The Prince – Hotel Review

Located on a corner block where Fitzroy Street meets the sea, The Prince Hotel in St Kilda has an original Art Deco façade that’s still in good nick after 90 years. The property has reopened after a two-year revamp and features 39 rooms with pastel-toned décor and a lovely sense of calm. Hang the “hush” sign on the door and catch up on Netflix via the smart TV app or relax in the bath. Book a table in the excellent Prince Dining Room then unwind in the atrium bar beside the lush indoor garden. Fancy some live music? The Prince Bandroom is right next door.

The location

The vibe at this end of town – 40 minutes from Tullamarine – is equal parts foot traffic, light rail and car. After checking in, stretch your legs along St Kilda pier. Go far enough and you’ll spy the iconic Luna Park, before retreating back to The Prince.

The rooms

It takes no time to settle in to the rooms adorned with candy-tone palettes and wooden flourishes (bamboo-ladder towel rack and repurposed timber wardrobes). Original photography by Tom Blachford and Kate Ballis grace the walls while the minibar is stocked with local treats ready for an afternoon tipple. Think Bertie Cold Pressed Apple Cider or an Old Fashioned from The Everleigh Bottling Co.

Food and drinks

Graduate to the custom-made, blackened steel full bar in the Prince Dining Room for a pre-dinner beverage. At dinner, fill your belly with the Mediterranean-based dishes packed with seasonal vegetables by executive chef Dan Hawkins and head chef Dan Cooper. The fried artichoke, prawn mousse, horseradish and vinaigrette is perfection. With small plates, skewers and flatbreads, meals are easily shareable.

For business travellers

In town on business? The Prince Deck can host functions for groups up to 120, while the Sainthill Room (named after legendary set and costume designer, Loudon Sainthill) has a private setting for 16.

For wellness travellers

Before you check out, visit the onsite Aurora Spa where you enter adjacent to a waterfall wall and immediately feel relaxed. Using the same ASPAR products found in the hotel en suites, Aurora Spa is a separate entity, however guests receive a handy discount on treatments – including the one-hour body smoother or couples escape – and you can dial direct from your room to book an appointment.

The fab factor

Prince Public Bar, which has just re-opened following a complete refurb.

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