BACK IN FASHION

The Como Melbourne

630 Chapel Street, South Yarra VIC
or www.mgallery.com/como

The Como has always held a special place in the heart of Melbourne. Well before the Art Series Hotels launched, The Como recognised that not all the hotel action was in the CBD. Sitting atop Melbourne’s Chapel Street fashion mile, the Como has always been a one-off; an individual, one step removed from the cookie-cutter hotels over the Yarra. You were as likely to see Robbie Williams running half-naked through reception as you were a tennis world number one, or the achingly fashionable… The Como lives for providing an ‘experience’.
But then, 20-plus years on, age caught up with The Como and there were hipper, more seductive alternatives.
But there’s still a soft spot. Even if you’ve not stayed for years, there’s not a person in Melbourne who wants to see The Como flag and fade… except perhaps The Olsen hotel over the road!
Fast forward to the present and under GM Cleo Seaman, The Como under is ‘back in town’… or should that be back where it belongs, on the edge of town.
As of last September, The Como is officially a member of Accor’s high-end MGallery Collection of hotels, and has a smart new refit to celebrate.
The Como is in good company. The MGallery collection comprises a set of distinctive upscale hotels which, according to Accor, ‘possess an exceptional personality through one or more of three principal atmospheres: Heritage, Serenity and Signature.’ The Como slots into the Signature bracket effortlessly.
As part of the extensive refurb, all of the 107 guestrooms have been completely redesigned with chic wall murals, new bedding packages, bold lighting and modern furniture. All of the guestrooms feature new, high-gloss kitchens, Peter Morrissey amenities, provide a touch of edgy luxury in the bathroom.
And here’s a cool touch: since opening, The Como has been keeping a signature book of all the celebrities and rockstars that have walked through its doors. Playing on this story, framed photocopies of celebrity signatures will adorn all of the guestrooms, bringing this part of the hotel’s legend to life.
Upstairs, the hotel’s three signature penthouses are already the most in-demand accommodation offerings in Melbourne and have been renovated and styled to suit three opulent themes: ‘Pearl’, ‘Gems’ and ‘Gold’.
The Pearl penthouse represents an elegant and timeless design, with soft, neutral tones complementing classic, rich furnishings. The Gems suite boasts a colourful palette with bold splashes of colour and funky decorative elements.
The famed baby grand piano reclaims its position in the Gold penthouse and will sit alongside bold, striking furnishings.