With The Evolution Of The Much-Loved Ovolo Laneways 80’s Memphis Nostalgia Hits Melbourne

Ovolo Hotels opened the doors to the revamped Laneways By Ovolo on March 7, 2023.  Inspired by 80’s Memphis nostalgia and infused with creative flair, Laneways By Ovolo is the evolution of the much loved Ovolo Laneways, and its new-look is a colourful nod (and a cheeky wink) to Melbourne’s vibrant laneways and eclectic offerings.

Laneways By Ovolo elevates the location with more personalised experiences for guests, reimagined public spaces and rooms by Australian interior designers Luchetti Krelle, and a new all-new drinking and dining venue Amphlett House – spearheaded by celebrated chef and restaurateur, Ian Curley and mixologist extraordinaire and Diageo’s 2017 Bartender of the Year, Andrea Gualdi. 

In the hotel lobby guests are greeted by reception pods and an Honesty Bar, offering an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, bottled cocktails, wine and Champagne, and relying on an honour system where guests note what they take and it is charged back to their rooms.

With 42 rooms, the new look for the hotel takes inspiration from 80s Memphis nostalgia – an aesthetic characterised by scattered, brightly coloured shapes and lines, combined with black-and-white graphic patterns. The new design adds an immediate fun and funky feel when guests arrive and is perfect for the weekend adventurer or corporate traveller.

Located at the top of Little Bourke Street, Laneways By Ovolo offers the perfect starting spot for travellers to explore the city, and is also perfectly placed to access the city’s nearby theatre district. In true Ovolo style, Laneways By Ovolo will offer its unique set of Perks when you book directly, and these include:

• Breakfast to go-go

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• In-room mini bar (First round is on Ovolo)

• Self-service laundry

• All-day sweets

• Welcome goodie

• Social hour in Amphlett House

• A tree planted by Eden Project

In creating the new design for the hotel, interior designer and Luchetti Krelle principal Rachel Luchetti looked to harness atmospheric narratives in compelling ways, creating sensory journeys heightened by nostalgia. She explains:

“We have relished the creative challenge of creating a sophisticated and stylish space that gives a nod to the building’s 80’s era. The Memphis nostalgia aesthetic was a perfect fit for this project and we have interpreted this with an injection of colour and energy in the classic Ovolo manner.” 

The refreshed hotel features Room 303 – an exclusive suite designed by renowned interior designer, editor-in-chief of Belle magazine and judge on the television series 'The Block', Neale Whitaker – which also happens to be his room of choice when staying in Melbourne. His love for the room and the hotel led Ovolo to invite him to work alongside Luchetti Krelle to style his very own suite, adding to their 80s Memphis-inspired decor by incorporating some of his favourite pieces. 

Whitaker explains, “In the theme of Memphis nostalgia, I sourced a whole load of styling items and a few knick-knacks to put into the room, as well as artwork, fitting with Luchetti Krelle’s design narrative.” 

Guests who reserve room 303 can expect to stay among a collection of original art, limited-edition objects and soft furnishings hand selected by Whitaker, including a sculptural lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt the last of the highly sought-after ‘Lady’ collection and similar to a piece which Whitaker has in his own home. An illustration of Whitaker himself, created by former Ovolo staffer Flynn Cowan, lends a dash of Warhol-style art, using repetition and colour-blocking. The room’s colour scheme has been brought to life by Melbourne-based artist Nunzio Miano, whose flamboyant and generous use of colour brings high-octane energy to the room’s scheme. Guests can also enjoy a 100-song Spotify playlist of Whitaker’s favourite tracks.

A key Laneways By Ovolo experience is the addition of the all-new food and drink offering Amphlett House. The 120-seat venue features a sophisticated yet fun interior with exceptional drinks and elevated pub classics making it the perfect spot for lunchtime dining, an afterwork drink, or pre- or post theatre visit

Amphlett’s House menu has been overseen by Ovolo's Group Kitchen Operations Director Ian Curley with support from Head Chef Ben Green, previously executive chef at multi-site Gather and Gather in London. and offers a selection of snacks, light bites and main courses. In creating the menu, Curley wanted a menu that was unpretentious yet tantalising, he explains:

“The food concept for Amphlett House is elevated pub dining, with a classic menu highlighting quality Victorian produce. I’ve loved this part of Melbourne for many years and am looking forward to serving up humble fare with big flavours at the top end of town. We welcome guests to share a meal with family and friends or grab a quick bite with your better half.”

Amphlett House is one of the only restaurants in Australia to be serving beef heart, presented at the restaurant seared on a bed of lentils, creamed spinach and mustard.

Other menu highlights include:

• Smoked Bone Marrow Served On Toast, Parsley and Shallot Salad

• Grilled Asparagus Egg Confetti, Hollandaise, Pangratatto

• Blue Oyster Mushroom Skewer With Smoked Romesco

• Moules Marinières Aioli And Toasted Sourdough

• Steak and Hand Cut Chips With Kampot Peppercorn Sauce

The beverage program, led by Andrea Gualdi, Ovolo’s Food & Beverage Director, features a curated drinks list serving up classics and a variety of craft beers and local and international wines. The cocktail menu features classic cocktails with native Australian ingredients, including a Wattle Seed Negroni, Finger Lime Daiquiri and a Eucalyptus Smoked Margarita. 

Gualdi shares: “My background has been completely focused on cocktail bars so I am thrilled with this unique opportunity. Our aim is to bring the same level of quality you’d find in Australia’s best bars to the drinks offering at Amphlett House. We are lucky to have access to some incredibly progressive Australian and international producers, both in the alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories, and we’re excited to showcase quality, local produce in a welcoming setting.”

When it was first opened in 2013, Ovolo Laneways was the first Ovolo branded hotel to launch in Australia, and was voted Australasia’s Best City Boutique Hotel at the World Boutique Hotel Awards. Its new iteration is anticipated to follow in the original’s footsteps, with its own unique take on what the modern traveller needs today.