HOTEL REVIEW: Tolarno Hotel, St Kilda, Melbourne!
The Tolarno Hotel, St Kilda, is Melbourne’s original art hotel. Since the 60’s, the Tolarno has attracted Melbourne’s art crowd. Originally the private residence of Mirka and George Mora, artist and art dealer respectively, their restaurant at street level fed, watered and provided a sanctuary for the arts community.
Opened in 2002, The Tolarno Hotel pays homage to the building’s artistic past. Original murals by Mirka Mora are heritage listed adding ambience, transporting you to a bygone era.
The Tolarno’s convenient location on Fitzroy street (just 6km from the CBD) is adjacent to Catani Gardens, footsteps from famous St Kilda Beach and metres from city trams. Let’s have a look inside!
The Entrance.
The entrance hall leads to reception in the belly of the building. The journey may take a while as you stop to admire the many works adorning the walls. Late evening, having painted St Kilda red, spend a moment while all is quiet to appreciate this eclectic gallery.
The reception space presents interchanging collections and following in the original owners’ path, the hotel supports and encourages local contemporary artists.
Promoting 3 major art prizes in Victoria via the Victorian College of Arts (VCA), Monash University and Royal Melbourne Institute of Tafe (RMIT), Tolarno Hotel showcases the winners of each for a 12 month period, often purchasing pieces to add to their collection.
The Rooms.
Each of the 37 rooms and suites is unique. From Piccolo rooms intended for overnight stays to the spacious 2 bedroom suites, dynamic colour schemes feature paintings in every room. The diverse collection continues along bold coloured hallways.
Complete with Nespresso coffee machines, T2 Tea range and Urban Skin Care Company bathroom amenities, the rooms provide a sanctuary of warmth and sophistication. Free wi-fi keeps you connected with business associates or to post selfies with Mirka Mora originals.
Tolarno Hotel comprises 3 levels with staircase access only. Bear this in mind when packing if you’ve booked a top floor room. Balcony rooms overlooking Fitzroy Street are terrific for observing the shifting street life while not so appealing at 5 am when the tram schedule commences.
The Restaurant & Bar.
November ’17 saw the (re)opening of Tolarno Eating House & Bar. Straddling the Tolarno’s entrance the bar serves breakfast and lunch while the restaurant (open from 4 pm) joins in for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday. Inside you’re surrounded by Mirka Mora originals while outside, the action of Fitzroy Street.
On the menu, goats cheese croquettes and arancini with truffle are popular starters. Attention grabbers in the mains are triple cooked pork belly with black pudding, pistachio, fennel and orange; fried fish in coconut curry and a host more. Classic cocktails, local wines & craft beer quench your thirst and it’s all served by friendly knowledgeable wait staff.
Walk-ins are encouraged, though reservations for groups are recommended.
The Facilities.
With 2 conference/ function rooms, there’s no need to travel far if you’re in town for business or planning an event. “Think Tank” and “The Space” are 2 ideal areas suitable for brainstorming or cocktail parties. Accommodating up to 50 guests in cinema seating or roundtable discussions, these events can also be catered in-house.
The Verdict.
The iconic Tolarno Hotel is an institution in St Kilda. In a perfect location to explore St Kilda’s beach, bars, restaurants and shopping make The Tolarno a sought-after hotel, but it’s really its colourful past and heritage listed walls that elevate the experience and instigate many a conversation.
Our stay at Tolarno Hotel was booked anonymously through booking.com and fully paid for by paraphernalia.co. A courtesy upgrade was assigned prior to our arrival and friendly efficient service made our stay an extremely pleasant one. We have no hesitation recommending Tolarno Hotel in St Kilda.
Surrounded by history, exciting decor and splendid originals, The Tolarno Hotel: it’s a thing we love….
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I really enjoyed St Kilda and this looks like a really cool hotel to stay in! The art is different, I like that and the menu sounds delicious! Thanks ms for sharing (ps is the tram still there as I spoke to someone recently who said they don’t think it is). #feetdotravel
Hi Angie, yes, the tram is still there. There’s a stop very close to the Tolarno and you can be in the CBD in no time. The hotel is lovely, while the restaurant and bar are great spots to take it all in. 🙂
Tolarno hotel looks like a great option in Melbourne. I stayed in a hotel recently with Nespresso coffee machines and I think they are a great idea in a hotel! The art theme makes this a very Instagrammable place to stay!
We love the Nespresso machine idea too, James. Being able to have a decent coffee before leaving the room is a godsend on some occasions. The bold statements throughout the hotel are most certainly insta-worthy! 🙂
Te Tolarno hotel is definitely an art hotel. The art work that adorns it makes for some really fascinating decor. What a cheerful place to stay in.
There’s something new to see each time you walk the halls or sit down to dine. Both Mirka Mora’s murals and the contemporary art throughout the hotel make the Tolarno a unique place to stay in Melbourne. 🙂
This place is a destination in itself! I would spend a good amount of time walking the halls and common area and trying to see as many paintings and murals as possible. I like to stay in places with character and this is definitely one of those places. #feetdotravel
The Tolarno is certainly full of character, Ruth. The guys in the restaurant have some photos of when Mirka and George were the owners and your imagination can run wild. They were certainly characters. 🙂
Wow looks an interesting and beautiful hotel. Sounds a good location too! #feetdotravel
All of the above, Paul and Carole. I love that an artist lived there and her work is still on show. I particularly love that they are murals so it was her intention to leave them there for whoever followed. It’s great we can share them. 🙂
What an experience! I love that the hotel has art everywhere, from the reception area to the rooms. It’d never want to leave!
It’s a bit like that, Carmen. The hotel, bar and restaurant art make them all really inviting. It’s definitely worth checking out if you get to St Kilda. 🙂
I’ve stayed at the Tolarno in the past. Always like it there, perfect location in St. Kilda.
I agree, Jamie. It’s a great spot for walking home from a night on the tiles. 😉
It’s always arty in Melbourne! I love the hipster vibe. We will return there soon as we have family there. I may have to check out a few of these!
Definitely stop in for a cocktail or a meal if you’re staying with family. The murals in the restaurant are fantastic! 🙂