Laneways by Ovolo Review: Design-Focused Stay in Melbourne

Melbourne’s laneway culture meets Memphis-inspired design at Laneways by Ovolo, a boutique hotel at 19 Little Bourke Street on the edge of Chinatown. With 43 rooms refreshed in 2023 by interior studio Luchetti Krelle, the property delivers a colour-drenched stay in the CBD. This review examines the hotel’s location, room options, family-friendliness, and what makes it stand out, drawing on verified guest data and official sources.

Last checked: 2026-07-27

Address: 19 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, Australia · Number of Rooms: 42-43 · Design Style: Memphis-inspired, colorful · Property Type: Boutique hotel, first class

Where is Laneways by Ovolo?

The hotel sits at 19 Little Bourke Street, wedged between Melbourne’s central business district and the Chinatown precinct. Its narrow laneway position mirrors the city’s famed hidden arcades and gives direct foot access to a dense cluster of restaurants, bars, and theatres. On TripAdvisor, guests consistently assign the location a rating of around 4.8 out of 5, calling it “fantastic” and “well-placed.”

How far is Ovolo Laneways from the airport?

The nearest airport is Essendon Airport (MEB), 11.3 km away, according to Agoda. Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is approximately 22 km northwest. Taxi or rideshare takes roughly 25–35 minutes depending on traffic; the SkyBus from the city also stops within a short walk on Little Bourke Street.

Where to park at Laneways by Ovolo Melbourne?

The hotel does not operate its own car park. However, several commercial parking garages operate within two blocks, notably at the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre (250 m) and the QV Car Park (150 m). Guest reviews on Expedia Australia note that valet parking is not offered, and street parking in the laneway is extremely limited.

What are the room options at Laneways by Ovolo?

All 43 rooms span categories such as Downtown Studio, Memphis Terrace, and the Uptown 2 Bedroom Suite. The design after the 2023 renovation features geometric patterns, bursts of primary colour, and custom furniture by Luchetti Krelle. Expedia Australia guest reviews highlight that the Uptown Suite is suitable for families because of its separate bedrooms and comfortable size.

Several TripAdvisor reviews from 2023–2025 mention compact bathrooms with very small sinks — a trade-off between design flair and practicality. Others note that the in-room minibar (stocked with beer, wine, and soft drinks) is replenished daily in certain categories, a perk that appears consistently across recent guest feedback.

How many rooms?

The MICHELIN Guide lists 43 rooms. Booking.com occasionally displays 42, likely due to a technical discrepancy or seasonal closure of one unit. The official Ovolo website confirms 43.

What is unique about Laneways by Ovolo?

The hotel’s identity rests on two parallel inspirations: the graffiti-splashed laneways of Melbourne and the Memphis design movement of the 1980s. The official Ovolo website states that the concept is “explicitly inspired by Melbourne’s hidden laneways and close proximity to cafés, shops, bars and restaurants.” BoutiqueHotels.org adds that the interior features “pops of colour and geometric patterns” styled by Luchetti Krelle.

On-site, the ground-floor taphouse Amphlett House serves craft beer, wines, cocktails, and elevated pub food sourced from Victorian produce. Concrete Playground identifies Amphlett House as a cornerstone of the 2023 relaunch, giving the hotel a destination bar that draws locals as well as guests.

Additional quirks include a self-serve “sweets and lolly trolley” in the lobby, a complimentary evening happy‑hour drink, and free tea/coffee throughout the day. A 2018 TripAdvisor review describes the terrace as a “rooftop area with views over the city” — though more recent photos suggest this space may now serve breakfast in warmer months.

Is Laneways by Ovolo family friendly?

Guest feedback on family stays is mixed. TripAdvisor reviews from 2024–2025 include families citing the central location and the Uptown 2 Bedroom Suite as child-friendly. A January 2025 review notes that the hotel is pet‑friendly, supplying dog beds and pet products in certain suites — a useful detail for families travelling with dogs.

However, no dedicated kids’ club, playground, or babysitting service is advertised on the official website or on major booking platforms. The compact bathroom size reported by several reviewers may be a hurdle for families with young children.

On Agoda, the hotel scores 8.7 out of 10 for value for money, and its location rating of 9.3 suggests families value the walkability over in‑house amenities. The overall TripAdvisor rating stands at 4.6 out of 5, with the hotel ranked #6 of 182 Melbourne properties for 2025.

Single‑entity spec table

Pros and cons

Best for segments

• Families: Best in the Uptown Suite, especially with pets. Compact bathrooms are a drawback.
• Couples: Ideal for a design‑focused city break; the Memphis Terrace room and evening perks appeal.
• Business travelers: Central location and free laundry access (via Ovolo Perks) suit short work trips.
• Design lovers: The core audience – the Luchetti Krelle renovation and laneway theme are the main draw.

Pricing band

Based on TripAdvisor average rate data, a standard room ranges from AUD 139 to AUD 397 per night. This positions Laneways by Ovolo in the mid‑to‑upscale boutique segment for Melbourne CBD. Rates fluctuate significantly with events and school holidays. Ovolo’s “Perks” package (breakfast, snacks, laundry) is sometimes included in the rate, so it is worth comparing direct vs. OTA bookings.

Location and getting there

19 Little Bourke Street is a 2‑minute walk from the Bourke Street Mall tram stops (routes 86 and 96) and a 5‑minute walk from Parliament Station. Melbourne Airport is about 22 km away; a taxi costs around AUD 60–80. Essendon Airport (MEB) is 11.3 km away. As noted earlier, parking is not provided on site, but the QV Car Park and Melbourne Central Car Park are within 200 m.

Alternatives in set

Our pick recommendation

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• Ovolo Hotels – Laneways official site
• MICHELIN Guide – Laneways by Ovolo listing
• Breathing Travel – review & address
• Concrete Playground – 2023 refurbishment coverage
• TripAdvisor – Laneways by Ovolo reviews
• Agoda – rating & distance to airport
• Expedia Australia – guest feedback
• BoutiqueHotels.org – design details & Amphlett House
• Yelp – historical listings