Mercure Melbourne Albert Park

When it comes to decor, the Mercure differs from cookie-cutter chain hotels only in its lobby, which has atrium-style ceilings strung with disc-shaped lamp fixtures that resemble flying saucers. Gray sofas and Star Trek-inspired captains' chairs contribute to the lobby's space-age vibe, while orange throw cushions lend pops of color. The hotel caters to business guests, but all bets are off when the Australian Grand Prix is held at Albert Park across the street -- during the event, expect a heavy deluge of motor race fans.  

The Mercure Melbourne Albert Park is situated on a busy road right across from Albert Park, home to the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. The hotel faces Albert Park Lake, and is just south of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD). The hotel is convenient for those who want easy access to St Kilda, Middle Park, and South Melbourne. The National Gallery of Victoria is a 10-minute walk away, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Royal Botanic Garden is a five-minute drive away (without traffic), and the Queen Victoria Market takes about 10 minutes to reach in the same conditions. The hotel is well connected to public transport, and there numerous tram stop on St Kilda Road, just behind the hotel. The airport is a 20- to 30-minute drive away, depending on traffic. 

There are 209 rooms at the Mercure Melbourne Albert Park, about two-thirds of which are non-smoking. Room sizes range from Standard Rooms with king-sized or twin beds, sofas, flat-screen TVs, safes, and kettles all the way up to spacious split-level Lofts with sofa beds on the lowers floors and bedrooms above. Some rooms have views of the lake, and Privilege Rooms come with slippers and robes. All rooms have minibars, irons, and air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi is available for a fee. Mid-range chain-standard decor is consistent throughout, with blue-gray carpets, mottled beige walls, white beds with wine-hued throw cushions and runners, and light-wood furniture. Bathrooms have hairdryers, big mirrors, and large counters with built-in sinks. Bathrooms have either shower/tub combinations or snug glass-walled walk-in showers, although some guests have complained of maintenance and housekeeping issues in the bathrooms (we did notice a little bit of dirty tile grout during our visit). 

One of the Mercure's best features is its heated indoor pool, large enough for laps, flanked by tables and chairs on one side, and a well-equipped fitness center on the other. There's also a sauna. Indoor parking is available for a fee and Wi-Fi, while available throughout, also costs extra. The hotel also has 19 meeting/event spaces, including a gigantic Grand Ballroom that can seat 1,400 guests theater-style. The hotel also has both a restaurant and a more casual cafe, which serves breakfast and lunch until late afternoon; there's also a bar and lounge, Atrium, which is open in the evenings. The Restaurant, Windows, offers a buffet breakfast with hot and cold items (for a fee) and serves modern Australian cuisine for dinner nightly.