Art Series’ latest hotel, The Larwill, has opened in Melbourne.
One of Australia’s most distinctive and philanthropic artists, the late David Larwill, is the namesake artist for Parkville, Melbourne’s newest boutique hotel, owned by Art Series Hotel group.
The first Studio property in Melbourne for Art Series Hotel Group opened on September 8 and will answer to the changing lives and mindsets of consumers and will be dedicated to the act of mindful living. Through art and wellness led experiences, the hotel will provide space to mindfully and physically restore.
Inspired by the neo-expressionist artist’s ideology, who co-founded the communal ROAR Studios in the early 1980′s, the group sought a unique location for the dedicated hotel that would support and interact with the local area.
As part of the Commercial Precinct at the Royal Children’s Hospital on Flemington Road, the 96 ‘Workspaces’ and communal hubs will be a home away from home and space to escape to for ‘always-on work’ travellers.
Together with a multitude of wellness facilities, the hotel will display original and giclee prints of the powerfully poignant works of Larwill and reflects his workspace that was well documented over the course of his career. Through opening up the accessibility to art, including encouraging guests to unleash the artist within; utilising sketchpads and utensils provided, the hotel draws on the therapeutic benefits to provide a place of contemplation, creation and positive thinking.
“David Larwill was part of the William Creek and Beyond project where Art Series Hotel Group was first conceptualised so we are really proud to attribute the second hotel in the Group Studio portfolio to his life and remarkable career,” said Art Series Hotel Group CEO, Will Deague.
“His energetic and fun works will captivate any visitor to the hotel and will have a positive effect on the emotional wellbeing of corporate travellers, leisure travellers, health professionals, locals, families of patients visiting the hospital and alike.”
The Larwill Studio’s communal areas provide guests with transformable areas to live, work and play. Floor to ceiling windows and an outdoor courtyard frame a picturesque view across the AUD$6 million renovated Royal Parklands – a stunning green landscape perfect for peaceful walks, playing, picnics or bike riding on one of the hotel’s Lekker bicycles. Daily running groups will occur with the Hotel Manager, with an insider’s tour of the surrounding gardens and leafy streets of Parkville. A brimming eclectic public library of art books is offered in the lobby with art tours offered with the group’s dedicated art curator for further inspiration and integrative learning.
Alongside a gymnasium with 30-minute workouts for time poor guests to maintain optimum health, a dedicated yoga channel is available in room with yoga mats free of charge. Nourishing and healthy food options will be presented at the in-house, licenced 250-seat cafe/restaurant/bar.
The hotel is part of a commercial precinct, which supports the adjacent hospital population with a variety of retail along a ‘main street’ including childcare, supermarket, newsagent and other food and beverage outlets to be confirmed.
With a theme throughout Larwill’s pieces of projecting moods and feelings through the use of stylised human figures in childlike form, all rooms and public areas have an openhearted and playful atmosphere for any age to enjoy. An enormous Larwill original greets guests on entry to the grand multi-functional lobby, aptly titled ‘Remember Me’ (2006, 270cm x 400cm, acrylic on linen), and encourages emotional and spiritual thinking. Larwill’s love of bold, bright colour to stir spirit in the onlooker, is reflected in an intense colour palate of burnt oranges, reds, blues, pinks and teal used for the furnishings and finishing touches such as drip hooks and door hangers.
The Larwill Studio ‘Workspaces’ are offered across King and Twin rooms sizes with two double beds in one room and cots available for families. Every room showcases two large Larwill giclee prints and a private collection of art books – giving the viewer time to explore the compositions and the complexity that lies beneath. An uplifting environment is created with views of the parkland or sprawling cityscape offered.
The Larwill Studio rooms combine Art Series Hotel Group’s signature comforts with the latest technology including 47-inch TVs, docking stations, free WiFi, coffee pod machine, microwaves, luxe EVO amenities and superior bedding.
All staff at The Larwill Studio will be fully trained by Art Series Hotel Group’s art curator and be able to offer informative tours of the hotel while offering the best insights to cultural experiences available in Melbourne. For guests looking to venture further afield, Smart Cars will be available for hire.
As the sixth hotel to join the group, The Larwill Studio will sit alongside the award winning hotels The Olsen, The Blackman, The Cullen in East Melbourne, The Watson in Adelaide and The Schaller Studio in Bendigo, and provide an affordable, compact version of the brand.
