Ovolo Hotels has reopened the newly redesigned Laneways By Ovolo in Melbourne’s lively cultural quarter, situated amid the city’s famous network of laneways. The makeover celebrates the area’s creative energy while offering contemporary comforts and playful design.
Australian interior studio Luchetti Krelle led the redesign of public areas and guest rooms, introducing a refreshed lobby with reception pods and an Honesty Bar stocked with snacks, bottled cocktails, wine and Champagne. The public spaces balance a polished, modern look with vibrant, nostalgic touches that reference the building’s 1980s origins.
© Courtesy of Ovolo
“We really enjoyed creating a sophisticated and stylish space that gives a nod to the building’s ’80s era,” said Rachel Luchetti, principal of Luchetti Krelle. “The nostalgia aesthetic was a perfect fit for this project, and we have interpreted this with an injection of color and energy in classic Ovolo style.”
The hotel’s 42 revamped rooms showcase an ’80s-inspired palette of bright shapes and lines paired with bold black-and-white graphics. A standout is Room 303, an exclusive suite conceived by interior designer and Belle magazine editor-in-chief Neale Whitaker, known for his work on the Australian TV series The Block.
© Courtesy of Ovolo
Room 303 features a curated collection of original artwork, limited-edition pieces and bespoke soft furnishings handpicked by Whitaker, including a sculptural lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt and an illustration of Whitaker in an Andy Warhol-inspired style by former Ovolo team member Flynn Cowan. Melbourne artist Nunzio Miano contributed bold color and flamboyant detail to the room’s aesthetic. The suite also includes a 100-song Spotify playlist personally curated by Whitaker.
Dining at Laneways By Ovolo centers on Amphlett House, a new 120-seat restaurant developed by Ovolo’s director of kitchen operations Ian Curley with head chef Ben Green. The menu highlights seasonal and refined dishes such as smoked bone marrow on toast with parsley and shallot salad, and oysters served with mignonette and shaved horseradish.
© Courtesy of Ovolo
The cocktail program, crafted by mixologist Andrea Gualdi, emphasizes sustainable Australian ingredients and features signature drinks like the Finger Lime Daiquiri and the Eucalyptus Smoked Margarita. The beverage list highlights boutique Australian brewers such as Bonehead, Young Henrys and Better Beer, while around 75 percent of the wine selection is sourced from local producers.
Guests at Laneways By Ovolo enjoy a range of complimentary perks designed for convenience and local discovery: breakfast to go, high-speed WiFi, an in-room minibar (first round complimentary), self-service laundry, all-day sweets, welcome treats, social hour at Amphlett House and a tree planted through the Eden Project initiative. Double-occupancy room rates in July start at approximately $204 per night.