Tolarno Hotel

Hotels
La Vie Hotels
8.2 (113 reviews)
42 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Victoria, 3182 , St Kilda , AU

Facilities

Boat tours nearby
Health or beauty spa nearby
Express check-out
Parasailing nearby
Free WiFi
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Wheelchair accessible
Golfing nearby
Bicycle rentals nearby
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly and helpful staff
Rich artistic history
Cons:
Limited food options due to renovations
Inaccessibility due to no lifts

Categories

Cleanliness
7.59
Although some reviews mentioned the property as old and quirky, there were no direct mentions of cleanliness concerns, but the overall impression suggests room for improvement.
Service
9.06
Multiple reviews praised the staff as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, indicating a strong service quality.
Location
8.6
Guests highlighted the hotel's convenient location near the beach and transport options, contributing to a positive sentiment regarding location.
Room Quality
8.05
Rooms are described as comfortable and well-maintained, but the quirky character might not suit everyone's preferences.
Amenities
8.08
Amenities include equipped rooms and easy parking, though some potential guests might have different expectations based on the reviews.
Value for Money
8.04
The hotel is noted for its affordability compared to other options, which reflects positively on its value for money.
Food and Beverage
7.59
The restaurant is currently closed for renovations which limits current food options, affecting the overall perception.
Overall Experience
8.56
Overall, the experience is favorably viewed, particularly for guests who appreciate the hotel's artistic and historical significance.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-07 09:37

Property Description

Welcome to Tolarno Hotel, a charming retreat located in the vibrant St Kilda area of Melbourne, just steps away from stunning beaches and lively attractions.

Comfort and Connectivity
Experience the convenience of complimentary wireless internet access in your individually decorated guestroom. Each room features modern amenities, including refrigerators and plasma televisions, ensuring a comfortable stay that feels like home.

Exceptional Amenities
Our hotel boasts a range of amenities designed for ease and enjoyment. Enjoy the use of a computer station, express check-in and check-out, and request housekeeping for a hassle-free experience.

Prime Location
St Kilda is yours to explore! With landmarks such as St Kilda Pier and Luna Park just a short stroll away, take advantage of our central location to discover the local culture and entertainment.

Book your stay at Tolarno Hotel now and immerse yourself in the beauty of St Kilda!

Important information:

  • One child 12 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.
  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
  • Alcohol is not served at this property.
  • A car is not required for transportation to and from this property.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: MEL

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Noise policy

    Noise-free rooms not guaranteed

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • Food & Beverage

    No alcohol served onsite

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

8.2
Based on 113 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.59
Service: 9.06
Location: 8.6
Room Quality: 8.05
Amenities: 8.08
Value for Money: 8.04
Food and Beverage: 7.59
Overall Experience: 8.56
J
Jennifer partner
8
Pros:

Only one mug one glass and utensils for one person.

2025-10-03 via Nuitee
R
Ruby family
8
Pros:

Love that the business has a history of Australian art, having connection to Mirka Mora, art gallery director and well known art collector. So good to see ongoing paintings of all sizes and contemporary styles in the rooms and hallways.
Stephen at the front desk was very helpful and knowledgeable - a delightful person.

2025-09-05 via Nuitee
J
Jason partner
10
Pros:

Being surrounded by artwork. High ceilings in old building. Easy parking. Tram. Friendly and helpful staff.

2025-08-20 via Nuitee
C
Crusader
10
Bohemian punk hospitality at its St Kilda best
Pros:

Tolarno iS iconic in Melbourne. I remember it as an art gallery in the 1980s, when it was the scene of incredibly diverse exhibitions, managed by George Mora, the son of gallery founders, George and Mirka Mora. Mirka is renowned for her painting illustration work, with its distinctive patterning. Tolarno is a brilliant hotel conversion. Art is everywhere, distinctive recognisable art of diverse media and style. In some areas it is as if pieces of gallery have been hewn from the old walls and repurposed to continue its education and entertainment roles here. Tolarno was known for its hearty food, generosity of spirit and hospitality. All of those qualities are on display now, and the staff generate a welcoming vibe even when they are not around. One never feels stranded. The rooms are comfortable and well maintained, with a strong character of homey architecture before the ubiquitous marble, plastic and flat plasterboard of contemporary hostelries. There are no lifts and rooms are on various levels, making the place inaccessible to many, but its lack in this area probably contributes to its incredible affordability. You are right in the midst of Fitzroy Street here and on the quieter side of the street. I heartily recommend Hotel Tolarno.

2025-08-11 via Nuitee
D
Dianne
10
Pros:

The staff at Tolarno's are very pleasant, helpful and accommodating. The hotel is quirky and has been a part of the neighbourhood for decades. It is full of artwork and the downstairs restaurant - currently closed for renovations - will be a welcome re-addition when it eventually reopens. The property is within walking distance to the beach, eateries, venues. The tram stop is literally outside the door and a tram journey into Melb CBD takes approximately 15 minutes. The property, given its age, is not perfect, but is a local landmark and should be preserved as is.

2025-08-07 via Nuitee
D
Dianne
8
Pros:

I am a returning guest to Tolarno's, a quirky building that has been a feature of St Kilda for decades. The staff at Tolarno's are splendid people, polite, accommodating and helpful. I will happily return again. Thank you.

2025-08-05 via Nuitee
D
Dianne
8
Pros:

The staff at tolarnos are friendly and helpful. They are the property's best asset.
The property is old but iconic. It has its quirks.
The rooms are well resourced however with fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, tv. The shower is clean and with ample hot water. The property is walking distance to the beach and tourist attractions.

2025-08-04 via Nuitee
A
Andrew
4
Pros:

Grungy and sketchy. Not at all what I expected. A dingly old style hotel behind 2 closed down bar/resturants. Room had a bit of a kitchen, then another one in the room with a bed.

2025-07-29 via Nuitee
R
Ross
8
Pros:

proximity to eating houses

2025-07-17 via Nuitee
A
AMANDA
8
Pros:

Goid kidseuj

2025-06-23 via Nuitee
N
Ngaire partner
10
Pros:

Loved the artwork and staying so close to the beach. The room was a fabulous array of colours and excellent amenities. Lovely friendly staff and easy tram access to the city.

2025-06-02 via Nuitee
G
Glenn
10
Pros:

I always love staying here for the convenience and atmosphere

2025-04-16 via Nuitee
K
Kobi partner
8
Pros:

The balcony was great and location was central to restaurants.

2025-04-13 via Nuitee
T
Trevor partner
8
Pros:

We loved how close it was to the tram stop & also to St Kilda beach. Easy walking distance
Thank you for having us

2025-04-07 via Nuitee
S
Sarah friends
8
Pros:

Comfortable room with all you need for an overnighter, location was great for the tram to Acland St

2025-04-06 via Nuitee
H
Hayley
10
Great place to stay
Pros:

Massive 2 bed apartment. huge and comfy couch. Friendly staff. Great location. Quiet room location, back off the Main Street.

2025-04-06 via Nuitee
R
Robin
4
Pros:

Needs a refit of nearly all appliances despite appearing near new (TV, fridge, Fans in room and in bathroom- didnt use the microwave but the jug worked), a chair so there is somewhere to sit other than on the bed and somewhere to put electronic appliances handy to this. Some peeling paint on ceilings points to water leaks in places. Hot water availability was also uncertain. I stayed 4 nights and no room service at all despite kitchenette encouraging own food preparation and only one very small garbage bin (and no bowl to eat cereal etc if you could find out where to buy it). Had to ask for a fresh hand towel. The existing front cafe / bar and restaurant are no longer operating and no information about nearby Metro's to get your own or alternate cafe's restaurants. New day manager trying hard to help but a proper audit is essential to establish what needs to be done. Very sad to see such an iconic cultural place going to ruin. I had also booked and paid for 4 nights in advance through Wotif but when a charge came through that a payment was going to an unknown company in the US despite the notice that there were no foreign currency charges, I responded to a scam warning from my bank and as a result my credit card was cancelled at considerable inconvenience to myself. I subsequently found out from the hotel that Exepedia owned Wotif and were responsible in the US (under a different name) for the transaction-too late.






2025-03-27 via Nuitee
C
Conor
8
Pros:

Good location. Nothing flash about he rooms but staff were helpful.

2025-03-24 via Nuitee
A
Andrew
8
Pros:

For the most part the room was clean and well presented.

However, there were several long, black hairs on the bed and bedside table and the bath tub had a film of dust indicating it had neither been used or wiped down for an extended period.

Finally, there was no soap apart from a very small tube of body wash. One small bar soap would have been sufficient.

2025-03-02 via Nuitee
A
Alison partner
4
Pros:

this is only a 2-3 star rating hotel, very shabby and smells of smoke in the corridors. The window blinds are filthy and smell musty. The carpet is old and shabby. The whole hotel needs a makeover.

2025-02-11 via Nuitee