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The Lyall – S. Yarra, South Yarra’s revered five-star boutique hotel, has re-opened its doors today, after the completion of a two-year redesign and refurbishment; revealing an elegant neighbourhood hotel providing grand service and design on a delightfully intimate scale.
Beloved by both South Yarra locals and travellers since its 2002 inception, The Lyall was purchased in 2021 by the team behind recently opened luxury private hotel The Royce, who’ve undertaken a total revamp of its 49 rooms and suites, and a sophisticated expansion of its restaurant and wine bar.
Now completely reimagined, The “all new” Lyall unveils a heightened level of elegance and sophistication, reflecting modern style and sensibility while maintaining the timeless elegance its name has become synonymous with.
Situated on leafy Murphy Street off Toorak Road, The Lyall has always been regarded as “the hotel for those who don’t like hotels”. The property is purposefully discreet — designed to appeal to locals, guests and business travellers seeking an upscale urban retreat. Nestled adjacent to the hustle and bustle of South Yarra’s main thoroughfares, the surrounding tree-lined streets are perfectly serene, however famous Chapel Street, fashionable designer boutiques, restaurants and major attractions are on the doorstep and within easy reach.
Global design powerhouse, DKO were engaged to lead the renovations, balancing sophistication and a reverence for the property’s history with pragmatic, people-led design, resulting in a functional space that works seamlessly with the unique needs of the quintessential Lyall guest.
“At DKO, we strive to create beautiful spaces with design integrity. Authenticity is important to our team, as is designing spaces that are crafted with high attention to detail, the reimagined Lyall offers a fresh era of elegance and sophistication,” says Michael Drescher, Director Interiors at DKO.
From the street, guests would be forgiven in thinking they’ve been transported to a fashionable European boulevard. The Lyall’s timeless façade is reminiscent of an upmarket Parisian appartement, showcasing a neutral palette, wrought iron balconettes and a chic café terrace that insists any passer-by stop in for an apértif.
The service is equally charming and personal — designed to make guests feel like they’re checking into their own South Yarra townhouse. From the moment they’re seated on a plush sofa in the contemporary lobby, they’re greeted by a stately open fireplace and pleasing views across the whimsical Japanese Maple Garden.
Comprising 49 guest rooms, the reimagined Lyall hotel offers a diverse range of room options for discerning travellers, including Parisienne style balcony rooms, oversized Signature rooms each with Japanese Maple Garden views, luxurious bathing and dressing suites, an array of glamorous Grand Suites and a unique Penthouse Suite with two fireplaces and an expansive outdoor terrace.
Each room has been designed to evoke a sense of calm and comfort using luxuriously textured fabrics in restful tones. Furniture pieces have been exclusively designed and manufactured in Melbourne as a bespoke collection using dark-stained Tasmanian Oak with gold accents.
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“The inspiration for this transformation is drawn from the idea of a European pied-à-terre, combining Australian and European furniture to create a blend of comfort and style. The approach exudes quiet luxury, emphasising high-quality, minimalist pieces that possess timeless appeal.
The careful curation of materials, from alpaca velvet to woven wallpaper, chevron timber floors, and classic black and white marble, adds depth and character to the hotel’s design, enhancing its charm and character,” Michael Drescher continued.
All suites have king or twin beds and French or furnished balconies. Thoughtfully curated inclusions add to The Lyall’s charm with pillow menus, velour bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso Machines, Dyson hair dryers, luxury bath amenities from Molton Brown and heated towel rails. Extra space to relax creates a residential ambience enhanced by fast unlimited wifi, large flat screen TV’s with casting, and 24-hour personalised service.
Guests are encouraged to make their way down the marble stairs to discover the hotel’s revitalised restaurant and wine bar. Here, they’ll find a cosy place to nestle in with a glass of wine or cocktail amongst South Yarra locals who are making themselves at home on the leather banquettes, framed by talking-piece modern art. The vibe — an intimate neighbourhood wine bar, with menu to match.
Diners can’t help but slow down and savour the moment, as they leisurely work through a tight but thoughtfully curated menu of superbly executed modern-Australian classics.
For now a light lunch will be offered, working towards a full menu inspired by dishes like freshly shucked oysters with white balsamic mignonette; grilled octopus bruschetta with grainy mustard, tomato and black garlic; and steak frites with chimichurri and mixed greens.
All dishes complement an elegant wine list of local and internationals that can be enjoyed in the dining room, the smart yet welcoming bar top or on the alfresco terrace as diners watch the world go by.
Elevated a la carte breakfast items, both continental and hot classics, ensure the morning after is as satisfying as the night before. Fresh-baked pastries including croissant, pain au chocolat and expertly flaky danish will be served with gourmet preserves. Those who prefer a heartier start can find solace in the harissa chilli eggs; goat cheese and avocado with pickled cherry tomatoes; and a delightful ricotta hotcake with elderflower syrup.
Whether a local looking for a much-needed neighbourhood hangout, or a traveller seeking a more intimate stay, the “all-new” Lyall Hotel evokes a unique sense of place, perfectly positioned to discover the best of Melbourne.
An urban sanctuary awaits.
The Lyall – S. Yarra is the second luxury property from the team behind the glamorous, recently-opened The Royce, and will take its first guests from March 14, 2024.
Bookings are open now via the website, www.thelyall.com
