First look: StandardX hotel opens in Melbourne this week
It's a neighbourhood hotel with a difference.
One of the world's coolest hotel chains, Standard, is launching a brand called StandardX, which aims to plant itself in some of the most culturally rich and energetic neighbourhoods around the globe. And guess which nook it has chosen for its debut?
Melbourne's own Fitzroy! Designed by local firm Hecker Guthrie, the 125-room hotel pays homage to the neighbourhood's post-punk Little Band scene of yesteryear with columns wrapped in macrame by local artist Sarah Smalltown and paintings from Dane Lovett.
Rooms range from 21-square-metre Cozy King options to a spacious 48-square-metre Suite Spot lair with sweeping city views. But irrespective of their size, all boast plenty of character - a rare blend of Fitzroy's grittiness (think textured concrete ceilings) and creature comforts (ensuites with luxe Davines amenities).
Completing the picture is Bang, the onsite restaurant where you can enjoy chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya's sensational Asian fare. standardx.com/melbourne
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Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.
My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.
Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.
My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.
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