The Blackman - Art Series Escape

Melbourne! My favourite city in Australia. Although I don’t get to frequent it as much as I’d like, every time I do visit The Blackman Art Series Hotel is where you’ll find me staying. This ever so zany and inspiring boutique hotel is the perfect honeymoon destination or wedding night stay for you quirky couples. You’ll find The Blackman only a short drive or tram ride out of the city, along tree-lined St. Kilda Road and you can’t miss it, with a piece of Charles Blackman’s art enveloping the bottom half of the building.

Upon entering this hotel you know it will be like no other you have experienced before, with the towering main wall behind the reception covered in pieces of art from Blackman himself. I recommend keeping an eye out for the cheeky glass bunnies that are hidden throughout the hotel. Boasting 209 spacious rooms all with private balconies, designer furnishings and a vibrant colour scheme, you are spoilt for choice with nine room types, my pick being the Bay Executive Suite! But if you really want to splurge, you can’t go wrong with the 95 square metre Garden or Reading Penthouses (including a personal butler!)

Whichever suite you choose you will enjoy a cloud-like king bed with art series signature bedding (you can actually buy a signature mattress during your stay!), a personal art library and all the mod cons you would expect to find in a hotel of this calibre. But for me the artwork and quirky, fun colour scheme is a real standout! Charles Blackman’s style is absolutely mesmerising. When booking, ask for a room on the higher floors so you can take full advantage of either the city or bay views.

Once you have finished admiring the hotel and artwork you can hop on a tram (the tram stop is a few short metres from the hotel) and head into the ever exciting Melbourne City or perhaps St. Kilda – or maybe a spot of shopping and of course dining on Chapel Street. Or you could hire a European style bike and cycle your way around Melbourne with its many dedicated cycling tracks. Why not pack a champagne picnic and enjoy it in one of the many stunning parks the city has on offer?

Images via The Blackman Art Series Hotel

My top picks for sweet, (literally) city spots are Roule Galette for a morning coffee and crepe. It’s tucked away in Flinders Lane and is quaint, cosy and oh so romantic! And if your sweet tooth lingers be sure to make a visit to Hopetoun Tea Rooms for afternoon tea, you will have to stand in line most days and wait for a table, but trust me the wait is well worth it. If you have never been to Melbourne but love city getaways The Blackman Art Series Hotel will not disappoint!