THE FACTS ABOUT THE LYALL HOTEL

Australia Melbourne

The 40-suite Lyall Hotel is in South Yarra, a fashionable neighbourhood of boutiques and restaurants (particularly on nearby Toorak Road). Fashion designers, business executives and popstars have all stayed here since the owners, Peter and Rowina Thomas, reopened their property after a major overhaul. It's the little things that count: steam-free mirrors, under-floor heating, after-dark floor-lights in the bathrooms, a pillow menu (feather and down, contour, etc) and gourmet minibars. The decor is contemporary Oriental with opulent fabrics in neutral and earth tones, original artwork and hand-made furniture. You can breakfast at Bistro Lyall, which is transformed into a Champagne bar at night, relax at the Retreat spa and work out in the gym, while those who must are whisked to work by courtesy limousine. WHEN TO GO Weekends for a revitalising spa break; October or November for the Spring Racing Carnival or Melbourne Festival WHICH ROOM TO BOOK The plush Platinum Suite with personalised stationery, B&O sound system and a butler's pantry for private entertaining CONTACT The Lyall Hotel, 14 Murphy Street, South Yarra, Victoria (00 61 3 9868 8222; fax: 9820 1724; email: hotel@thelyall.com; www.thelyall.com). Suites from AU$380 (about £145); Platinum Suite from £480