The Lindrum is nice, and the city is where your friend will experience Melbourne's best for a first time visitor - lots of rad cafes and cocktail bars hidden down litle laneways. It is also quite convenient to get to the gay nightlife in Fitzroy/Collingwood via the trams on Collins St (a block away from where he will be). However I personally am a "South of River" boy and will highly recommend that he checks out the nightlife around Prahran and South Yarra instead. I usually go to Love Machine on its gay nights (Sundays). The Fitzroy/Collingwood area can be a little too 'alternative' for me, though Thursday nights at Barry's is nice. All boils down to personal preference I s'pose.
Originally Posted by
Fritz
St Kilda is nice but I can't think of any hotels there off-hand but I know there are a couple of boutiquey ones. Turtle Cove is very nice also but drive up there with care; lots of peple crash their cars on that stretch of highway.
Highly recommend The Prince in St Kilda.
http://www.theprince.com.au/
Located on Acland St which is a wee bit touristy, but near so many great cafes (awesome coffee at Leroy's), brekkies and cake places.
The gay clubbing places in Prahran/South Yarra aren't far away either, though require a few transfers if going by tram.