The Larwill Studio

Oh my goodness, this is the BEST hotel I have ever stayed in!!! My partner booked this place just for me, because it advertised that it had artbooks and a coffee pod machine in the room … well, The Larwill is so much more!
As well as being a lovely room, it’s the little things that make the difference here. Yes, there are art books, and a coffee pod machine (I prefer the real coffee from downstairs though, but it’s a great thought!) — but what really made the difference were touches like a yoga mat, a documentary about David Larwill (the artist who inspired this hotel), and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the lobby and staff. The coffee shop downstairs is fantastic too, and the hospital’s food court is close enough to grab a quick meal. I understand that they are planning their own café downstairs — I can’t wait to try this next time we visit!
We only stayed here one night, but I wish we could have stayed here longer — it is FANTASTIC! They even gave us a park view from our room ;)

Nice city fringe location next to the children’s hospital. The hotel has loads of nice city and park views. Really comfortably appointed rooms with great art, furniture and nicities such as good coffee machines.
The hotel has a Smart car and bicycles available for hire.

LARWILL, BABY. I CAN’T FAULT YOU.
When I was planning my Melbourne trip for April 2015, I was pretty stoked to find that the Larwill had cropped up since my last visit to town. I couldn’t resist trying it out for a couple of nights (one is never enough).
The Larwill lives up to the Art Series Hotel standards, and that’s saying something. I love these hotels. Personalised service, lovely notes and lollies on welcome, friendly staff, and the comfiest beds in town. If I could live in the Larwill, I happily would.
Tips for travel: there are a couple of different tram lines within a block, so getting to the Larwill from the CBD (and vice-​versa) is pretty dang easy. The Skybus hotel transfer won’t get you to the Larwill, which is disappointing, but the bright side is that Starbus WILL! Not only that, but you’ll probably be the first drop-​off, because the Larwill’s on the route in to the CBD from the airport. NICE.
Make sure you don’t miss visiting the meerkats in the childrens hospital next door while you’re staying! THEY’RE SO CUTE.

Love it. Was upgraded when I went to check in and my room overlooking the park and the city is beautiful. Just like the Olsen it has a comfortable bed great and clean bathroom and a well stocked minibar. There is only a small café at the moment so when the restaurant opens I am sure it will be 5 stars.

My husband and I truly enjoyed our stay at The Larwill.
Since we’re both not familiar with Melbourne, we were concerned at first that the location might be a bit out of the way. But luckily, there are 2 trams that run outside the hotel which can easily take you to town. (We mostly depended on tram 59, which after 3 or so stops leaves you at Queen Victoria’s Market. 1 – 2 stops later you’re already in town!) Taking UberX’s to and from CBD were also pretty affordable, at about $ 12 – 15.
Also, your eyes are not deceiving you — the hotel is located right next to the Royal Children’s Hospital; in fact, they appear physically connected to each other!
Our room had this clean, sterile (in a good way) look to it, accented with really cool, colourful art. I loved the EVO toiletries, as they treated my hair well! The staff was very accommodating, answering all of our tourist-​y questions. The free wifi treated us well; in fact, we still had access to it for a few hours after we checked out. This allowed us to chill for a few hours in the comfortable couches in the lobby before we left for the airport in the late afternoon.
For the tl;dr crowd — well priced, contemporary hotel near Parkville and North Melbourne neighbourhoods, easy to get to town via tram and 15 – 20 minutes walking distance to cool cafes and brunch spots in the surrounding neighbourhoods!

If I was an Australian Eloise I’d probably live in an Art Series hotel. They excel at being sophisticated, comfortable and stylish without seeming to try too hard. And, while it may sound contrived, walking into a room at any of their venues feels like you’re home not just another sterile hotel room.
Their newest hotel, The Larwill Studio, is conveniently located in Parkville, just north of the CBD. Admittedly, I was concerned it was too far from the city but the fact is, it’s not. Think of it as discovering a new up and coming area of Melbourne before the rest of the cool kids do.
It’s about a $ 13 cab from the city and if you’re a tram pro there’s a tram stop just out of the front. It may not be the most convenient for a Chapel St shopping marathon but if you’re more inclined to stroll the streets of Carlton, Fitzroy and North Melbourne here’s just the spot for you.
It’s equally important to note it is in the same complex as the new Royal Children’s Hospital. This means it’s also offering a beautiful and light-​hearted space for families of patients.
But back to the hotel. Like all Art Series (AS) it’s focused on the art of one Australian artist. This one, David Larwill. His pieces accent the walls and I’m sure it is no accident his child-​like drawings are a nod to the near-​by Children’s hospital. The fun and cheek of his artwork carry through from the lobby to each room.
While the location and space may be a new adventure for the AS Group, they’ve not lost anything in translation. I stayed in one of the rooms overlooking what will, in time, be a park space with views to the CBD. Each room has playful additions like a yoga mat in your cupboard to pair with the yoga class on an iPad from reception, pillowcases with David Larwill sayings like «Put your heart in it», Frankie magazine, and a peg-​board with inspirational cards — all making the Larwill a lighter and fresher feeling stay compared to the rest of the Art Series family.
For those who know the Art Series way you still have your EVO toiletries, T2 tea, the most heavenly beds you may ever gently sink into and drift to a deep sleep. If that’s not sweet enough — there’s also free WiFi.
PRO TIP: Hire one of their orange push bikes and cycle to Parkville Store or the café’s of North Melbourne for your morning coffee.