Magnolia Court Boutique Hotel

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is an unassuming traveller's rest in East Melbourne, an easy 10 minute walk through Fitzroy Gardens to the CBD and all the lights and action of Melbourne. Nestled amongst historic houses in a quiet street, it's almost obscured from the street by the rampant greenery of a host of large trees and a cottage garden which beckons you to linger in the dappled light and wafting scent of lavender. The whole exterior effect is one of tranquility from a bygone age and that sense remains with you once you enter the Victorian era building.


This is not a hotel for lovers of pristine modernity and sparceness. If creaking floorboards, steep staircases and winding hallways are not your thing then perhaps you should consider somewhere else. When we travel we like to steer clear of the often sleek but soulless sameness of chain hotel accommodation. We're looking for some character and local colour and we found that at Magnolia Court.

On our stay we wanted somewhere quiet, clean and comfortable after a few days on the Great Ocean Road, but close enough to the CBD to introduce our children to the sights, sounds and streets of the Melbourne we love, before heading further east for a family wedding. Magnolia Court was a good choice but don't expect 5 Star quality. This is 3 Star comfort and value with some heritage and history thrown in. And you won't pay through the nose for it.

We occupied a Family Suite that comprised a comfortably furnished living room with two pull-out sofa beds, a lovely main bedroom with Queen sized bed and TV, and a good-sized, well-appointed bathroom. The living room also housed a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Things were a bit tight in the living area with the sofa beds in use by three children, but we were there to explore Melbourne, not spend time in our rooms so for us this wasn't a problem.



There were pleasant touches everywhere from gilt-framed paintings and mirrors, to candlesticks and lamps, a timber framed fireplace, and the sunny balcony with heritage-green painted wrought iron work and outdoor table and chairs, the perfect spot for a late afternoon or early morning coffee.



Magnolia Court has a range of accommodation options including double or twin bedded hotel rooms, deluxe rooms with Victorian decor or Cottage apartments in a separate building. All the usual facilities including TV's, hairdryrers, airconditioning and free internet are available. I have read other reviews that have described some of the rooms as small and "tired" or "rundown", but our accommodation was certainly suitable for our needs, and staff were also helpful. Full rates range from $180 per night for a double room up to $430 per night for a Family Suite, but specials for the same rooms can be as little as $90 per night or $230 per night. There are also discounts for longer stays.

Perhaps the best thing about Magnolia Court was the Terrace Cafe, a sunny breakfast room that overlooks the garden. Here we lingered over a hearty buffet breakfast with the works - eggs, bacon, sausages, fruit, cereal and toast - which was included in our accommodation deal, but is also available for $20 per person. Other breakfast options are available and range in price from $7 to $16. Our breakfast was topped off with good coffee and the morning's newspaper before we hit the road once more.


For the footy minded Magnolia Court is only a few really good torpedo punts away from "The 'G" . We strolled down the historic street towards the spiritual home of Australian football, admiring the delicate wrought iron work and elegant facades of the beautiful terrace houses. If you love all things footy then a tour of the MCG and a visit to the National Sports Museum should be on your list of things to do. You're also not far from Melbourne and Olympic Parks , so a visit to the Australian Open Tennis could be on the cards in January.



Our expectations for good value family accommodation allowing a comfortable stay in pleasant surroundings were fully met by our Magnolia Court experience and we would certainly stay there again. You can book through their online booking system here or by phoning (03) 9419 4222. There is limited parking available, so if you need parking you should mention this at the time of booking.

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