Searching for a unique place to stay that will make you the envy of all your friends? Notel has you covered! This place is unlike any hotel you may have ever visited. A boutique urban accommodation consisting of six chrome 1970’s Airstream caravans – perched atop the roof of a Melbourne CBD carpark! All completely gutted and renovated into upscale ultra-modern campers. This place is all about fun, from finding your way up there, to the various games and activities to keep you occupied. One lucky airstream even has a hot tub overlooking Flinders Lane! Whether you are a kid or an adult, Notel has something for everyone and it is somewhere you need to experience at least once in your life.
Table of Contents
Notel Melbourne
Notel is exactly where you want to be staying when visiting Melbourne. It is right in the centre of the vibrant city, situated on a bustling lane full of restaurants, bars, cafes and galleries. It’s walking distance from most of the main attractions in the city whilst also being within the free tram zone and only 5-10 minutes from Flinders St and Southern Cross train stations. There’s no denying that if you stay here you will not run out of things to see, eat and do! So get out there and explore some of the winding laneways that Melbourne is famous for and discover your own hidden gem.
All of the Airstreams at Notel were freighted overseas from the USA before being craned up onto the rooftop. The 31ft Airstreams are so much bigger than we imagined and all have large built-in ensuites (yes there are full height showers!). They are all fitted out with mod-cons such as decks, an iPad Pro kitted out with Netflix, heating and cooling, premium bedding and a complimentary minibar.
Inside Our Airstream with Benefits
The Airstream with Benefits is the trailer you want to try to book if it is available. The experience in this one has a few small touches that make it just that much better (psst its the Hot Tub!).
Private Deck & Spa
Whilst the other Airstreams decks all face a central communal courtyard, the Airstream with Benefits has its own private entrance and deck overlooking Flinders Lane. You’d be forgiven for forgetting there are even other trailers up there! There are a couple of retro chairs and a table for you to kick back and enjoy some sundowners, however, the best spot for that is definitely your own private open-air Saphire Spa hot tub! Even better at night when you activate the multi-coloured inbuilt lighting. We all fell in love with the hot tub, especially Ollie, who now regularly asks us if he can have a hot tub, for now, our bath has to suffice!!
Bedroom
With a quick flash of our mobile key (more on that later), we opened the door to our Airstream. Initial reactions – wow. Bright LED light strips led the way to the bed, feeling more like a spaceship than a vintage caravan. The queen bed was raised up on a platform at the end of the trailer. Little did we know this bed would turn out to be one of the comfiest nights sleep of our lives. Hot Tip: Organic Bamboo Sheets are ridiculously comfy (the ones they used were Ecosa)! Above the bed is a mount for the iPad that is found beside the minibar. Why doesn’t everywhere have their TV’s on the roof? It’s so much better on your neck. And because of Melbourne’s four seasons in one day weather, the Airstream is fitted with a heating/cooling split system.
Other cool things in the main room aside from the complimentary Minibar and huge UE Boom Bluetooth Speaker is an HP Sprocket Photo Printer. This nifty little device is able to transfer photos from your phone and instantly print out polaroid style selfies and shots!
Ensuite
The Notel Experience
Checking In
Check-in is a bit different from the usual because remember this is no ordinary hotel. A couple of days before arrival you will be told to download a mobile key app. Notel will send a digital key to this that will be your access to the rooftop and your specific Airstream. This works via Bluetooth and is super easy to use, you simply hold your phone up to the door and it unlocks. All this means no time-wasting checking-in, it’s all DIY.
The fun part is actually working out where the entrance to the rooftop is, hint its behind a big non-descript door stating no entry. This is followed by another secret style door and a paint-splattered staircase up to the rooftop setting the adventurous vision of Notel.
iPad
In your Airstream, you will find an iPad Pro loaded with Netflix and a virtual concierge app. This can be either handheld or attached to the mount beside the fridge or above the bed. The virtual concierge is loaded up with suggestions for all of the best places in the CBD to eat, drink and play. They will also help you book places that are hard to find or usually booked out (just ask)!
Fun & Games
On the rooftop, there is plenty to keep both the young and old guests entertained. In the communal courtyard area, various games are setups such as giant JENGA and a bean bag throwing game that is actually loads of fun.
Further afield, Notel has arranged complimentary experiences at Holey Moley and B. Lucky & Sons. Holey Moley is an indoor mini-golf x sensory labyrinth x bar and is loads of fun! B. Lucky as an awesome little bar kitted out with an array of vintage games from Mario Kart to Space Invaders and lots more.
Parking
Parking can be an expensive and tricky endeavour when visiting the city but Notel has you covered. All guests receive complimentary parking downstairs, remember this building started out solely as a carpark. Just double-check the carpark hours with staff before arriving.
Dining
Nobar
Have no fear of expensive Minibar mark-ups because Notel’s no bar refers to their awesome complimentary in-room minibar. Featuring a range of locally produced drinks and nibbles, including wine, beer, chips and snacks!
Dining In or Out!
The Airstreams do not have any cooking facilities, but you are in one of the top foodie cities on earth. It would be rude not to experience some of the local amazing restaurants! If however going out isn’t your vibe, you can order delivery from the huge range of places. You can then choose to eat it at your own private dining table in your trailer or on your deck (cutlery and plateware is provided). There is a little cafe downstairs that does coffees and light meals as well to get your morning caffeine and croissant fix.
How Kid-Friendly is Notel?
Facilities
Prior to arrival, a portacot was set up in our Airstream for Ollie complete with pillow and sheets. Our dining table was even set up with a place for him with smaller sized cutlery! The addition of the iPad with Netflix is also awesome and proved handy when mummy and daddy needed to eat our meal without Ollie exploring too far!
Activities
Notel provides communal activities in the main courtyard area. This features giant JENGA and bean bag throwing games. During summer they have also been known to set up larger activities. You are also super close to many of the cities attractions such as the Aquarium – just a couple of minutes walk away.
Swimming
If you book the Airstream with Benefits your little ones will be able to practice their swimming in your hot tub (with the supervision of course).
Book Your Stay at Notel in Melbourne, Australia
Address: 388 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://notelmelbourne.com.au
Luxury Airstreams start at approximately AUD $399 per night. Enquire now!
Have any questions or comments about our stay at Notel Melbourne? Let us know in the comments below…
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER
Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Notel Melbourne. As always, all the reviews and opinions expressed are based on our personal view and experience.