The Interlude

Superb! It’s not in the tourist part of Melbourne but that’s not why you come here. It’s a great hotel experience and unlike anything around. Service was great, accommodation was clean and comfortable. Food was quality. Perfect end to a trip in Melbourne.

Despite a couple of small glitches, we had an amazing mini-break at The Interlude. The suites are beautiful and cleverly designed to make the most of the unusual setting. We started in a regular suite, which comprised 4 of the original cells. Located upstairs, we were a little concerned about noise coming from the bar below and a wedding party around the corner, but a glass door between the entrance cell and the bed took care of that. The next day we moved downstairs to our Sanctuary Suite, directly above the pool area (which is spectacular). Comprising 5 cells, the extra one contained the gorgeous bath. This suite didn't have the glass door which buffered the sound, but being located further from busy areas, perhaps wasn't considered necessary. The only downside of this suite was being woken by blood-curdling screams from excited kids in the pool at 7.30am. Not the hotel's fault, and each time we actually visited the area it was a tranquil, relaxing space. Dinner at North & Common was utterly delicious, and the bar, Olivine, so good we went twice. Most importantly, the staff here were most welcoming, quick to address small glitches and pitched in to help one another in various ways. A credit to their hospitality profession.

We stayed at the Pentridge Adina apartments recently and as we left, we were shown the cell rooms in the Interlude by the wonderful Maddie. WOW! We were so impressed we made a booking for Valentine’s Day. The rooms are made up of 4-5 actual prison cells, each 1800 x 2700. With incredible beautiful exposed bluestone and red brick vaulted ceilings. Openings between to join the cells to create the space. One cell is the entry, robe area, another lounge area, then bedroom (bed takes up the whole space) and on the other side of the entry is the bathroom. If you love a bath then recommend booking a room with one. Nice and big, you lie there looking up out of the original, small, cell window, just imagining life in prison many years ago, and how lucky we are. From the moment we walked into the hotel, through the bar, we loved it. Who ever designed the hotel and made this project happen is amazing. It’s absolute wonderful, such a good feel. Take your bathers as the pool, in the basement, is incredible. There is also a gym, created from the old cells down there. We were well looked after, thank you Damsith. You helped make our stay even more memorable. We also did the tour of H Division, the next day, totally worth it. There is a tour of B Division, which is where the Interlude is, so you can actually wonder around and just immerse yourself in the past.