Crown Towers *****

The Crown Towers is a beautiful hotel, located in the heart of Melbourne and only 20 kilometers from the airport. It is overlooking the Yarra River at Southbank and an easy walk to the business center cross the road.

With almost 500 rooms, this is a big hotel. I have stayed multiple times in the Crown and the price performance is absolute good. I have paid between 350 and 700 Australian Dollars. The Crown is part of the Melbourne Crown Casino complex. Vegas, have a look here! The hotel area has approx. 40 restaurants, cafes and bars.

Try out the Japanese and Cantonese restaurant on the first floor, I liked them very much. The teppanyaki at Koko was a blast. If you like Japanese food, prepared in front of you, The multi-award winning Koko combines traditional Japanese architecture, authentic cuisine and five star service in Melbourne. Experience the serene ambience created by internationally renowned designer Tony Chi amidst the tranquil surrounds of a Japanese water garden. I suggest you go there while in Melbourne.

The restaurants and bars on the ground floor of the Crown Towers are almost all accessible via the hotel or via the boulevard outside the hotel. If you suddenly hear a big rumble when outside, the boulevard will be lighted by enormous fire balls that are “shot” into the air. This is a tourist attraction that can match Vegas anytime!

The rooms at the Crown are spacey and filled with all the luxury and facilities (like internet) you want. A big flat panel TV, great bathroom and last but not least a fantastic view of Melbourne.

Just outside the hotel on the right starts the boulevard. This allows a nice walk along the Yarra River when heading to Federation square, a place that’s always busy. Twice when I was in Melbourne there was a lot of activity on the square – remember Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach “helping the Aussies” to make it to the world soccer championship for the first time in history – Federation square was one “sea” of green/yellow outfits.

Another time I stayed in Melbourne, back in 2006, the whole square was Ferrari red during the 10th Grand Prix at Albert Park. I believe Alonso was the winner.

If my rating would be a combination of the hotel quality and the surroundings, this hotel would make it to the top 3 hotels I have ever stayed at. All together, I have great memories staying a the Crown and would recommend everyone to stay there when in Melbourne (I have been in other hotels in Melbourne as well and will discuss these at a later stage).

The area

Besides that Melbourne is one of my favorite cities on my list (although 24 hours travel from Europe),I have two more tips if you ever visit Australia and especial the Melbourne (Victoria) area:

• Hire are car and tour the Grand Ocean Drive. This is a famous route, south of Melbourne and will direct you along the Ocean (I will blog about this in a later stage).

• Visit Yarra Valley. The area is one of the most interesting wine regions in Australia. Try the lunch at the “De Bortoli Winery“. No only one of the better wineries in the area but also a great place to obtain (and taste) information about Australian wines

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA