The massive mural that adorns the front of the building spells it out: At this hotel, the art comes first. In the lobby, more than a dozen Blackman prints hang on the wall behind the plain white check-in desk, and there are hundreds more scattered throughout the hotel's common areas. The spartan design of the public spaces makes Blackman's art the focal point wherever one turns.

If guests can tear their eyes away from the prints, they'll notice a well-to-do crowd of creative professionals and suit-and-tie types. The hotel staff is smartly dressed and charming, combining professionalism and glamor with ease.

The Blackman is located on St. Kilda Road, a busy thoroughfare that connects central Melbourne with the bayside suburb of St. Kilda. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to the CBD, and 45 minutes to walk to the shore -- so guests who are not keen walkers will need to rely on trams and taxis. Luckily, both are plentiful: There is a tram stop just steps from the Blackman's entrance, and taxis are usually lined up outside. It takes about 10 minutes by either tram or taxi to reach the CBD.

Melbourne Airport is a 30-minute drive from the Blackman. The hotel provides parking, but it costs $25/night ($35/night for valet service).

The spacious rooms (the smallest are about 300 square feet) have all the features of an upmarket boutique hotel: plush beds (with Art Series Signature bedding), 42-inch flat-screen HD TVs, iPod docking stations, free newspapers, and ample minibars. But it's the artsy inclusions -- such as the Blackman prints on the walls, the selection of art books and magazines, and the rabbit graphics printed on the bathrooms' frosted glass -- that really set these accommodations apart. Also noteworthy: Every room has a balcony (views vary) and a kitchenette. The bathrooms, however, disappoint: They're small, and most do not have bathtubs. Housekeeping is of a high standard, but there's no turndown service.

Each of The Blackman's 207 rooms is billed as a "suite," but in reality only the higher room categories have separate living and sleeping quarters. 

The Blackman's gym is modern and well-equipped, but a more pleasant way to get some aerobic exercise is to hire one of the hotel's custom bicycles and take it for a spin in nearby Albert Park. There is no pool, sauna, or spa facility, so those looking for high-end beauty treatments will need to visit central Melbourne. Conference facilities are available, and both the reception and concierge desk operate 24/7.

There are two dining options on-site: the Italian-themed Classico restaurant, which doubles as a bar; and Fleur Depot De Pain, a French-style cafe with a varied breakfast menu. Both are good value and attract local residents as well as hotel guests. Room service is available around the clock.