I was lucky enough to spend 2 nights at Crown Metropole during a recent conference. I loved the decor, the staff and the location. The rooms are huge with very large well designed bathrooms and the beds are super comfy. The restaurant/bar is very funky and although I only ate breakfast there that was pretty good. I especially appreciated the small touches - magazines in the room, Madame Flavour teas, quality hair dryer. My room overlooked a car park but that did not really matter as the room was so nice to be in. I appreciated being able to order a "real" coffee with breakfast and not be charged extra. I would be more than happy to come back.

Gorgeous hotel, wonderful decor, the breakfast at Club 28 is delicious. The mattresses are quite firm but that is to be expected in an international hotel. Pillows are great, service is good. Definitely my number 1 choice for staying in Melbourne CBD.

Crown Metropol does a few things very well: the interiors of both the rooms and public spaces are great, peppered with designer pieces and great style. The staff are courteous and friendly, the beds are comfy, the blackout curtains work really well, the gym is well equipped and the pool area is incredible for an indoor pool. The double volume ceilings do a lot towards that. It is obviously very close to the main Crown site, so if that appeals then you will love it here.

It is close to South Yarra which is good if you plan to shop Chapel St, it's an easy 10 min walk. We had breakfast and club access to Level 28 included which was good, but there are so many fantastic places to eat in Melbourne I don't think this is essential unless you like the convenience.

The only downsides for me: if you want to walk frequently into the central city area (eg Flinders Lane, Collins St) it is a bit of a hike and can take around 20-30mins on foot. It's quick by taxi though and there are plenty going around the area. There are always taxis waiting at the hotel but they are looking for longer fares to the airport and won't want to take you. The hotel doesn't have any control over this really. It's easy to hail one on the street. Also both of my room keys didn't work on the first go and I was running late to meet a work group, which meant a dash back down to reception when I didn't have time to spare. I found in general the keys don't work very well in the lifts and on the room doors. But that really is pretty minor.

It is a great hotel if you don't mind not being on top of the city shopping and food areas.

Rooms are great! We also had a beautiful view from our corner room with full length windows on 2 walls. We love the location, not even having to venture outside to get to the main casino. The view while swimming in the pool and spa on top is also amazing.