A Melbourne hotel with a whimsical magic of its own

In a world of cookie-cutter, homogeneous hotels it is always refreshing to check in somewhere that has a personality; a point of difference. 

Melbourne's Blackman Hotel, the third in the Art Series group, is as individual as the artist after whom it was named: Charles Blackman, who is famous for his Alice in Wonderland works. 

 Set behind the heritage-listed Airlie Mansion just off St Kilda Road, the hotel is 2.5km from the Melbourne CBD and five minutes by tram from St Kilda Beach.

The many Blackman replicas that dot the lobby are just a hint of the playful nature of the rooms, of which there are 209, although there is a definite boutique feel shared with fellow Art Series hotels The Olsen and The Cullen

All three are being given a push with the new "Find your inner muse" campaign.  

Colours and furnishings throughout the hotel are in bright jewel box colours as a reference to Blackman’s artworks.

The king and queen suites are generous in size with balconies - and there are two glorious penthouses on the upper level. 

The rooms come equipped for pleasure, or leisure, with wireless & broadband internet connections, 24-hour reception and helpful staff able to organise anything from a business meeting to a hot-air balloon ride over the city. 

There are two on-site restaurants, buzzy French bakery Depot de Pain (where the breakfasts are outstanding) or the Italian-style Classico. 

There is a complimentary shuttle to the CBD and a state-of-the-art gymnasium I managed to completely ignore. 

For art lovers, in-house curator tours are available, while guests still receive that delightful luxury - a complementary morning newspaper delivered to the room.

There is an iPod docking station, a super-comfortable bed, pillow menu and luxury bathroom amenities, although my bathroom was frustratingly small. The windows actually open and the blackout curtains make sleeping in a doddle. 

The Art Series Hotels concept is the brainchild of Melbourne dynamo Will Deague, who has several more hotels on the drawing board. Having enjoyed a previous stay at The Olsen I now only need to sample The Cullen to complete my dance card. 

Art Series [The Blackman] Melbourne, 452 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3182. (03) 9039 1444.

www.artserieshotels.com. Rooms start from around $220 per night.