Just returned from our first stay at the HMSW. After a long wait at checkin we got greeted with the good news that we had been upgraded to a King Yarra Suite. Except for the fact that this was the room we had booked and paid for. But the attendant was quick to point out that as a Diamond we would receive Executive Lounge access. Which is of course part of the room we booked anyway even if we didn't have any status.

The suite itself had spectacular views through the floor to ceiling windows north over Melbourne. However, decor and furnishing were not nearly as nice as the view. The styling is the latest 1970s inspired look which is so on vogue at the moment. But like the 70s, it will look dated really fast and some pieces already look as if they were used in a Youth Hostel dining room. There was a general lack of appreciation for detail as well. Masses of cables are hanging lose from a side table, the desk doesn't provide a single free outlet so working with a laptop depends on battery, there are only see through curtains in the living room so you can't have privacy there and if a 3rd person sleeps in the living room he/she will wake with the break of dawn. There is no artwork on the wall and it just didn't feel like a nice room.

Executive lounge is nice but of course would have been even nicer on the 14th floor, not 4th. We opted for a breakfast in the restaurant and got a voucher for that. Breakfast there had an okay choice (not like the Hilton Shanghai for example) but everything offered was of high quality. You could make your own fresh juices, lots of egg choices, good musli etc.

Parking is either $45 valet (US$50) or $20 for self parking across the road. Handy hint, if you buy anything at the shopping centre you get a 50% off parking voucher which effectively brings the parking cost down to $14 per 24hours.

As a summary, it is an okay property but the King Yarra Suite while spacious and with great view is no comparison to what you get at the Westin or Park Hyatt. But it is a cheaper hotel of course so the value for money is okay but its not my first choice when visiting Melbourne on business or pleasure.