You’ll feel like a local at this stylish boutique hotel

The Lyall has 51 rooms and suites, some facing the street and others overlooking what they’ve called the Japanese maple garden. I had the classic room, and while I’m soothed by the sight of a white pebble as much as anyone, the internal courtyard garden doesn’t allow for oodles of sun to filter into the rooms on the lower floors. That said, it’s perfect for getting a quiet, darkened sleep, and clever lighting creates a cosy mood.

The room is big (an impressive 32 square metres), with a king-sized bed, a large flatscreen TV attached to the wall opposite with free movies and local TV, a Nespresso machine and a simple mini-bar offering. It had a small balcony, so I could open the doors for fresh air – a win for the air-con averse. (If money isn’t an issue, opt for the penthouse suite – it comes with a large outdoor terrace and two fireplaces.)

The entrance area and the generous-sized bedroom are separated by a large bathroom with shower and bathtub, a separate toilet, and a walk-in wardrobe with more storage and hanging space than I have at home. For perfecting your look, there’s a Dyson hair dryer and Molton Brown products.

Out + about

South Yarra is a pretty suburb for exploring on foot, so pull on a pair of (stylish) sneakers and check out the impressively large homes. The 1847-built Como House, Australia’s first house museum, isn’t far away, and it’s got some of the city’s finest gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne’s famous running track, the Tan, is an easy jog away. If fashion is more your jam, stroll along Chapel Street and Toorak Road. To explore further afield, South Yarra railway station is a four-minute walk from The Lyall and is only a couple stops from the CBD’s Flinders Street station.

Food + drink

At the moment the hotel is only offering breakfast, but that’s OK because there’s plenty of great eating nearby. For a Melbourne classic, head to fabulous France-Soir; for people-watching, new rooftop bar Beverly offers California-cool vibes; and for Asian food in a dazzling setting go underground to Yugen Dining. One suburb away, in Prahran, lively new Sri Lankan restaurant Hopper Joint is serving excellent curries, sambals and unlimited hoppers.

The essentials

From $295-$475 a night; the penthouse is $905 a night. The Lyall S Yarra, 16 Murphy Street, South Yarra, Victoria. Phone: +61 (3) 9868 8222. See thelyall.com

The verdict

This is more boutique townhouse than hotel, with a calm ambience that makes returning after a busy day all that much more relaxing. The rooms are quiet and fresh air is a plus. It’s also an excellent location if you’re in town for the Grand Prix.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

Highlight

Feeling like you’re a Melbourne local: staying just outside the CBD on a residential street gives you an experience you can’t get in the city.

Lowlight

If you desire pops of colour for a good night’s sleep, this room isn’t for you. It’s 50 shades of grey.