At the quiet end of Clarendon Street, just a hop over the Yarra River by tram, lies a tiny but perfectly crafted boutique hotel in a cool, inner-city neighbourhood. A former old boozer, it has retained its local appeal and 1870s façade, but inside the luxury factor has been ramped up with perfect attention to detail. After a day exploring Melbourne’s many sights, it’s a joy to return to Coppersmith’s quiet, understated rooms, and the elegant bar and bistro that shimmers with glass, marble and metal. Friendly, attentive staff make you feel right at home, talking you through the wonderfully extensive drinks list at dinner or giving you travel tips over breakfast.
The kitchen, open all day, serves upscale European dishes and bar snacks curated from seasonal produce; it's a popular destination for local foodies. Sundowners on the roof deck are a must, with its 360-degree view of Melbourne’s sparkling skyline. And in Grand Prix season, the hotel is in pole position for all the action, with Albert Park just a 5-minute walk away.
Highs
- Perfect for solo travellers, groups of friends or couples
- The friendly staff and buzzing bar make you feel instantly welcome
- The bistro and breakfast menu is deliciously inventive
- Quiet luxury in the 15 rooms: recordable TV, Nespressos, bathrobes
- The hip surrounding neighbourhood: the famous South Melbourne market, plenty of local cafés, bars and shops, and easy access to Melbourne’s delights
Lows
- Queen Bedrooms are compact, there are no twin rooms, and the only King Bedroom gets booked up far ahead
- Check in is through the bar - which can be busy in the evenings
- Street parking can be hard to find
- You can't walk to the city centre from here but it's an easy tram ride
Best time to go
Depending on your love of Grand Prix, you'll want to plan far ahead to secure an April booking, or keep a wide berth! Summer, from December-February, is a busy time and can be very hot, while the quietest months are the Aussie winter from June-August. Spring and autumn are beautiful months to visit as the city transitions between seasons. Melbourne hosts many international sporting events, fashion weeks and conferences, so check before you travel.
Our top tips
Come thirsty - you'll want to work through the 18 glittering bar taps featuring finely crafted local beers and ciders, and there's a fabulous wine list.
- Boutique Hotel
- 15 rooms
- Restaurant & bar (open daily)
- Welcome but not ideal
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Coppersmith’s bijou white bedrooms are somewhat minimalist, but elevated by luxe touches and freestanding designer pieces. All but one are Queen Bedrooms; compact but with comfy queensize beds and desk space. iPod docks and recordable TV are a treat, as is the Nespresso machine.
Ensuite bathrooms are sleek and streamlined, with rainhead showers and organic Appelles toiletries. Ghd hair straighteners are available on request; a nice touch.
Room 9 has a tiny balcony. Two rooms are specially designed for disabled access and have bigger bathrooms. The popular King Bedroom has big corner windows, more floor space, a bathroom filled with natural light, and generous views of Clarendon Street. Order room service from the bistro downstairs - the ultimate way to unwind at the end of a busy day.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Copper, glass and marble twinkle against muted hues of wood and leather in the classy bistro, which retains the traditional feel of a welcoming pub. The menu is inventive and changes frequently, created from seasonal and local produce - we loved our slow-cooked pork, black fig salad and duck from the Great Ocean Road. Leave room for puddings, too: the lemon meringue soufflé with Chantilly cream is a smasher. You’ll find comfort and seasonal goodness on the bar-snack menu - fish pie, burgers, that sort of thing.
Breakfasts are worth lingering over, the exciting menu changing frequently. Perhaps duck egg, comte and chive quiche, or almond pancakes with maple frozen yoghurt. There are always eggs cooked to your liking, and a healthy Bircher museli, and you can have breakfast served in-room for no extra cost.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Explore South Melbourne’s eclectic mix of shops, cafés, restaurants and art galleries, including the vibrant South Melbourne Market on Wednesday, Friday and weekends
- Take a stroll or jog around leafy Albert Park (home to the Australian Grand Prix in April)
- Tram it to St Kilda beach and soak up the summer scene - on Sundays you’ll find a huge craft market sprawling along the Esplanade
- Chapel Street, the city's hipster hangout, has over 1,000 boutiques, street cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs
- Take a tram into Melbourne’s centre to see world-class art at the National Gallery of Victoria and visit some of the museums
- Admire the city's fabulous Victorian architecture then spend a chilled afternoon at the Botanic Gardens
- Come late afternoon, don’t forget to take in the shimmering skyline views from the hotel's roof deck, with a cocktail in hand
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Coppersmith is aimed at adults, though babysitting can be arranged with 12 hours' notice and highchairs are available in the bistro. Kids up to the age of 12 stay for free in parents' room.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
The King Bedroom can fit an extra bed or baby cot, as can the Queen Access Bedrooms.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Coppersmith is at the end of Clarendon Street in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of South Melbourne, home to the vibrant market. It's a 15-minute tram ride (no. 12) from the city centre, or under 10 minutes by cab.
By Air:
Melbourne Tullamarine (30km) or Melbourne Avalon (50km) are the nearest airports - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving them. You can hire a car from either airport, but parking can be tricky and taxis are plentiful.
By Coach:
Travelling by air-conditioned coach is a popular and easy way to explore Australia. Bus services will drop you downtown, and from there you can take the tram to the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Australia and getting around
Airports:
- Melbourne Tullamarine (international) 30.0 km MEL
- Melbourne Avalon (domestic) 50.0 km AVV
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km