Lancemore Crossley St. by Carr

Tucked among the laneways of the ‘Paris’ end of Bourke Street and Chinatown, Lancemore Crossley St. is an authentic immersion into the creative and cultural heartbeat of Melbourne. Lancemore Crossley St. embodies an ‘on stage’, ‘off stage’ narrative to reflect its theatre locale designed by one of Australia’s leading design studios, Carr. It’s the on-stage experience you can feel as soon as you walk in the door with a rich and textural palette, theatre lights and an old chandelier – not your typical hotel entry. 

Staying true to the city’s grit and glamour while offering a quiet reprieve from it, Lancemore Crossley St. by Carr is a welcome addition to Melbourne’s boutique hotel scene. As we can attest, it’s the ideal venue for a ‘staycation’ where you’re only a few steps away from the best of the buzzing nightlife.

Lancemore Crossley St. lies in an original Graeme Gunn building. Carr was approached to call on the architecturally designed building’s history and celebrate Melbourne’s art and culture scene. Carr Principal Sue Carr says nuances within the existing architecture drove them into new territory. “The property’s incredible location, in the heart of the theatre district, inspired a rich conceptual narrative, drawing on themes of performance and drama,” Sue adds. Carr didn’t hold back with Broadway-style references from entry to feel like you’re stepping on stage with the dramatic lighting and moody palette.

The showbiz personality extends to the restored chandelier from the iconic Georges department store on Collins Street, above the banquet seating. Designed to have no formal check-in area, the circular pods define the reception area-turn bar, surrounded by lavish blue curtains. Concrete flooring, mirrors, stone, brick, leather and call-curtain red velvet also pay homage to Melbourne’s raw and polished nature. 

“With Lancemore, we shared an ambition to dissolve traditional divisions between guest and staff, to provide a relaxed and welcoming guest experience,” Sue says. “Lancemore’s commitment to unique offerings led us to work with several local artists to create unexpected moments of delight.” This is especially true as soon as you step into the lift, where an Opera-inspired video plays continuously.

Stepping into one of Lancemore Crossley St.’s 113 private rooms is a breath of fresh air from Melbourne’s hustle and bustle. There are four room types; William, Henry, Juliet and Romeo. The Juliet and Romeo suites have a private balcony with views of the city, offering a real sense of spaciousness.

The rooms all share a calming, minimalist scheme of soothing tones that are further softened by natural light. Carr focused on incorporating Australian-designed furniture with pieces from Grazia & Co, DesignbyThem, Tait Furniture, Jardan and King Furniture. Bespoke pieces from emerging artists were commissioned specifically for the project, including Roynae Mayes, Andre Donadio, Laura Woodward and Tristan Kerr. Premium touches such as the Bose sound dock, Hunter Lab amenities and a custom stone and wood mini-bar-wardrobe add to the tailored air of sophistication. 

The rooftop area is a real highlight in the warm weather, letting you feel absorbed in the city’s action – with a fire pit for cooler evenings. It’s up here you can enjoy a quiet drink and, if you’re lucky, Lancemore wine tasting.

If you’re not off to see a show, you can revel in the nearby bars on your doorstep, and the fun of discovering new venues tucked away in alleyways. If you are going to a show, there are cult Melbourne restaurants such as Gingerboy and Pellegrini’s just around the corner; Gingerboy and Longgrain also offer dining from the comfort of your own private suite. The Lancemore Crossley St. staff are ready to offer insider tips on new places to go – with the real delight being that everything is within walking distance – including boutiques Lucy Folk, P. Johnson Tailors and bookstores such as Hill of Content.

A new boutique hotel that feels exactly that, Lancemore Crossley St. assumes a true Melburnian identity. Making full use of its locale, Carr’s design-centric approach has brought about a unique theatrical experience away from the stage.