HOTEL REVIEW: Tolarno Hotel, St Kilda, Melbourne!

Share This
Follwo me on faizan
Share On Twitter
Share On Linkedin
Share On Pinterest
Contact us

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.

Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.
Pic courtesy of Tolarno Hotel

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!Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.

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.Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.

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.Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.

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.Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.

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. St Kilda. Victoria.
Pic courtesy of Tolarno Hotel

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.Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.

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.

Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.
Pic courtesy of Tolarno Eating House & Bar

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.

Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.
Pic courtesy of Tolarno Eating House & Bar

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….Tolarno Hotel. St Kilda. Victoria.

We’d love it if you shared this article on social media using the simple icons below.

We’re also a member of the fabulous Facebook travel blogging community #feetdotravel. Follow the link for ours and other travel bloggers’ experiences! 

Thank you for your support as always!

Awards & Partners

© 2021 All Rights Reserved | paraphernalia.co