Laneways by Ovolo

This hotel offers a distinctive and memorable stay, characterized by its quirky charm and a welcoming atmosphere. Its signature feature is the array of complimentary amenities, including a popular lolly bar and a daily happy hour in the lobby, creating a social and inviting environment. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional staff, the hotel's prime location, and the comfortable, often spacious, accommodations. It is an excellent choice for a diverse range of travelers, including couples seeking a unique getaway, families benefiting from larger suites and thoughtful touches, business travelers needing a central base, sightseers exploring the city, and theatre-goers due to its proximity to entertainment venues. For an enhanced experience, consider booking directly with the hotel to unlock additional perks, and be mindful that some bathroom sinks are notably compact.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's unique offerings, such as the popular lolly bar located near the elevators, providing a constant supply of sweet treats. The daily complimentary happy hour in the lobby, offering free wine and snacks, is a highly appreciated social event. For longer stays, the free self-serve laundry facilities are a significant convenience, allowing guests to refresh their wardrobe on-site. A coffee station in the lobby provides hot beverages throughout the day. While the free Wi-Fi is available, some guests reported issues with slow speeds and frequent disconnections, impacting its reliability for work. The mini-bar contents vary, with some guests enjoying complimentary items, while others noted a reduction in included offerings compared to previous stays. Some larger suites feature unique amenities like a pinball machine or a kitchenette, though basic cooking items may be limited. The hotel does not offer a swimming pool or a gym.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Rooms are often noted for their spaciousness and stylish design, providing a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment. Most guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, feedback on noise levels is mixed; while many rooms are quiet for a city hotel, some guests reported disturbances from noisy air conditioning units, street noise, or sounds from neighboring rooms and early morning bin collections. A recurring point of feedback concerns the small bathroom sinks, which some found impractical, though the showers are consistently praised for their excellent water pressure. Some rooms lack natural light or have no proper windows, which can make them feel dark, and a few guests observed signs of wear in fixtures or minor cleanliness issues in specific areas like carpets or drains.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not feature an in-house restaurant for breakfast, instead offering a unique arrangement where guests can enjoy breakfast at an external cafe nearby, often via a voucher system. This off-site breakfast is generally well-received for its quality and variety. For those who book directly, a basic grab-and-go options breakfast bag is sometimes provided. The hotel's bar area in the lobby is popular, especially during the happy hour, where complimentary drinks are served. While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, some guests noted a new restaurant attached or nearby that offers dining options. Room service is available, though some guests experienced issues with the ordering system. Overall, the dining experience is characterized by convenient external options and the hotel's social bar offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Guests appreciate its proximity to the theatre district, Chinatown, and a vast array of restaurants and bars, all within easy walking distance. Access to public transport is highly convenient, with the free tram system and train stations just a few minutes away, providing effortless connections to major attractions like the MCG and Rod Laver Arena. While the hotel does not have on-site parking, it has arrangements with a nearby multi-level car park, though some guests found it to be a considerable walk and occasionally expensive. Despite being in the heart of the city, many guests found the hotel to be surprisingly quiet, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of urban exploration.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff consistently receives outstanding praise, with guests highlighting their exceptional helpfulness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Many reviewers describe the team as going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The quick check-in process is frequently mentioned, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Staff are highly accommodating to requests, from arranging higher floors for quieter stays to providing special amenities for families or pets. Guests appreciate the personalized touches, such as welcome notes, birthday cards, and complimentary treats for special occasions. Any issues raised by guests, such as air conditioning problems or lost items, are typically met with prompt problem resolution and a genuine desire to assist. The staff's warm and welcoming demeanor creates a memorable and positive impression, making guests feel valued and at home.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a welcoming pet-friendly policy, offering specialized VIPooch rooms with amenities like dog beds and toys, which is highly appreciated by guests traveling with their furry companions. It is important to note that the hotel has been undergoing ongoing renovations, which some guests mentioned impacted the availability of certain amenities like a full-service restaurant or gym, and occasionally affected the main entrance. Guests who book directly with the hotel often benefit from direct booking benefits, which can include complimentary mini-bar items and breakfast options. A few guests reported instances of accidental fire alarms during their stay, which, while disruptive, were handled efficiently by staff. Some guests also noted a card surcharge for payments.