The Valet Edit: Hannah Street Hotel, South Melbourne

If you want to get to know a neighbourhood properly, ask someone who spends most of their time there.

At Hannah Street Hotel in South Melbourne, that person is Edward Pearse, the hotel's Creative Director. He's spent years getting to know the area, so we asked him how he'd spend a free day in the neighbourhood if he were checking in himself.

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For Pearse, the best hour at Hannah Street comes at 5pm. “5pm in the evening on the Terrace Lounge. I love the way the light from the setting sun comes through the space – it's magic.”

It's a fitting place to start. Hannah Street puts plenty of emphasis on light and design, while its South Melbourne address leaves the market, restaurants, cafes and independent shops within easy reach.

When it comes to rooms, Pearse has a clear favourite. “I’d book one of the 'mini suites' [Terrace Balcony Rooms]. I really like the room with the round soaking tub [ask for room 902]. You can also step outside on the terrace.”

When it comes to evening dining, he suggests Gimlet, paired with a pre-dinner drink nearby. “I’d suggest starting with an ice cold martini at Apollo Inn just around the corner,” he notes, pointing to Embla as a strong alternative.

Breakfast is even easier. Pearse heads downstairs from his room to Hannah St Coffee. “We have a specially roasted house blend that makes for a perfect flat white.”

The most common mistake he sees guests make is heading towards the obvious. “They head toward the obvious. Crown or the CBD... I love exploring and seeing the evolution of South Melbourne. There’s always something new opening up – a cafe, a restaurant, a fashion boutique...”

His advice is to take the side streets instead. “Even just people watching at the South Melbourne Market outside at Le Central is a great way to spend an afternoon. Exploring the side streets on your way to the market will often uncover some pleasant surprises.”

Hand Pearse a set of keys and ask him to plan a full day, and he's heading for one of Melbourne’s world-class golf courses down on the sandbelt. For something closer to the hotel, there's Albert Park Lake Drive.
“If it’s in the race setup it’s pretty exciting. The only problem is that the speed limit is 40km/h.”

The other option is the Great Ocean Road, which is where the XC60 makes more sense as the day stretches beyond Melbourne. With its comfortable cabin, long-distance cruising ability and ample room for the kind of gear a full day out demands, it's well suited to a drive where the destination is only part of the appeal.

The inevitability of a rainy day calls for light, flexible planning. “Wake up late after a late night. Head down to Hannah St Coffee or better still, order a coffee and pastry up to the room. Head to the pool for a freshen up, gym and a sauna session, while watching the rain fall against the glass walls and ceiling.”

From there, he'd arrange a car into Fitzroy and head towards Marion for a late lunch, followed by a wander along Gertrude Street and its fashion boutiques. “Perhaps stopping by The Builders Arms for a beer and seeing how the locals enjoy a rainy day.”

On the way back to the hotel, there's always time for a wander around the NGV before returning to the comforts of Hannah Street.

As for the part of Hannah Street that doesn't make it onto the website, Pearse points to what happens when guests start moving through the building.

“Exploring the feeling of the various spaces around the hotel. Through the exploration, you discover the hotel's art collection, special detailed design moments and even have the chance of bumping into another hotel guest and sharing travel stories.”

There is more on the radar for South Melbourne, too. Pearse's preferred addition is Soak Bathhouse, which is opening a new location in the neighbourhood with a range of bathing options alongside wellness therapies and treatments.

For guests at Hannah Street, it’s all part of the appeal. The market is close, the restaurants are close, the hotel itself gives you plenty to explore, and when you feel like getting behind the wheel, Melbourne's roads are waiting.

Hannah Street Hotel

South Melbourne, VIC

hannahstreethotel.com.au

Best room: One of the Terrace Balcony Rooms, or mini suites. Ask for room 902 for the round soaking tub and terrace.

Best hour: 5pm on the Terrace Lounge, when the setting sun comes through the space.

Best coffee: Hannah St Coffee downstairs. Go for the specially roasted house blend in a flat white or try one of the specialty coffees.

Best dinner: Gimlet, starting with an ice-cold martini at Apollo Inn. Embla is the alternative.

Best drive: Albert Park Lake Drive, which forms part of the Formula 1 track. For a longer escape, take the Great Ocean Road.

Best rainy-day activity: Sleep in, order coffee and pastry to the room, use the pool, gym and sauna, then head to Fitzroy for Marion, Gertrude Street, The Builders Arms and the NGV.

Pack more into your road trips. Purchase a new Volvo XC60 or XC90 before September 30, 2026, and you’ll receive a complimentary three-piece family set of July luggage. See here for more details.