Pullman - Melbourne on the Park. The Best Hotel in Australia. And here's why...
It is both daring and exciting to arrange a Round The World (RTW) trip and so far I have visited Singapore, Sydney and now Melbourne with another five stops before my return to London.
As mentioned in earlier posts, the theme is a keen pursuit of beauty, natural environment and the joys and pleasures of our beautiful planet against the chaos and confusion that is today’s society and political status.
Having heard so many people rave about Melbourne plus I have a dear friend from my Peace Corps days who resides just outside the city, I decided to add a little appendage to the planned route.? I contemplated an Airbnb as an economical alternative but then decided against it, preferring a hotel and chose Pullman, Melbourne on the Park. And am so glad that I made this decision… In more ways than one.
I could describe the hotel but the website images showcase both the beauty and aesthetics that embrace a combination of both Aboriginal culture combined with European influence. The hotel is infinitely more than just a place for tourists; it offers a community haven and resource for local businesses such as the purchase of local products and produce. ?Aboriginal art is for sale in the lavish lobby and from both a societal and pastoral aspect, the hotel acts as a venue for important events such as its support of charities. Despite its suburban ambience and its close access to the city via trams and train station across the road at Jolimont, make it a convenient hub for tourism, business and also sport with the stadium being just across the road.
Which brings me to my own experience and relief, that I had chosen this hotel.? My friend lives near a station so I decided to make my own way to her house. However, despite the close proximity of the stations both from a departure and arrival perspective, I got lost… I turned left instead of right. A simple enough mistake but which had frightening ramifications. It wasn’t dark when I left but upon arrival at the station, night was beginning to fall and quickly as winter in Australia, it became very dark.? I did not realise that the roads on either side of the railway tracks had the same names. Despite being near her home, I had accidentally ventured onto the wrong side so although believing I was close by, with every step, I was moving further away. ?
At this point, I felt terribly let down by my supposed saviour for this type of situation - my mobile phone. Despite my tests and various calls with the network provider who had assured me it would work to receive and make calls, it couldn’t pick up a signal. Thirty minutes later and now freezing cold, I did not see another person plus there are minimal street signs. I saw a police car and waved frantically hoping they would see my desperation but the two policemen, simply waved back and drove on.
An hour later, I knew my friend would be trying to call but despite my holding the phone, rather than miss any call, it never rang. ?Ninety minutes later and at last, I had found a few shops and asked directions and was shown the route on Google Maps.?Whilst walking and to be absolutely sure, I double-checked with an intoxicated Aussie falling out of a bar.
As I approached her house, I heard my name being screamed from a nearby street. She was trying to find me as the trains had stopped running and she was frightened and visibly very distressed, as indeed I was too.
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Going into her home, both too tired and distraught to eat anything, she told me that the Duty Manager at the hotel had been trying to help and had remained in contact with her, both for their ongoing information but also to support. They were calling me too and were worried; they had checked my room and all the lobby cameras for the exact time of departure in readiness to raise the alarm. ?
I have travelled extensively, this was a one-off situation but if I had been at an Airbnb, there would not have been any backup or support. The hotel team were exemplary and beyond their remit of a safe and very comfortable place to sleep and relax, I felt aware of all the other services that you never consider when booking accommodation but are very relevant when there is an issue.? Highly trained staff under the leadership of an experienced General Manager can make the difference between a professional safety buffer and being totally alone.? When we are away from home, we are all vulnerable to a certain extent and despite our best intentions and plans, misfortune and accidents can happen. I simply went left instead of right and couldn’t make sense of my bearings despite my destination being just across the road. I still do not understand how it went so terribly wrong.
The Duty Manager was so very pleased to see me upon my return. He told me that whilst I was a resident, they were responsible for my safety… Obviously, I am now their greatest fan. So, when travelling, you cannot trust your mobile network provider to work when you need it… But when there is professional kindness and support, the human touch is infinitely more powerful than any technological device.?
Big Thank You to the wonderful team at Pullman – Melbourne on the Park.
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Pullman - Melbourne on the Park is part of the Accor chain of hotels.