Melbourne – Mecure Welcome Hotel
and other places of interest.
Sharyn McCaskey
15th September 2011.
Melbourne never ceases to fascinate, inspire and amaze me, for one who hates to shop and lives in jeans and boots I certainly brought back a bag load of girly clothes and to everyone’s surprise even worn them.
Tops that would cost in WA $45.00 I was paying on average $8.00 in Melbourne, most definitely the fashion capital of Australia. The shops on the main street of Melbourne were full of specials and all different styles, There were great buys at The Queen Victoria Markets but in some cases the prices were higher than shops, perhaps because they a ready market in the tourist trade.
The Queen Victoria Markets is a great day out, the food hall smells divine, I could have stayed there wafting in the cheese and ethnic smells for hours, but I think security would be concerned as to why a lady who is so obviously not “hooty tooty” had her nose in the air sniffing.
I had a desire to go and sit and watch people “lost in time”, I am passionate about history and I had a real need to eat food that had a taste to it, something Italian. I also wanted to be alone but be in a crowd at the same time. The answer was MELBOURNE everything on my list and more.
Travelling alone at 48 can be daunting, you have your good points and bad; you want to be free to make your choices of where you are going but when you get there you want to share it with someone. Oh the conundrum do I go alone or with a friend, so I was alone for a few days and then a friend joined me from Tasmania.
Being budget minded but expecting loads for my dollar, I searched for reasonably priced accommodation in the heart of Melbourne City, close to all transport and restaurants. It had to be clean, friendly and offer a full breakfast service. Mecure Welcome Hotel…ummm I think I will be the judge of how welcoming you are…
Well blow me down and push me over, 3.5 star rating with a 5 star and above attitude and service. Picture this I arrived late in the evening, tired and ragged after the long trip from WA, not a pretty sight I can assure you, yet the man behind the counter was either blind or extremely customer focused, he smiled warmly, booked me in, showed me to the breakfast area, the internet room, the gym facilities and something I was not expecting in a 3.5 star hotel, The Concierge Service!.
Next morning, after breakfast and looking a bit more human I went to the concierge desk, I found that this information source was all I needed in Melbourne.
They were so different, all were cute, all well mannered, all immaculately dressed and each made me wish that were my son. As I watched them over the week and used their services, I was proud and chuffed to see each had a real genuine desire to please their clients. I noted they really enjoyed their job and each excelled in customer service.
What impressed me was their knowledge of the city, from prices of tours, feedback on places and tours, suggestions and ideas; nothing was too much trouble for these men and in fact for the whole staff of the Hotel.
Based on what I was interested in they suggested I go to Sovereign Hill, do a day tour of Melbourne and take a trip on the Puffing Billy. They contacted AAT Kings and APT Tours for the trips and handled all the bookings for me.
The coach trip down was so warm, did I say I went to Melbourne in winter… brrrr, you can tell the Melbourneites they were the ones with only one jumper on.
Each driver was different on each tour; each was friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and made the day thoroughly enjoyable.
My favourite place was Sovereign Hill, I love the old ways and our history, my dream was to go to the village, sit in the restaurant, have few people around, watch the people go past in their old style clothes and immerse myself in the history.
Imagine then when I got there I find all my wishes adhered to and my favourite meal as the special for the day, potato and bacon soup. Oh my, I was in heaven.
The next day was a tour around Melbourne on the free city tram system, I spent hours in the Immigration Museum, went to the docklands district and found Melbourne Goal. Arriving only one hour before closing time I knew a trip back to the Goal was a must, during my time I stalked the place and visited it four times, did I tell you I love history.
If you can, take a few hours to walk around Melbourne, I loved finding the alley ways which were full of shops, galleries, history and the quaintest restaurants all huddled up side alleys and laneways. I can assure you the food at these places does not disappoint.
Visiting Puffing Billy was cute, a must for a day of something different, I had scones jam and coffee and visited three or four lovely old towns, again with thanks to AAPT – AAT Kings, the guide was friendly and made the day memorable, you actually feel like you are part of their family on these trips, even if you are on your own, you somehow feel “included”.
Recently I attended a dinner party with some contestants of Master Chef, I was told go to a restaurant and order something you have never eaten before, this was my goal at Lygon Street. Before you even sit down the journey begins, so much fun bantering with the spruikers at the front of each restaurant, “come and eat here”, “I will give you wine”, “we will shout you bread”
We arrived at one place and the spruiker said “we can offer you knives, forks, a seat under the heater and great food”. No gimmicks and I love I was getting to eat with utensils so I was sold on La Notte Restaurant.
At this time, Carolyn from Tassie, who was used to the weather and wore the one jumper, had joined me, we ordered wine, she ordered her meal and I said to the waiter… Surprise me! We discussed my desire; off he went to the kitchen, knowing I wanted anything as long as it had taste and no mussels.
Three meals ended up on my table after each bite I was making such appreciative noises that the lady at the other table said “Ill have what she’s having”.
Pasta with Chicken, Lamb in red sauce with potatoes, and a slice of pizza, the staff and food was so delightful I visited or should I say stalked that restaurant a few times as well…. Lucky it was in walking distance to the Melbourne Goal.
If you love history Melbourne Goal is it. I spent hours in their on my own, reading all the storyboards, looking at all the exhibitions and imagining what the prisoners must have felt. Such an interesting and fascinating place, having worked at Fremantle Prison being a guide on the night and tunnel tours for years I wondered what it would be like being the tourist instead, off I went to a night tour, funny after doing my job for so long I was chuffed to be reminded of the build up and excitement that waiting for the tour can bring.
Before the tour we were asked if we wanted to use the facilities if so they were at the other end of the building, “oh no” and “in the dark not me ill hold” were the cry’s of some of the patrons, me I walked many nights on my own in Freo Prison, one of the most allegedly haunted sites in Australia, so going through the dark of Melbourne Goal on my own was not an issue for me, or so I thought.
With my little torch I walked straight threw the dark foreboding prison up the stairs, my footsteps moving faster, my heart beating wilder, I was just about to enter the toilets when I stopped, for all along the corridor I could hear someone following me. Here I was so brave.
Suddenly a hand grabbed my arm and a voice said “are you lost do you know where the toilet is” … it seems whilst I was brave to go on my own some of the women had followed me… ghosts I think not but a good scare to start with.
The guide, Damien was great, a 45 minute tour where he shared stories of past prisoners, of the gallows, of the flagellators and the whipping post and of course of Melbourne’s most infamous prisoner Ned Kelly.
After the tour, they turn the lights on and you are able to wander the prison at your own pace, as this was my third visit back and knowing that a guide knows more than what is on the wall, I proceeded to ask Damien and his associate a series of questions.
Such lively discussion followed of which I completely monopolised their time. Bless them they welcome every question and shared in their knowledge of such a beautiful place, yes I do see the beauty in it and shared with me many stories of inmates, the building and its history, I was the last one out, I was hoping they allow me the privilege of being locked in their but apparently I had to commit a crime to do so and don’t think I did not seriously think about doing that.
Mecure Welcome Hotel, Melbourneites, the tour guides, the bus drivers, the concierge, the atmosphere, the food, the clothes, the galleries, the art, the history, the trams everything was fabulous. Going to Melbourne is so cosmopolitan, especially compared to WA. It is like visiting another country but not needing to exchange your money or get a passport.
Melbourne and Mecure Welcome Hotel most certainly lives up to the name, you are very inviting and welcoming and I can assure you I will be back… after all I need more time at the Melbourne Goal.
and other places of interest.
Sharyn McCaskey
15th September 2011.
Melbourne never ceases to fascinate, inspire and amaze me, for one who hates to shop and lives in jeans and boots I certainly brought back a bag load of girly clothes and to everyone’s surprise even worn them.
Tops that would cost in WA $45.00 I was paying on average $8.00 in Melbourne, most definitely the fashion capital of Australia. The shops on the main street of Melbourne were full of specials and all different styles, There were great buys at The Queen Victoria Markets but in some cases the prices were higher than shops, perhaps because they a ready market in the tourist trade.
The Queen Victoria Markets is a great day out, the food hall smells divine, I could have stayed there wafting in the cheese and ethnic smells for hours, but I think security would be concerned as to why a lady who is so obviously not “hooty tooty” had her nose in the air sniffing.
I had a desire to go and sit and watch people “lost in time”, I am passionate about history and I had a real need to eat food that had a taste to it, something Italian. I also wanted to be alone but be in a crowd at the same time. The answer was MELBOURNE everything on my list and more.
Travelling alone at 48 can be daunting, you have your good points and bad; you want to be free to make your choices of where you are going but when you get there you want to share it with someone. Oh the conundrum do I go alone or with a friend, so I was alone for a few days and then a friend joined me from Tasmania.
Being budget minded but expecting loads for my dollar, I searched for reasonably priced accommodation in the heart of Melbourne City, close to all transport and restaurants. It had to be clean, friendly and offer a full breakfast service. Mecure Welcome Hotel…ummm I think I will be the judge of how welcoming you are…
Well blow me down and push me over, 3.5 star rating with a 5 star and above attitude and service. Picture this I arrived late in the evening, tired and ragged after the long trip from WA, not a pretty sight I can assure you, yet the man behind the counter was either blind or extremely customer focused, he smiled warmly, booked me in, showed me to the breakfast area, the internet room, the gym facilities and something I was not expecting in a 3.5 star hotel, The Concierge Service!.
Next morning, after breakfast and looking a bit more human I went to the concierge desk, I found that this information source was all I needed in Melbourne.
They were so different, all were cute, all well mannered, all immaculately dressed and each made me wish that were my son. As I watched them over the week and used their services, I was proud and chuffed to see each had a real genuine desire to please their clients. I noted they really enjoyed their job and each excelled in customer service.
What impressed me was their knowledge of the city, from prices of tours, feedback on places and tours, suggestions and ideas; nothing was too much trouble for these men and in fact for the whole staff of the Hotel.
Based on what I was interested in they suggested I go to Sovereign Hill, do a day tour of Melbourne and take a trip on the Puffing Billy. They contacted AAT Kings and APT Tours for the trips and handled all the bookings for me.
The coach trip down was so warm, did I say I went to Melbourne in winter… brrrr, you can tell the Melbourneites they were the ones with only one jumper on.
Each driver was different on each tour; each was friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining and made the day thoroughly enjoyable.
My favourite place was Sovereign Hill, I love the old ways and our history, my dream was to go to the village, sit in the restaurant, have few people around, watch the people go past in their old style clothes and immerse myself in the history.
Imagine then when I got there I find all my wishes adhered to and my favourite meal as the special for the day, potato and bacon soup. Oh my, I was in heaven.
The next day was a tour around Melbourne on the free city tram system, I spent hours in the Immigration Museum, went to the docklands district and found Melbourne Goal. Arriving only one hour before closing time I knew a trip back to the Goal was a must, during my time I stalked the place and visited it four times, did I tell you I love history.
If you can, take a few hours to walk around Melbourne, I loved finding the alley ways which were full of shops, galleries, history and the quaintest restaurants all huddled up side alleys and laneways. I can assure you the food at these places does not disappoint.
Visiting Puffing Billy was cute, a must for a day of something different, I had scones jam and coffee and visited three or four lovely old towns, again with thanks to AAPT – AAT Kings, the guide was friendly and made the day memorable, you actually feel like you are part of their family on these trips, even if you are on your own, you somehow feel “included”.
Recently I attended a dinner party with some contestants of Master Chef, I was told go to a restaurant and order something you have never eaten before, this was my goal at Lygon Street. Before you even sit down the journey begins, so much fun bantering with the spruikers at the front of each restaurant, “come and eat here”, “I will give you wine”, “we will shout you bread”
We arrived at one place and the spruiker said “we can offer you knives, forks, a seat under the heater and great food”. No gimmicks and I love I was getting to eat with utensils so I was sold on La Notte Restaurant.
At this time, Carolyn from Tassie, who was used to the weather and wore the one jumper, had joined me, we ordered wine, she ordered her meal and I said to the waiter… Surprise me! We discussed my desire; off he went to the kitchen, knowing I wanted anything as long as it had taste and no mussels.
Three meals ended up on my table after each bite I was making such appreciative noises that the lady at the other table said “Ill have what she’s having”.
Pasta with Chicken, Lamb in red sauce with potatoes, and a slice of pizza, the staff and food was so delightful I visited or should I say stalked that restaurant a few times as well…. Lucky it was in walking distance to the Melbourne Goal.
If you love history Melbourne Goal is it. I spent hours in their on my own, reading all the storyboards, looking at all the exhibitions and imagining what the prisoners must have felt. Such an interesting and fascinating place, having worked at Fremantle Prison being a guide on the night and tunnel tours for years I wondered what it would be like being the tourist instead, off I went to a night tour, funny after doing my job for so long I was chuffed to be reminded of the build up and excitement that waiting for the tour can bring.
Before the tour we were asked if we wanted to use the facilities if so they were at the other end of the building, “oh no” and “in the dark not me ill hold” were the cry’s of some of the patrons, me I walked many nights on my own in Freo Prison, one of the most allegedly haunted sites in Australia, so going through the dark of Melbourne Goal on my own was not an issue for me, or so I thought.
With my little torch I walked straight threw the dark foreboding prison up the stairs, my footsteps moving faster, my heart beating wilder, I was just about to enter the toilets when I stopped, for all along the corridor I could hear someone following me. Here I was so brave.
Suddenly a hand grabbed my arm and a voice said “are you lost do you know where the toilet is” … it seems whilst I was brave to go on my own some of the women had followed me… ghosts I think not but a good scare to start with.
The guide, Damien was great, a 45 minute tour where he shared stories of past prisoners, of the gallows, of the flagellators and the whipping post and of course of Melbourne’s most infamous prisoner Ned Kelly.
After the tour, they turn the lights on and you are able to wander the prison at your own pace, as this was my third visit back and knowing that a guide knows more than what is on the wall, I proceeded to ask Damien and his associate a series of questions.
Such lively discussion followed of which I completely monopolised their time. Bless them they welcome every question and shared in their knowledge of such a beautiful place, yes I do see the beauty in it and shared with me many stories of inmates, the building and its history, I was the last one out, I was hoping they allow me the privilege of being locked in their but apparently I had to commit a crime to do so and don’t think I did not seriously think about doing that.
Mecure Welcome Hotel, Melbourneites, the tour guides, the bus drivers, the concierge, the atmosphere, the food, the clothes, the galleries, the art, the history, the trams everything was fabulous. Going to Melbourne is so cosmopolitan, especially compared to WA. It is like visiting another country but not needing to exchange your money or get a passport.
Melbourne and Mecure Welcome Hotel most certainly lives up to the name, you are very inviting and welcoming and I can assure you I will be back… after all I need more time at the Melbourne Goal.
