasbords, steaks, and seafood; organises theme nights like wine tastings; and, if the budget allows it, offers guests an a-la-carte five-star restaurant. I love to take business people for drinks around the piano and then a steak at the bistro.

If I am dining in, the food is excellent and the rooms are conservatively furnished and comfortable. The bathrooms are very good and there are in-room movies available. If you are a Hilton member, you sometimes get upgraded to the Executive floor where there is a lounge for complimentary evening drinks and breakfasts. There is a day spa here too and I will often have a facial or massage; on-site gym, pool, and sauna are complimentary.

In the mornings, you can go for a good walk around the adjacent park and in the evenings, you can stroll into town for movies and restaurants, or take a tram or taxi to the casino or the theatre on the banks of the Yarra.

Melbourne is well known for its excellent restaurants, culture, and nightlife.

The cost of the room ($260 AUD, or about $130 USD) was higher than we usually spend, but the "buy one night, get one night free" coupon that came in our American Airlines Frequent Flyer ticket packet gave us both nights for $130, and the added comfort and convenience of a well-trained and accommodating staff made it an even greater value. The concierge helped us with dinner and sightseeing suggestions, and made reservations on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant (see separate journal entry) for us.

If at all possible, I'd suggest not having a car while staying at the hotel, as the parking was a bit pricey. Again, the hotel is convenient to public transportation, and walking is a great way to reduce jetlag!