Tolarno Hotel

Stayed here back in January during the Australian open. A colleague had booked the hotel and I had checked the web site, reviews, etc. before agreeing but was completely confused when I arrived. Have you ever seen those advertisements on TV where a family books a beautiful looking resort for their vacation and they up to find a nightmare scenario? That was Tolarno for me.
Staff: The staff always seemed high. Friendly enough but not very professional… and well… they always seemed high… not just a little… like WAY high.
Facilities: Business Center? Well, if a computer and printer are a business center… sure…but…not really.
Room: This was terrifying. Terrifying. The artwork was an assault on my eyes due to how aggressive it was in terms of color and content. I want to RELAX in my room after a day of working. It was tiny… if I say on the toilet, I had to sit at an angle as the bathroom sink was against my chest. I guess this would be convenient if I were drinking heavily and needed to use the toilet while vomitting. It might be the only way I would find this hotel acceptable.
Parking: They claim to have parking, but it basically means you can park on the straight a few blocks away. Combine that with having to walk in an area where people generally party hard and the random crazies on the streets and it becomes a very undesirable concept.
Confusion: Look at the web site… then look at the real place. The pictures are not falsified but they must have hired one hell of a photographer.
Absolutely not kid friendly: Risqué artwork even in the lobby and lounge area… who knows what is in some of the rooms…

Customer service. Remember that? Well the staff at the Tolarno go out of their way to make you feel like their only guest. I originally booked my room via wotif for a date that ultimately did not suit. So, I e-​mailed the Tolarno & they were more than happy to change my booking to a date that did suit. On arrival I had a warm greeting & in the middle of the night when I arrived back to the hotel — quite tipsy to say the least, the reception helped me choose a DVD from their extensive collection — a free service.
The Tolarno is filled with visual eye candy. Art pieces are hung on every spare wall. I spent a good hour or so browsing the pieces in the homely hallways.
My room was modern, clean and the mini bar was very well stocked. Coffee & tea making facilities and also a microwave. My room had a gorgeous Japanese spa in it and a very large shower with hot water never ending.
As I left my room I saw the cleaning lady who gave me a bright smile & was very chirpy. I really enjoyed my stay at the Tolarno & my experience there does make me want to return if I ever need to stay in St Kilda again.