Ovolo Hotels has opened the doors to the revamped Laneways By Ovolo.
Inspired by nostalgia for 80s Memphis Group design and infused with creative flair, Laneways By Ovolo is the evolution of the much-loved Ovolo Laneways, and its new look is a colourful nod (and a cheeky wink) to Melbourne’s vibrant laneways and eclectic offerings.
Laneways By Ovolo elevates the location with more personalised experiences for guests, reimagined public spaces and rooms by Australian interior designer Luchetti Krelle, as well as an all-new drinking and dining venue Amphlett House – spearheaded by celebrated chef and restaurateur, Ian Curley and mixologist extraordinaire and Diageo’s 2017 Bartender of the Year, Andrea Gualdi.
In the hotel lobby guests are greeted by reception pods and an Honesty Bar, offering an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, bottled cocktails, wine, and Champagne.
The bar relies on an honour system, where guests note what they take and it is charged back to their rooms.
With 42 rooms, the new look for the hotel takes inspiration from the Memphis Group – the 1980s Italian design and architecture collective whose aesthetic was characterised by scattered, brightly coloured shapes and lines, combined with black-and-white graphic patterns.
The new design adds an immediate fun and funky feel when guests arrive and is perfect for the weekend adventurer or corporate traveller.
Located at the top of Little Bourke Street, Laneways By Ovolo offers the perfect starting spot for travellers to explore the city, and is also perfectly placed to access the city’s nearby theatre district.
In true Ovolo style, Laneways By Ovolo will offer its unique set of Perks when you book directly, these include:
- Breakie to go-go
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- In-room mini bar (First round is on Ovolo)
- Self-service laundry
- All-day sweets
- Welcome goodie
- Social hour in Amphlett House
- A tree planted by Eden Project
In creating the new design for the hotel, interior designer and Luchetti Krelle principal Rachel Luchetti looked to harness atmospheric narratives in compelling ways, creating sensory journeys heightened by nostalgia.
The refreshed hotel features Room 303 – an exclusive suite styled by renowned design aficionado Neale Whitaker – which also happens to be his room of choice when staying in Melbourne.
His love for the room and its corner position, with a view that looks out over treetops to Melbourne’s city skyline, led Ovolo to invite him to work alongside Luchetti Krelle to style the suite, with personal pieces chosen by Whitaker designed to compliment their Memphis-inspired decor and palette.
Guests who reserve Room 303 can expect to stay among a collection of original art, limited-edition objects and soft furnishings hand selected by Whitaker, including a sculptural lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt, the last of the highly sought-after ‘Lady’ collection and similar to a piece which Whitaker has in his own home.
An illustration of Whitaker himself, created by former Ovolo staffer Flynn Cowan, lends a dash of Warhol-style art, using repetition and colour-blocking.
Taking pride in place is the painting by one of Whitaker’s favourite artists, Melbourne-based Nunzio Miano, an abstract figurative work beloved by Whitaker for its energy, dynamism, and palette.
Guests can also enjoy a 100-song Spotify playlist of Whitaker’s favourite tracks to complete the experience.
A key Laneways By Ovolo experience is the addition of the all-new food and drink offering Amphlett House.
The 120-seat venue features a sophisticated yet fun interior with exceptional drinks and elevated pub classics making it the perfect spot for lunchtime dining, an after-work drink, or pre or post-theatre visit.
Amphlett’s House menu has been overseen by Ovolo’s Director of Kitchen Operations Ian Curley with support from Head Chef Ben Green, previously Executive Chef at multi-site Gather and Gather in London and offers a selection of snacks, light bites and main courses.
In creating the menu, Curley wanted a menu that was unpretentious yet tantalising.
Amphlett House is one of the only restaurants in Australia to be serving beef heart, presented at the restaurant seared on a bed of lentils, creamed spinach and mustard.
Other menu highlights include:
- Smoked Bone Marrow Served On Toast, Parsley and Shallot Salad
- Grilled Asparagus Egg Confetti, Hollandaise, Pangratatto
- Blue Oyster Mushroom Skewer With Smoked Romesco
- Moules Marinières Aioli And Toasted Sourdough
- Steak and Hand Cut Chips With Kampot Peppercorn Sauce
The beverage program, led by Andrea Gualdi, Ovolo’s Food & Beverage Director, features a curated drinks list serving up classics and a variety of craft beers and local and international wines.
The cocktail menu features classic cocktails with native Australian ingredients, including a Wattle Seed Negroni, Finger Lime Daiquiri, and a Eucalyptus Smoked Margarita.
When it was first opened in 2013, Ovolo Laneways was the first Ovolo branded hotel to launch in Australia, and was voted Australasia’s Best City Boutique Hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Its new iteration is anticipated to follow in the original’s footsteps, with its own unique take on what the modern traveller needs.
To learn more about Laneways by Ovolo, or to make a booking, head to ovolohotels.com