Mr & Mrs Smith

The Prince

Melbourne, Australia

The Prince hotel, in the edgy and bohemian St Kilda district of Melbourne, simply oozes cool from the moment that your cab pulls up outside its art deco façade. Its simply decorated communal spaces are moody and sophisticated, the rooms are stylish and comfortable and the Aurora Day Spa offers one of Victoria’s most luxurious and relaxing experiences. And we haven’t even mentioned the award-winning in-house restaurant yet…

Need to know

• Rooms There are 40 rooms, separated into Single, Deluxe, Superior and Premier Suite categories.
• Rates Double rooms from AU$145.45, excluding tax at 10 per cent.
  The price shown represents the lowest nightly rate for a double room available at this hotel over the next 21 days. Any price conversions from the hotel's local currency (AU$145) have been conducted using today's exchange rates from xe.com.
• More details Rates include breakfast.
• Facilities CD/DVD library, free WiFi in the foyer, spa. In rooms: TV, DVD player, free broadband, Aurora Spa Rituals amenities packs, minibar, radio alarm clock.
• Poolside Talk about a lucky dip - the Circa's indoor pool is frequently closed for private events, but you may be able to score a splash during your stay. It lies behind sliding glass screens and adjacent to an elegant tiled deck that’s dotted with white faux-leather sofas. The expansive outside deck boasts larger day beds and views over Port Philip Bay and back to the city.
• Check-out 11am, flexible if there’s availability. Check-in, 2pm.
• Children Baby cots are provided for free and rollaway beds for kids for AU$50 a night. The concierge can book a babysitter for a minimum of three hours, price on application.
• Also Check the dates of the ear-splitting Australian Grand Prix if you’re planning on staying at the hotel in March. The Prince is only a five-minute stroll from Albert Park, where the Formula 1 race is held annually.

Food and drink at The Prince

• Hotel restaurant

  Head chef Jake Nicolson and dazzling culinary talent Paul Wilson are the dynamic duo behind Circa, the hotel’s destination restaurant, which has garnered two hats (the Aussie equivalent of Michelin stars). Previously specialising in Euro-influenced Mod Oz fare, the restaurant now offers elegant sharing plates styled with Asian zing: Kingfish sashimi with Yuzu and basil jelly; beef with red miso and fig sauce, or bonito with green tea. The chefs aren't afraid of simplicity, serving beautifully unadorned desserts of wild strawberries, for example. For nocturnal nibblers, there's also Acland St Cantina, the basement Mexican with a casual section at the front, and a characterful restaurant and bar at the back. The Cantina is open from 7am until 2am, so you won't go hungry. 

• Dress code Dress to impress – the Prince attracts a sartorially sussed crowd.
• Top table A corner banquette, or one in the middle, for the best people watching.
• Last orders The waitstaff stop taking orders at 9.30pm. On Sundays, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Room service Snacks and drinks are available 24 hours a day.
• Hotel bar

  Treat yourself to an espresso martini in the sexy and intimate Circa Bar, which throngs until around midnight, especially on a Sunday, or indulge in the serious regional and international wine list. Commandeer chairs on the airy balcony for views of Fitzroy Street’s palm trees, trams and ocean horizons.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...

The Prince 2 Acland Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria 3182