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I stupidly left my iPhone charger in the bathroom of my apartment at Metro Apartments on Bank Place in Melbourne earlier this week.
I expected a hassle and a runaround when I rang to ask if it had been found, but no, the gentlemen who answered the phone asked me to hold on, went up to the apartment I had recently vacated and found the charger and told me he would keep it at reception for me.
Good service is not always associated with serviced apartments, but this was a welcome exception to that rule - as was the package price tag of just $175 per night for a fully equipped apartment in one of Melbourne's trendy laneways - centrally situated with two pubs and several restaurants on the doorstep but extremely peaceful.
Sleep well, then head straight into a labyrinth of hidden laneways lined with boutique shops and European style cafes (the apartments are located between Collins and Little Collins streets), and Melbourne's excellent choice of art galleries, museums, cultural and sporting events, and restaurants.
Until August 31, the Metro Apartments on Bank's special Winter Warmer package includes acommodation for two people in a one-bedroom apartment, a bottle of wine on arrival, a breakfast pack for two people, an 11am checkout and, my favourite, free wireless internet for the duration of your stay.
Tucked away down a cobbled lane just 10 minutes from Southern Cross Railway Station and Federation Square, Bank Place is a great intro to Melbourne's laneway lifestyle - although beware that the Irish Press pub around the corner will charge you $14.50 for 400mls of Asahi Super Dry - I've had Champagne for less.
There's a tram stop virtually at the doorway to take you to the MCG or the National Gallery of Victoria, or maybe for some shopping in grungy hip St Kilda or chic Chapel Street.
Metro Apartments on Bank Place has 46 studio and one-bedroom apartments, as well as a spa room and a split-level, two-bedroom penthouse. The suites include a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, crockery and cutlery and laundry - as well as TVs with satellite channels.
Don't expect ultra flashy; instead think convenient and comfortable. Guests enjoy complimentary daily newspapers, fluffy bathrobes, hairdryers and in-house movies - just like in an expensive hotel, but without the matching price tag. There are also some very good online deals for those with the time to peruse the internet.
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