All we could have wanted from this boutique hotel, great service, nothing too much trouble from the excellent concierges ( thanks Nathan, Dan and Tristan ! ) and their colleagues. Peter Thomas the owner constantly popping in and out making us feel so very welcome and with some brilliant restaurant tips. Breakfast was delicious and varied, the service throughout was first class, yet simple and not intrusive. Our suite did the trick, very clean and comfortable with everything we needed, a hotel room we were happy to be in. The location is good for shopping in nearby Chapel St and convenient for the sights in Melbourne as well as St Kilda. We had good spa treatments. Not inexpensive at the hotel but certainly 5 star and fair value for money, the Christmas Eve champagne drinks and mince pie presents for the guests an unexpected and really good surprise. The extra highlight ?...........the jelly beans on reception. We're going back for more.

We loved staying at the Lyall. The rooms contain small kitchens and are well equipped. The hotel is located within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens and is out of the centre of Melbourne which means it is quiet and relaxing, yet close to public transport so we were able to get everywhere. Lovely!

My only tip is...if you are Buddhist, you should probably opt for a room without a picture of the Buddha at the end of your bed (or sleep the other way around!) - oh dear......

We went to the Lyall for my husband's birthday, and as he stays in a lot of hotels for work, I thought this would be a nice change. We were so disappointed. The rooms are neat but tiny, and there was no feeling of the luxury you want to feel when you pay top dollar, instead it felt like a serviced apartment. Our key didn't work - twice. The food that we had brought to our room was expensive and very average, and not up to Melbourne's high standards. There was no communication between the Spa and the Hotel staff, and our steam treatments were not provided as we had arranged. When we complained we were not refunded because it was "part of a package." The best thing about the Lyall is that you can walk to the Tan track. Everything else was disappointing.

While the hotel is small, the room I stayed in was fine and as you would expect in a boutique hotel. I was on the 2nd floor next to the well fitted gym, however was never disturbed at any point. The room was actually like a one-bedroom apartment with a separate bedroom. This was a work trip and we stayed for 3 nights and utilized the conference room on the ground floor.
The staff were fantastic and incredibly helpful with all matters and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a stay here.