Living Like Royalty at the Crown Towers

 I think everyone will agree that travel is full of surprises–some great, some good, some not so much.  Our hotel room at the Crown Towers in Melbourne was a jaw-dropping  surprise.  It was not one room, but 3!  A living room with a sectional sofa and chaise, a comfy chair, a desk with chair, a marble-topped bar lit by a crystal chandelier, a coffee table filled with current magazines, and a huge flat screen TV.  The floor to ceiling windows were dressed with lovely drapes and light-filtering Roman shades, both electronically operated by a remote control.

The bedroom had a king size bed with exquisite linens, another flat screen TV and the same remote control window scheme.  A dressing/closet area connected the bedroom to the bath, and what a bath it was!  Marble floors, a jacuzzi tub, separate water closet, dual vanities with a crystal chandelier over each, a large marble shower with multiple shower heads, and another flat screen TV.  What a pleasant place to relax and recover from jet lag. 

The public spaces were lovely also.  This sculpture was in the main lobby

Tips for Travelers to Melbourne

• Try to avoid Friday flights from LA.  It is the most crowded day to fly, and it brings you into your Melbourne hotel at a very busy time–all the weekend guests are checking out
• Early in your visit, take the free city trolley to get acclimated to the layout of the City.  The tour is narrated, and provides great information about the buildings, parks, neighborhoods you are passing by.  Ride the whole circuit–it is a great way to get your bearings; then you can go back to the things you want to see.