It’s 34 degrees in Melbourne on the day I check into The Lyall Hotel on leafy Murphy Street in South Yarra. I had been in a rush all morning – story of my life – juggling packing my daughter’s lunchbox for daycare with packing my suitcase, racing out the door, and almost missing my flight thanks to roadworks.
I’ll spare you the details, but between leaving home, flying to Melbourne, and finally arriving at the hotel, everything that could go wrong did – the Skybus even broke down! Needless to say, by the time I arrived outside the charming facade of the hotel, I was ready for a wine.
Stepping inside, feeling like I couldn’t drag my suitcase one more step, the kind front office manager prompted me to leave my case where it was and assured me that someone would take care of it. A wave of relief washed over me. The Lyall is a hotel where staff preempt your needs – everything from a refreshing drink, to restaurant recommendations, and directions that even an ex-local found useful.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
I lived in and around the South Yarra & Prahran area for most of my mid-20s through to mid-30s, moving out of my apartment on Domain Road during the pandemic. These tree-lined backstreets, running between Toorak and Domain Roads, still feel like home – one of my true happy places.
Wandering through South Yarra for coffee at Common Folk, picking up rice paper rolls from Master Roll Vietnamese, browsing in Mecca and Avoca Hill Bookstore takes me back to a time before COVID, before motherhood – when life was (not better but) simpler. I had often passed The Lyall, hearing whispers of big-name celebrities staying in-house, watching elegant ladies who lunch sip wine on the terrace under the oak trees, always marvelling at the air of sophistication that surrounded it.
Now, years later as I write this, I find myself among them, sipping an iced almond latte (soon to be a rosé) on the terrace, enjoying the breeze through the trees, and watching an international DJ and his entourage arrive in a futuristic-looking car.
A Hotel That Feels Like Home
Staying at The Lyall feels like being welcomed into an intimate community, tucked away on a quiet suburban street, yet just steps from the vibrant energy of South Yarra. The terrace is frequented not just by hotel guests, but also locals who are welcomed and greeted by name. The staff seem to know them intimately, asking after their children, grandchildren, and even their dogs.
This is a hotel where guests say hello to each other in the hallways, recognise each other with a smile at breakfast, and ask how your day was. I find myself chatting with a local and her daughter as we enjoy our wines, and the next morning, she’s back again, wishing me a nice day.
After a peaceful afternoon on the terrace, I retreat to my room to get ready for dinner at Yūgen Dining, one of my absolute favourites on Chapel Street. My Executive Room is spacious and elegantly designed, with a private balcony overlooking the lush greenery below. I open the doors and hear birds chirping and the rustling of tree leaves – a moment of serenity you don’t expect in such a busy suburb of Melbourne.
After dinner (which you can read all about here), I return to my room and enjoy a long, luxurious bath in the deep-soaking tub, complimented with Molton Brown amenities and of course, a glass of Pinot Noir in hand – room service is available until 9pm. The bathrooms, designed with the same understated elegance as the rest of the hotel, also feature Dyson hairdryers.
Modern Makeover Honouring Timeless Elegance
There’s a decadence in The Lyall’s simplicity. Nothing feels over-the-top or trying too hard to impress. The recent renovation, completed in early 2024 by DKO – one of the Asia-Pacific’s most celebrated design firms – has redefined the hotel’s aesthetic while staying true to its legacy. With a style reminiscent of a grand Parisian apartment, the new interiors feature plush furnishings in natural tones, hand-carved carpets, sculptural stonework, and woven textile wallpaper. Thoughtful elements like chevron timber flooring and eye-catching sculptures by Sean Bassett add layers of texture and elegance.
Each of the 50 rooms and suites has its own character, with expansive windows framing views of the surrounding streets or the beautifully detailed Japanese Maple garden, designed by Australian landscape designer Paul Bangay. From intimate doubles to apartment-style suites with separate living rooms, the hotel exudes the feeling of a prestigious inner-city home.
Lingering Luxury – A Stay to Remember
I didn’t want my two-night stay at The Lyall to end – and not just because it meant giving up a luxurious king bed to myself and returning to a toddler headbutting me in the middle of the night.
I would miss the soft notes of French jazz drifting through the hallways, the quiet elegance of my room, the warm greetings from staff who made me feel at home, the fresh morning breeze through the balcony doors, and the unhurried pleasure of lingering over a late breakfast on the terrace as the neighbourhood slowly stirred to life.
The Lyall isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a place to belong, in one of Melbourne’s most coveted neighbourhoods. Note, now I’m back home editing this piece, I’ve already booked my next stay at The Lyall, and I have French jazz playing softly in the background.
The Lyall’s 50 rooms and suites start at $335 per night. For further information or bookings, visit www.thelyall.com
You can also book your next stay with The Paige’s Travel Club. This article was written using my new ReMarkable Paper Pro – more to come on this soon!
The writer of this article was hosted by The Lyall for a complimentary stay. All opinions expressed are based on the author’s personal experience. This article includes affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. These commissions help support our work at no additional cost to you.
