This dark, edgy hotel in the CBD impresses with its stylish interiors and abundant freebies, and the hotel -- opened in 2012 -- successfully uses this flair to attract young (and young at heart) couples and business travelers who want to avoid the corporate chains. But beyond those selling points, there’s not much else going on; guests are greeted by a narrow lobby with seating for just about four people, and there’s no real bar, rooftop, or pool at which to lounge or hang out with friends. 

But guests don’t seem to mind that this is mostly just a place to lay your head and grab a quick breakfast; the edgy vibe, intimate feel, and well-equipped rooms are enough of a draw for most who choose to stay here. This is the type of place where guests can grab some free “lollies” (gummy candies) in the lobby and throw back a free beer at the evening happy hour. Hallways are kept dim but are punctuated by large, lighted photos of Melbourne street art, and every guest room door is painted a bold, solid color.  

Some visitors will find Ovolo Laneway’s location is perfect: It’s just 15 minutes to the center of the city by foot, but is far away enough that it’s quiet and -- perhaps more importantly -- free of crowds. This section of Melbourne is known for its narrow streets and alleyways lined with bright street art, and wandering these lanes is considered must-do activity. Plus, these lanes -- including the ones near the hotel -- are known for having some of the city’s best restaurants and cafes. Chinatown and the city’s main theaters are just one block away. The closest tram stop is just a three-minute walk away, and there are several stops within an eight-minute walk. 

• One block from Chinatown 
• Four-minute walk to the train at Parliament Station (a convenient way to get around if you’re staying near a station)
• Eight-minute walk to Swanston Street, the main chaotic artery that runs up through the CBD 
• 10-minute walk to Fitzroy Gardens
• 15-minute walk to Federation Square and Flinders Street Station 
• 15 minutes by tram (22 walking) to the hip Fitzroy neighborhood 
• 20 minutes by tram to the Arts District (museums, theaters)
• 25 minutes by tram to the Royal Botanic Gardens  

Given there are almost no special features (restaurants, gym, etc.) at this 42-room hotel, the bright, stylish rooms are a big draw, and rightfully so. Rooms look brand new, and their decor is playful and colorful -- light-colored wood floors, pops of different colored throw pillows, and chalkboard paint scribed with the hotel’s Twitter and Facebook handles. The predominantly black-and-white bathrooms are hip, too, with white subway tiles lining the walls and two showerheads --- rain and handheld; however, the are no tubs in the hotel, and sinks are tiny (even in suites, though there you’ll at least get a bit more counter space). Rooms look out onto Little Bourke Street or a side alleyway lined with plastic garbage dumpsters, plus a couple of Studios lack real windows (opting instead for vertical strips of glass blocks) and only face a wall (but hey, at least those are noise-free).

The hotel takes pride in all the extras it gives for free, and that ethos extends into the rooms: free Wi-Fi, free minibar beverages (beer, wine, juice, water), and a free welcome goody bag with snacks like popcorn, lollipops, nuts, and more. There’s even a branded tote bag that guests can take home.

All rooms also have a large flat-screen TV with cable, an Apple TV, an electric water kettle with instant coffee and T2 teas (all free), iron and ironing board, a safe, an umbrella, and robes (though they’re not that soft). Bathrooms have Biology brand toiletries and a hairdryer. 

Standard rooms (called Studios) start at 18 square meters (194 square feet) and come with a queen-size bed; this is the only room type without a living space. When needed, the hotel can prepare two beds instead of one, though only in the Studio Suite (the second category) and up. Those coming with a family or bigger party should consider a Two-Bedroom Suite, or even the hotel’s one Terrace Suite.

Guests staying on lower floors have complained that they can hear the garbage trucks outside, though the hotel soundproofed the windows in March 2017, which will hopefully help. 

Ovolo Laneways lacks features such as a restaurant, bar, and gym, but offers freebies to help compensate, such as a free grab-and-go breakfast, free wine and beer happy hour, and free access to a gym a five-minute walk away (they just need to show their room key). The grab-and-go breakfast is served in a former suite and stocked with pastries (brought in each morning), yogurt, fruit, breakfast bars, and more. Guests can use the panini press or toaster, and can enjoy their snacks out on the sunny, “graffiti”-painted terrace or take it to go. The happy hour took place in the lobby at the time of our visit, but the hotel is planning to move it to the same room where breakfast is served, and possibly introduce a casual bar there in the evenings. Free coffee, tea, water, and candy are in the lobby at all times. Though there's no in-room dining, the hotel does have free snacks and drinks (including beer and wine) in the rooms. 

There are two free washing machines and dryers, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guess can also pay to have their laundry sent out for them. There's no on-site parking (common in Melbourne), but the hotel has a deal with a car park just a few blocks away for rates that are reasonable for the area.