THE LOCATION

If Sydney is all about water, Melbourne is all about streets. And fans of Melbourne's unique network of CBD laneways, such as your reviewer, will adore the location of the Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane. Not only is it a short stroll to happening Degraves Street, one of the city's liveliest alleyways with cheek-to-jowl hip cafes, bars and takeaways, the retail district is also within easy walking distance, as are most of the main riverside cultural attractions. Unless you plan to visit the suburbs or further afield you almost certainly won't need a car here, even though there is indoor parking on site.

THE ROOMS

Being the lone occupant for a single-night stay, I'm a little stunned by the size of my executive suite. It's so big, I almost need a pair of binoculars to view the spacious king bedroom at the far end of the suite. I'm not surprised to discover the room is big enough to accommodate four people. There's a large living and dining area with double sofa bed, kitchenette, cable TV and a DVD player, as well as a generously proportioned bathroom with an inviting stand-alone tub. This room also provides courtyard views, although they're nothing to send a postcard home about. That said, in this part of town, with its huddled buildings and narrow streets, any natural light is appreciated. The decor pleasantly channels Parisian chic, although the black-and-white photograph on the wall that at first glance looks like the Eiffel Tower is actually the spire atop Melbourne's Yarra-side Arts Centre. 

THE FOOD

There's no in-house restaurant, but the well-appointed kitchenette (which by the standards of my one at home strikes me as a fully fledged kitchen) provides scope to cook for yourself in your suite. But, as ever when visiting Melbourne, it's hard to resist hitting the streets (or laneways) in search of a feed. Although most of the city centre's best restaurants are located in the other half of the CBD, you literally won't be starved for choice when you stay at the Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane. Many hatted and unhatted restaurants, such as Vue de Monde, Bistro Vue, Maha and Movida Aqui, are within a Good Food Guide toss of the hotel. If you prefer something more casual and less expensive, head to one of the laneways that run off Flinders Lane or just check out Flinders Lane itself.

STEPPING OUT

Crown Casino and its array of fine restaurants is within walking distance from the hotel across the Yarra River, while popular areas such as St Kilda, South Melbourne and the Melbourne Zoo are a tram ride away. Melbourne Cricket Ground and Etihad Stadium are easily accessed from nearby Flinders Street, opposite the landmark Flinders Street Station. 

THE VERDICT 

The Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane is a real find for guests content to sacrifice the normal range of hotel facilities. Superbly located with elegant, spacious and well-equipped rooms, it is a top choice business and leisure travellers on an extended visit to Melbourne. 

ESSENTIALS

Doubles start from $215 a night, The Sebel Melbourne, Flinders Lane 321 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Phone (03) 9629 4088. See accorhotels.com/thesebel​.

HIGHLIGHT

The near-perfect location on Flinders Lane provides a real taste, in every sense, of Melbourne's unique CBD.

LOWLIGHT

Being an apartment hotel, there are few facilities, with suites serviced only every four days and on departure.