St Kilda: Novotel St Kilda (sleeps up to 6)

There is no doubt that St Kilda is a favourite destination for both locals and tourists visiting Melbourne. But sometimes, just one day is not enough. And if you do decide to stay, the Novotel St Kilda is a great option for families.

Located on the Esplanade and just a short walk across to the beach or to Luna Park, not to mention all the eateries in Acland and Fitzroy Streets, this hotel is a great base from which to explore the local area.

We stayed overnight at the Novotel St Kilda in a family suite. This extra-large room was just perfect for our family of 4, with a very comfortable king bed on one side of the room and two king singles on the other.

Although the suites sleep 4, the hotel has 22 inter-connecting rooms, allowing families of up to 6 to stay together. Novotel also offers 50% off the second room for families.

Our room was big – an indication of which was that there was still space for a small table and two chairs in the middle of the room. The chairs faced the wall-mounted TV (which could also be seen from all beds).

This room did not offer bay views, but at the end of the day, when you are spending time away with your children, how often do you get to stand and stare out the window?

The décor is of the type and style found in most Novotel hotels – crisp white sheets, with a nice, colourful bed scarf at the end of the bed (did you know that is what the strip of fabric placed at the end of the bed is called – love what you can learn via Google!)

My daughter also loved the little study nook the room had – a corner with a nice-sized desk and chair. She quickly took over ownership, spreading out and drawing away.

Our room also featured a nice corner spa bath, with the glass wall that I so like (blinds can be pulled down for privacy, but I think the visual access into the room adds a sense of security while you relax in the bath).

Not that I was relaxing for that long - I was joined in the bath by my daughter and I have to admit, after discovering the spa did in fact work (hubby finally pointed out that there was a switch on the wall), we did the bubble bath mixture in the spa bath on trick. I promise we did not overflow it Novotel Management!

Like all Novotels, kids stay free in existing bedding (and they consider kids to be aged up to 16 years) and also enjoy a free breakfast when accompanying their parents. The buffet provided a good start to the day, with a range of cooked and continental breakfast options. My daughter was particularly impressed with the self-serve pancake machine.

Downstairs the Novotel St Kilda has a small play area for younger children, including a table with building blocks, and an outside swimming pool. Secure car-parking is available onsite (fee payable), but if you don't need of have a car, there are excellent public transport links close-by.

If you are considering the Novotel St Kilda for a one-night get-away, I recommend staying on Saturday night. That's because as part of Novotel's family program, staying on a Saturday night offers a late check-out of 5pm.

That means you get can get at your own pace, have breakfast and wander literally across the road into the middle of the St Kilda Market. I had not been to this market for yours and was very impressed at the quality handicrafts crafts and produce on offer. Definitely worthwhile checking out.

Bookings can be made on-line, but if you want inter-connecting rooms or want to confirm late Sunday check-out, it is best to phone direct on (03) 9525 5522.

Note: Family Friendly Accommodation stayed as a guest of Novotel, but this was not on the basis of a guaranteed hotel review. Views are my own and I would not recommend it if my family had not liked it.