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DEPARTURES REALITY CHECK
APARTMENT THE PROPERTY Oaks on Market is
located in the heart of Melbourne's central business district with nearby tram links making it easy to reach most business destinations. It offers a choice of 280 deluxe studios or one and two bedroom apartments within a striking tower complex designed to combine convenience with style. Oaks Hotels & Resorts is one of Australia’s largest self- contained, accommodation providers with 50 properties across the country, as well as locations in New Zealand, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. THE CHECK-IN It was a quick and
easy check-in with plenty of staff on hand to help. Despite arriving early in the morning before official check- in time, our apartment was quickly made ready and we had the keys within half an hour. Luggage storage was available if the apartment had not been ready. THE APARTMENT I was allocated a
two-bedroom apartment located on the 21st floor with amazing views
HOTEL THE HOTEL This four-star hotel
is close to the Rathaus, Alster river, harbour and Schanzenviertel district, and right next to the Congress Centre Hamburg (CCH), a popular venue for international trade fairs. It has 180 rooms and can be accessed easily by train from the Dammtor station 500 metres away. The airport is 12km away. THE CHECK-IN The bright and airy
reception was manned by cheerful and efficient staff who were fluent in English and happy to store my luggage until the room was ready as I had arrived early. The room was soon made available and I was able to access it before the usual check- in time. The staff were also happy to help with directions and maps, and gave good advice for eating out. THE ROOM While not huge, my
twin room was well designed to provide a decent sized desk area and adequate clothes hanging space. The ensuite bathroom had a powerful shower and was well lit. The air-conditioning was essential
OAKS ON MARKET, MELBOURNE
over the Melbourne city skyline. The apartment was spacious with an open-plan lounge, fully-equipped kitchenette and dining area. The bedrooms all had air-conditioning, LCD TVs with cable channels and wifi access. The bathroom was a good size with an excellent shower. THE BUSINESS Oaks on Market
provides on-site business facilities through its three event spaces which can cater for ten to 250 delegates with a range of config- urations. Half an hour's free wifi is available per day with further access available at an extra cost. THE FACILITIES There are two
restaurants at the property: Alexis on Market opens every day for breakfast and dinner, and the R2 restaurant and bar opens daily for lunch, dinner or drinks. Room service is also available. The property also has a gymnasium, indoor heated pool, sauna and spa situated on basement level. THE VERDICT This is a very
conveniently located hotel at the
“A very convenient location in the heart of the city with amaz- ing views over the Melbourne skyline”
MERCURE HOTEL, HAMBURG MITTE
as the hotel did seem quite hot. The comfortable beds were dressed with white linen duvets. Despite its location on a busy crossroads the effective double glazing ensured the room was very quiet at night. My room was on the first floor but using the stairs was not encouraged or well signed so the long wait for the lift during the morning 'rush' was a little frustrating. THE BUSINESS The room rate included free wifi which worked well in both the public areas and the bedroom. There were five meeting rooms available for events of up to 80 people. THE FACILITIES The small Lemon
Bar was a popular meeting point adjacent to the reception. The Olive Tree restaurant served a selection of Mediterranean dishes in the evenings and a great buffet breakfast each morning with a wide choice of both continental and cooked options. THE VERDICT This is a modern, efficient property particularly well
heart of a great city. The apartment was spacious and well set up to provide a user-friendly escape from the buzzing business district beyond. A good choice for those staying more than a few nights in town. THE DETAILS Oaks on Market,
60 Market Street Melbourne, VIC 3000. Studio prices start from £77 per night. See
oakshotelsresorts.com JULIE BAXTER
“The staff were helpful and the room was compact but well designed”
placed for anyone attending events at the CCH. The staff were helpful and the room was compact but well designed. The breakfasts were the highlight of the stay! THE DETAILS Mercure Hotel, Hamburg Mitte, Schroederstift- strasse 3, 3 20146 Hamburg, Germany. Rates start from ¤85 per night. See
accorhotels.com LAURA GELDER
THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 93
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