Have you ever spent a night in the middle of the CBD and woken up before everyone else has scrambled into town? Looked out the window of your hotel with a cuppa in hand, watching the streets below start to stir before the buzz begins? It’s exactly what I did after a night of restful sleep at Somerset on Elizabeth in Melbourne.
It’s a strange familiarity to see the city quiet and peaceful. Shops aren’t open yet, trams aren’t as regular and the only voices you can hear are the ones belonging to your own family. It’s really the perfect way to start an adventure in town – right after a hearty brekky, of course.
Wonders from the window. 
The living and dining area was huge. 
Fun and games.
Smack bang in the middle of the city, the serviced apartments at Somerset on Elizabeth are not far from anywhere – walking distance to world-class shopping, dining, sports stadiums or our galleries and gardens. Pet-friendly, your pooch can join the family on staycation, too.
The little extras were appreciated.
The four of us stayed a night in the spacious 2-bedroom deluxe apartment. It had all we could want in a serviced apartment – and even some things we didn’t know we wanted, but were so glad were included.
The kitchen had the whole shebang. There was an oven, stovetop, fridge, microwave and dishwasher and would be thoroughly utilised during a longer stay. The main bedroom had an ensuite (with a bath), there was a second bedroom and separate bathroom for the kids and a washer and dryer. Our king size bed had us wishing we had the luxury of the same size bed at home.
Nigh-nighs sleepy heads. 
Somerset on Elizabeth sits atop an iconic corner of Melbourne.
The kids were giddy with excitement to find a tepee and games and toys in the lounge – we were so busy playing that I don’t think we turned the TV on the whole time we were there (and there’s two).
All four of us were actually spending quality time together – a rarity in the hustle of the weekly routine – simply because we weren’t at home and distracted by the thought of hanging out the washing or figuring out what to cook for dinner.
Next door to Emporium Melbourne and The Strand and just across the road from Melbourne Central, there’s plenty of undercover shopping right at your doorstep, so Melbourne’s sometimes inclement weather won’t bother you a bit.
We took advantage of the Somerset’s valet parking service and used our feet as our only mode of transport during our stay. Everything is so close we didn’t even use the pram.
We ate dumplings until we looked like little dumplings at Din Tai Fung inside the Emporium complex – leaving our apartment at 6.25pm to be seated and ordering our dinner by 6.30pm.
Chilli oil dumplings from Din Tai Fung.
It might have been a good idea to work off some dumplings with a late-night gym sesh, but….no. This stay was my chance to relax, but there was a fully-equipped gym for use if I felt guilty for my excesses.
Splish splash. 
Kids – and dogs – can stretch their legs in the courtyard.
The kids were desperate to jump in the pool and spa, but as inviting as it was, the lure of the city was too much and we ran out of time. Our next stay here we are sure we won’t be able to keep them out.
The perfect way to end the day. 
Snoozing in the city.
There’s an outdoor courtyard and BBQ area near the pool and spa, so you don’t actually need to go anywhere when staying here. Herein lies the problem – make the most of the hotel facilities or your location in the middle of the Melbourne action? Ideally you could stay at least a couple of nights to experience the best of both worlds.
Federal Coffee Palace is only metres away from Somerset on Elizabeth. 
Breakfast of champions. 
Melbourne’s GPO.
The next morning we sat under the historic arches of Melbourne’s GPO building for breakfast and I enjoyed two great lattes and a toasty mountain of eggs and mushies from Federal Coffee Palace. It’s in fantastic spot to watch the world go by and only steps from Somerset on Elizabeth’s 24-hour reception desk.
Oh Melbourne, I love you.
*MillieMummyMelbourne was hosted for one night’s stay in a 2-bedroom deluxe apartment at Somerset on Elizabeth.