By Glenn Harris
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Melbourne is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a skyline of towering shiny buildings, a swanky art scene and a diverse culture that adds and undeniable flavor to the city. The winding Yarra River that cuts through the city and down to the Port Phillip Bay giving the city plenty of scenic eye candy in the way of endless water views. Inland there are countless parks to explore and in the middle of the city has is own version or Central Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens. Like any major city, Melbourne has unique neighborhoods with their own personality and offerings. Melbourne’s most posh and fashionable neighborhood is South Yarra and there’s no better place to stay for today’s style-savvy travelers than the Como Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel.

The chic boutique hotel is located a short distance from the Melbourne’s manic central business district in what could be considered the Beverly Hills of Melbourne. South Yarra is Melbourne’s most fashionable district where the well-to-do come to dine, shop and play. Fashionable couples and the area’s socialites meander along Toorak Road or the famous Chapel Street while popping in tony designer fashion, jewelry boutiques or noshing in the endless offering of upscale restaurants, quaint bistros and watering holes.

The Como Melbourne has been a gathering place for the beau monde traveler for years and now as part of the MGallery by Sofitel has been recently renovated and brought up to a true five-star hotel standards. Inside is bright fresh and anew with Gray marble floors, chic art deco furnishings, and bold pop art paintings found throughout the common areas of the hotel.

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"Inside is bright fresh and anew with Gray marble floors, chic art deco furnishings, and bold pop art paintings found throughout the common areas of the hotel."

The hotel offers 111 room that vary from studios to several penthouse apartments and feature a minimalist design, lovely design touches, and a clean and fresh décor.

An ideal option for romantic couples is the Junior Suite with a living room area and bedroom area as well as a full kitchen ideal for those planning to stay a bit longer and dining in from time to time. The bathrooms are lovely as well with black marble surfaces, spa bath and walk in shower. Several accommodations also offer a lovely terrace with its own private outdoor Japanese garden with leafy foliage and a water feature as well as outdoor seating to enjoy a bit of fresh air and greenery in the middle of the city.

Melbourne has a vibrant dining scene and there are plenty of tony bistros and café and upscale restaurants to choose from steps away from the hotel. Before heading out, guest may want to head down to the SOBAR for some tasty cocktails at their hip hangout.

For breakfast, the Brasserie offers a well-stocked buffet as well as a al carte for eggs your way. You’ll want to try their signature Pulled Duck Eggs Benedict which is a scrumptious way to start the day. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service ideal meal after a late night or for tasty in-room brekkie.

When it’s time to cool off a bit or to take in some sun, the hotel features a heated 25 meter pool on the sixth floor. The setting is cool and modern with contemporary designed lounge chairs to relax in and there’s a retractable roof as well to let in the sun or keep the room at a pleasant temperature not mater the time of year. Hotel guests are also welcomed to use the hotels fitness center and sauna as well.

As an MGallery by Sofitel property, The Como Melbourne offers an chic retreat for the fashionable traveler looking to be close to Melbourne but not in the epicenter of the mayhem of the bustling city. Steps away are hip places to dine and shop making the Como Melbourne, MGallery by Sofitel an ideal boutique hotel to stay and play in Melbourne’s’ South Yarra district.

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Glenn Harris

Glenn Harris is an accomplished journalist focusing on international travel, fine dining, and luxury lifestyle events. His wanderlust has taken him to over 100 countries where he is constantly straying off the beaten path uncovering new and exotic finds. He particularly enjoys seeking out lesser known travel gems and places to stay, dine, or experiences to capture.