We loved staying at the Lyall. The rooms contain small kitchens and are well equipped. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens and is out of the centre of Melbourne which means it is quiet and relaxing, yet close to public transport so we were able to get everywhere. Lovely!

My only tip is...if you are Buddhist, you should probably opt for a room without a picture of the Buddha at the end of your bed (or sleep the other way around!) - oh dear......

We went to the Lyall for my husband's birthday, and as he stays in a lot of hotels for work, I thought this would be a nice change. We were so disappointed. The rooms are neat but tiny, and there was no feeling of the luxury you want to feel when you pay top dollar, instead it felt like a serviced apartment. Our key didn't work - twice. The food that we had brought to our room was expensive and very average, and not up to Melbourne's high standards. There was no communication between the Spa and the Hotel staff, and our steam treatments were not provided as we had arranged. When we complained we were not refunded because it was "part of a package." The best thing about the Lyall is that you can walk to the Tan track. Everything else was disappointing.

While the hotel is small, the room I stayed in was fine and as you would expect in a boutique hotel. I was on the 2nd floor next to the well fitted gym, however was never disturbed at any point. The room was actually like a one-bedroom apartment with a separate bedroom. This was a work trip and we stayed for 3 nights and utilized the conference room on the ground floor.
The staff were fantastic and incredibly helpful with all matters and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stay here.

beautiful hotel in a suitable location, the staff are polite and friendly. they welcomed us warmly. well maintained rooms, clean kitchen , and very quiet place, really nice bathroom, comfortable beds.never wanted to leave the bed or the hotel room.love to visit again...