ST JEROME'S - THE HOTEL

20/7/2016

For starters, you’re camping on a roof in a city, it’s always going to be cool..

The staff and management have done such a fantastic job with this place, it’s romantic, laid back and fun all in one. The front desk is a marquee, there’s a friendly face waiting for you listening to some music. Then you step out into the Melbourne skyline. It was amazing on a cold, rainy afternoon, I can’t imagine the experience during perfect weather. You’re led to your tent. It’s a teepee. With heating, side tables, lamps, an esky of beer and cider, and possibly the most comfortable bed that’s met your body. The porta-loos are a stroll away and they are anything but dingy. Warm, clean and roomy with a lovely hot shower. Then you’re walking back to your tent in a dressing gown amongst the lovely Melbourne buildings. Onsite is an amazing little general store, full of board games where cocktail hour awaits you. Then a complimentary game of bowling is on the cards, given the weather we jumped at it, though on a warm summers night you wouldn’t be leaving that rooftop and a few drinks. We ate, we drank, we bowled then to bed. While hearing others mention the noise previously, we didn’t find it to be a problem at all, in fact the distant city hum was quite pleasant. And in that comfort, with electric blankets on, a well deserved sleep in was had.

As you leave the site, you’re walking straight through a mall, which is an oddly pleasant feeling. I’ve never felt so relaxed strolling through the hustle and bustle. So relaxed that I did not even realise my ever present necklace was missing. It wasn’t until I was home and unpacking that it occurred to me my most precious piece of jewellery was somewhere back at that campsite. The staff were so helpful, and luckily the patrons they entice are an honest bunch; someone had found it in the bathroom and handed it straight into front reception. I can’t recommend this place enough!