The Lyall, Melbourne, Australia
The Lyall 5 Stars
"A chic and comfortable boutique hotel with private, homey feel and a soothing neutral palette in trendy South Yarra."
The Press Say
“Calming, neutral décor and superpersonal service make this a favorite of fashion types. And it's close to great shops and restaurants on Toorak Road and Chapel Street.” The Times 07
Hotel Overview
Review of The Lyall, by Caroline Major
40 suite luxury hotel, The Lyall, in residential Melbourne is the love-child of a couple who wanted to make a private city hotel in the 5 star category. Arriving at this luxury hotel you'll find a very chic and comfortable home style establishment in one of Melbourne's fashionable villages.
The facilities
The luxury hotel is on a tree lined residential street, so unsurprisingly in Australia the taxi driver more than likely won't know where to find The Lyall. It is one of three luxury hotels of character in the city and is also one of the best located for exploring a vibrant part of Melbourne. During fashion week, if you've planned ahead, you'll secure a room here amongst the fashionistas, or at least be invited to a cocktail party in the luxury hotel which is often a venue at one of Melbourne's hottest events. Appropriately for a luxury hotel coveting this clientèle, the bar downstairs is big on sparkling wines and champagnes. Don't worry if you over-indulge; there's a newly launched spa offering Elemis treatments to repair that dehydrated skin darling!
The rooms
Each suite has a kitchen and it's close enough to run out to the shop. The hallways are mini-lounges around fireplaces which is a homey touch. No expense has been spared at this luxury hotel. Many comforts including under-floor heating, air-conditioning, twenty four hour in-room dining and DVDs and CD's in all the neutrally minimalist rooms. If you've a taste for fine food, you'll find it hard to stay away from the mini-bar packed with quality ice-cream, cheese, crackers and chocolates. The Lyall could well get away with a claim to the best stocked hotel mini-bar. Period.
Facilities
Hotel Policies
Rooms
40Awards
"Australia's Leading Spa Resort", World Travel Awards 08Who stays here?
Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson and Gwen Stefani.
Come for...
- Privilege shopping card
- Open fireplace lounge
- Extraordinary art galleries by local French artist Thierry B
Not Suitable for...
- Design-junkies: The Lyall is more old-school elegance
Children
Extra beds and cots are available on request. Babysitting is out-sourced to a local company, and interconnectiong rooms are available; check when booking.
Eating in
International, seasonal fare in the restaurant, while the intimate bar area is the perfect spot for after-dinner drinks. Room service runs 24-hours.
Reviews
Review of The Lyall, by Julie Miller
The Lyall is the only privately owned five-star hotel in Melbourne - and that's what sets it apart from its competitors. This intimate establishment of just 40 suites has the warmth, comfort levels and personal service of a private home, albeit one that's rather posh. Located in a quiet residential street in the swank Melbourne suburb of South Yarra, the classic façade of box row hedges and French-style balconies sets the mood even before you step into the cosy library-cum-lobby.
The facilities
For guests arriving from the other side of the world, the Lyall is designed for recovery and rejuvenation. A cranberry champagne cocktail served in the Champagne Bar will put a spring in jetlagged steps; while a Day Spa offering treatments by Payot and Sodashi - a chemical-free range made in Australia - will re-energise your system after travelling. Once acclimatised, grab a complimentary pushbike and head to nearby Toorak Road, where you'll find great shopping and some amazing Italian cafes for the ultimate caffeine fix.
The rooms
Each of the rooms in The Lyall is a generously-proportioned suite, complete with separate living area and kitchen with clothes washer and dryer. The bathrooms are a revelation - large bath (some with spa bath), overhead rain showers, and sulphate and paraben-free bath products personally designed by the owner in consultation with a local pharmacist. Underfloor heating completes the picture and is a welcome touch in the brisk Melbourne winter.
There are flat-screen TVs aplenty, free wireless internet, 24-hour room service, a pillow menu and a gourmet mini bar with temptations impossible to resist - local cheese, ice cream and Haighs Dark Chocolate frogs. A bonus for fresh air lovers are full-length windows that actually open - a small detail that immediately makes the room more homely. Sliding French doors lead to sun-trap balconies furnished with teak table and chairs, the perfect spot to read the complimentary morning paper.
To complete the home-away-from-home ambience, The Lyall's staff are attentive and friendly - where else would a concierge chase guests down the street to present them with a map of the local area and detailed directions to some of the best shopping in the southern hemisphere?