Built in the 1860s as a guest house, The Prince of Wales Hotel located at the junction of Fitzroy and Acland Street in St Kilda (the popular seaside suburb), Victoria is an institution. The present building built in 1936 designed by architect, R.H. McIntyre is one of the few fine examples of an art deco building. It is 4 storeys high with three streamline balconies which emphases the horizontal lines of the facade. The corner is rather plain but the tower above the original entrance is topped with simple geometric decoration and a flagpole.
In 1999, it has been revamped as a boutique hotel, The Prince. They have retained much of its old world charm on the outside but on the inside, it was given a new lease of life by interior designer, Paul Hecker. There are 40 deluxe rooms and suites and no two rooms are alike. All of them have been lovingly, individually designed. The lobby and rooms house many art pieces and iconic chairs. It is almost like a gallery for art, fabric and beautiful furniture rich in colour and texture.
They also house a famous restaurant, Circa, The Deck (which is a gorgeous event space), Mink (an underground vodka bar), Il Fornaio (a bakery by day and bistro by night). They have retained the bandroom which features the best of alternative music. The bandroom has been popular with the St Kilda community even before the renovation. By the way, Nouvelle Vague is going to perform there on the 18th Dec. Wished I were there. Love them to bits.
Anyway enough of me raving about Victoria. Enjoy the pics.
The Exterior of the Complex.
The lobby of the hotel.
One of the Deluxe rooms.
One of the Deluxe room's Bathrooms.
The Lounge in the Premier Suite.
The Premier Suite's room.
The Bathroom in the Premier Suite.
The Pool and The Deck flanking it.
The Courtyard.
The Prince of Wales Bottle Shop. My favourite Bottle Shop in Victoria. Very well stocked.
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