Has anyone stayed at King Boutique in Fitzroy? It looks out over the Royal Exibition Building in Carlton Gardens. It looks to be on the edge of the CBD. From what I've read, Fitzroy seems to be shops and restaurants, which sounds good to us. We avoid the CBD for hotels, but are concerned we may just be too out of the way in Fitzroy. Can anyone offer advice?

I don't know the King Boutique, but it's not right in the area of Fitzroy that has lots of restaurants and cafes. It's tucked behind a hospital and on quite a busy road. It's walking distance to the Little Bourke & Lonsdale St restaurant precinct & an easy tram ride to the part of Brunswick St with the restaurants etc. It's certainly not out of the way.

Thanks for the info? Would a better option be The Tilba or The Hatton in South yarra, or Hotel Tolarno in St Kilda? We prefer smaller places, not right in the CBD. B&Bs are great. St Kilda sounds good, but is it going to be too far away?

It's hard to judge what you consider "too far away". The King Boutique is much closer to the CBD that the others. South Yarra is about 10 minutes by tram from the CBD, St Kilda about 15, Both The Hatton & The Tilba are in a good location- very close to the botanic gardens, some nice restaurants and both right on tram routes to the cbd. I'd not stay in Tolarno as it's in the middle of very busy Fitzroy St (although you'll have endless choices for food right outsie your door!). Of the 4 you've selected I'd go for either your original pick or The Hatton or Tilba

Thanks, Maryk. i think I'll take you up on the advice. 10 minutes is no problem. Sounds like Prahan has some used book and Cd stores, cafes, etc. Right up our alley. My folks will be there at the same time. The Hatton looks more upmarket, I think. maybe they'll stay there, and we'll stay at The Tilba. I also read good things about The Como, but is that a big scene? Sometimes that can be a turnoff. Anyway, thanks so much for the good advice.

I think you've made the right choice - and the hotels are within waling distance of each other. The Como is a completely different type of place. It was built about 10 years ago, so is 'modern' and a whole lot bigger than the ones you've been looking at. It is right in the heart of the very hip and trendy area of South Yarra - Prahran which is Chapel St. From The Tilba, Chapel St is about 5-10 mins by tram.

Maryk,
I am so glad you responded. This info is exactly what I needed to know. The Hatton and The Tilba, it is. Can't wait!