Crown Metropol Melbourne

Crown Metropol is the contemporary, design-led hotel in the Crown complex on Southbank, and it suits travellers who want a stylish five-star base with serious pool and spa facilities. It is part of the same riverside entertainment precinct as Crown Towers but has its own, more modern character. The facilities listed for the hotel include a full-service spa, a steam room and both indoor and outdoor pools, which is an unusual combination for a city hotel and a real advantage in summer, when an outdoor pool is a good way to cool down after a day of sightseeing, and in winter, when the indoor option takes over. The hotel is about 0.8 miles from the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square, so the cultural precinct, the river promenade and the laneways beyond the bridges are all within walking distance. It is rated highly by guests and sits in the upper tier of the five-star market, with a younger, sleeker feel than the city's grand traditional hotels. It suits couples, friends and business travellers who want a polished base with plenty to do on the doorstep, and it works well for guests who plan to attend events in the Crown complex or at the nearby arts and convention venues.

The location combines convenience with a certain amount of bustle. The Crown complex is large and busy, with restaurants, bars and entertainment, so the public areas can be lively on weekends. A higher floor or a room facing away from the busiest areas will help if you prefer quiet. Trams along the nearby roads connect to the city centre and to St Kilda, and the footbridges across the Yarra lead to Flinders Street Station in a few minutes, so you can leave the car at home.

Think about the facilities when you choose your dates. The pools and spa are the major draw, so book a stay that leaves time to use them. Check which facilities are open and what is included in your rate when you book, since opening arrangements for spa and pool areas can vary. Tennis and golf facilities are also mentioned for the hotel, so ask what is available if sport is part of your plan.

Be realistic about the style. Crown Metropol is modern and stylish rather than grand or traditional, and the surrounding complex is a large entertainment precinct rather than a quiet neighbourhood. Guests who want a historic setting or a small boutique stay may prefer the hotels in the laneways or on Collins Street. For a polished, facilities-rich base on the river, with an outdoor pool as a bonus, it is a strong choice, and rates are often competitive with other five-star options on Southbank outside peak event periods.