Staying at an airport hotel can take a leap of faith.
We've all likely trekked in the rain while pulling heavy suitcases to a hotel located in a remote part of an airport precinct, or waited a very long time for a "regular" shuttle bus to arrive and then take its sweet time stopping at various locations before dropping you at a hotel that is 5-10km away from the actual airport.
The newly refurbed Parkroyal Airport Melbourne is a glorious exception; located directly opposite the terminals and accessed via covered pedestrian walkways that protect you from Melbourne's notorious weather.
This is a welcoming hotel, too, with a lively vibe and impressive facilities.
The refurb has resulted in a lighter colour palette, more greenery and bedrooms that are very up to date with plenty of easily accessible power points and USB slots so you can make sure all your gear is fully charged before you fly.
Many of the rooms have direct runway views - ask for one if you are keen on watching aircraft take off and land. There are Nespresso machines, too, and a range of TV and movie options.
On-site amenities, including modern Australian restaurant Airo (more in a moment) , a 24-hour gym, a heated indoor lap pool, spa, sauna and steam room.
The refurbishment, which I'm assured was badly needed, spans all 276 guest rooms, the lobby, restaurant, café, and bar, as well as the hotel’s meeting and events floor - which includes a business centre with computers.
The guest rooms, with a range of family rooms on offer, have been lifted by decorations inspired by Australian lifestyles and nature. The corridors are long, so ask for one near the lifts if you have mobility issues.
The new-look lobby is bright and airy and reception is manned 24 hours - ideal for late arrivals or for anyone whose evening flight is cancelled.
Many of the rooms have direct runway views - ask for one if you are keen on watching aircraft take off and land. There are Nespresso machines, too, and a range of TV and movie options.
On-site amenities, including modern Australian restaurant Airo (more in a moment) , a 24-hour gym, a heated indoor lap pool, spa, sauna and steam room.
The refurbishment, which I'm assured was badly needed, spans all 276 guest rooms, the lobby, restaurant, café, and bar, as well as the hotel’s meeting and events floor - which includes a business centre with computers.
The guest rooms, with a range of family rooms on offer, have been lifted by decorations inspired by Australian lifestyles and nature. The corridors are long, so ask for one near the lifts if you have mobility issues.
The new-look lobby is bright and airy and reception is manned 24 hours - ideal for late arrivals or for anyone whose evening flight is cancelled.
Airo Restaurant is adjacent to Airo Café and Airo Bar, where several guests were chilling out when I stayed earlier this month.
Great news, too, for any whose flight is delayed for several hours: the Parkroyal Melbourne Airport offers the chance to purchase a Day Pass; meaning they can swap hanging around the airport for resting in a guest room, relaxing in the spa, or enjoying a meal at Airo.
Great news, too, for any whose flight is delayed for several hours: the Parkroyal Melbourne Airport offers the chance to purchase a Day Pass; meaning they can swap hanging around the airport for resting in a guest room, relaxing in the spa, or enjoying a meal at Airo.
It's an unsurprisingly popular option for those experiencing flight delays or stop-overs.
There is also the chance for those without lounge access at the airport to use the hotel's Bar Airo lounge, and stay connected with free wifi, or use leisure facilities including the pool, gym, spa and sauna. Inclusive of showering and changing facilities for just $25.
I'm not usually a huge fan of hotel dining but the staff at Airo were particularly welcoming and all three courses I sampled were impressive: from colourful and tasty Australian baby Bay Lobster with lumpfish caviar, millet, crustacean rouille, radish and lobster oil to perfectly cook Black Angus Beef eye fillet with Otway Dutch Cream pommes puree, baby broccolini, cipollini onion, red wine jus.
Dessert was Madagascar vanilla panna cotta with Tasmanian Elderberry essence, sparkling pressed pineapple, pistachio.
The wine list is adequate without frightening the horses.
There is also the chance for those without lounge access at the airport to use the hotel's Bar Airo lounge, and stay connected with free wifi, or use leisure facilities including the pool, gym, spa and sauna. Inclusive of showering and changing facilities for just $25.
I'm not usually a huge fan of hotel dining but the staff at Airo were particularly welcoming and all three courses I sampled were impressive: from colourful and tasty Australian baby Bay Lobster with lumpfish caviar, millet, crustacean rouille, radish and lobster oil to perfectly cook Black Angus Beef eye fillet with Otway Dutch Cream pommes puree, baby broccolini, cipollini onion, red wine jus.
Dessert was Madagascar vanilla panna cotta with Tasmanian Elderberry essence, sparkling pressed pineapple, pistachio.
The wine list is adequate without frightening the horses.
There is a 24-hour room service on offer should you arrive at some ungodly hour.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay - and loved the convenience of this Pan Pacific property.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay - and loved the convenience of this Pan Pacific property.
Guests who book before August 15 can take advantage of savings of up to 25% on flexible rates for stays until December 30.
Full details here: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-melbourne-airport.html
Full details here: https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-melbourne-airport.html
* The writer was a guest of Parkroyal Melbourne Airport
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