The Olsen

The Olsen Melbourne Art Series is a stylish hotel with a beautiful lobby, clean rooms, and friendly staff. Unfortunately, despite these positives, my stay was let down by a couple of significant issues. The biggest problem was the lack of soundproofing. I could hear traffic from well beyond the street directly outside the hotel, making the room much noisier than expected, especially at night. I was also allocated a corner room immediately beside the outdoor terrace. This meant people using the terrace could easily see directly into my room, leaving very little privacy. It was also uncomfortable hearing guests gathering just outside my window. I was surprised this room was allocated to a guest given its location. The room itself was clean and well presented, and the staff were pleasant throughout my stay. Overall, the hotel has plenty of potential, but the poor sound insulation and lack of privacy significantly affected my experience. With more thoughtful room allocation and better soundproofing, it would be a much more enjoyable place to stay.

customer service is terrible. high recommend DO NOT stay at olsen in melbourne

I recently stayed in a two-bedroom open plan room and overall had a good experience, with a few areas that could definitely be improved. Positives: The location is a standout. I personally enjoy staying just outside the CBD, and this spot made it really easy to get around with a hire car. Parking at the hotel was simple and reasonably priced at $40 per day. Being close to Chapel Street and Toorak Road was also a big plus — there are plenty of great food options nearby, and anything you forget to pack can easily be picked up along those streets. No issues with the noise levels, it was quiet in our room. The breakfast at the hotel was delicious, and the restaurant staff were warm and welcoming. The beds were comfortable, and the room itself was spacious enough for two people to stay comfortably. Negatives: The rooms are in need of a bit of a refresh. All of the curtains were quite worn and falling apart, and they didn’t close properly, which meant a lot of harsh morning light came through. The lighting throughout the room, including the bathroom, was quite poor — overall quite dim and not very practical. I also slipped in the bath/shower, which was a bit concerning. It would be a good idea to provide waterproof bathmats, especially for children or older guests. The reception experience could be improved. I was given conflicting information regarding an enquiry, which led to a lot of back and forth and ultimately a waste of time. A more consistent and helpful approach from staff would make a big difference. A couple of smaller details also stood out — room service delivered a bottle of sparkling wine with a cap but no way to open it, and the tray was left outside our room for over a day, which wasn’t ideal. Overall: I still enjoyed my stay and would consider returning, as the location and overall comfort are great. However, with some simple improvements — particularly updating the curtains, improving lighting, and refining service — this hotel could offer much better value for money and an even more enjoyable experience for future guests.