THE FACTS ABOUT THE MANSION HOTEL

Australia Melbourne

Sweeping views of heritage-listed gardens and the winery and polo field just metres away make it hard to believe that the Mansion Hotel is just 30 minutes' drive from the heart of Melbourne's central business district. Opened in June 2000, the 92-room Mansion occupies the former St Joseph's seminary wing of the historic Werribee Park Mansion. Because the building is heritage-listed, all the original features had to be retained, but the small seminary rooms have been transformed into cosy and luxurious hideaways with very contemporary celadon-coloured glass dividing walls. The hotel is owned by the fledgling Mansion Group, overseen by Martin Webb, a former executive chef at Conran's Quaglino's in London. Webb's background ensures you will always eat well at Joseph's, the 120-seater dining room. While popular with conference organisers for its rural outlook, the Mansion Hotel is a perfect retreat for couples or even families: there is a relaxing spa area, a gorgeous 17-metre indoor pool, and an open-air zoo and golf course next door. WHEN TO GO During the spring polo carnival (around October-November) WHICH ROOM TO BOOK Top floor rooms 311 and 312, which have views over the parterre gardens and towards the lobby. Doubles A$280-A$390 CONTACT The Mansion Hotel, Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee, Victoria 3030 (00 61 3 9731 4000; fax 9731 4001; email:mansion@bigpond.com; www.mansionhotel.com.au)