The coming together of Neale Whitaker and Laneways by Ovolo was serendipitous. Whitaker has been a frequent guest at Melbourne’s Laneways by Ovolo over the years and always requested room 303. 

“It became a bit of a standing joke,” Neale says of his connection to the room. “But the reason I love this room is because of its corner position, which has amazing windows looking to the most gorgeous tree and old stuccoed wall outside, leading through to views of the rooftops and towers of the CBD.”

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The hotel’s location in the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s many tangled laneways has always been a deciding factor for Whitaker. “It’s right there on Little Bourke Street, so it’s kind of in Chinatown,” he says. “It’s on the fringes of the CBD. Everywhere is within walking distance, with innumerable restaurants, cafes and bars right on your doorstep. I’ve always enjoyed being there for that reason. It reminds me of some of the original boutique hotels, that’s why I’ve always chosen to stay there.”

So when the opportunity to redesign the room came up, Laneways by Ovolo looked to one of Australia’s leading interior designers, who also happened to be the suite’s biggest fan. Whitaker has transformed the space. Guests who reserve the suite can expect to stay among original art by Melbourne-based artists Nunzio Miano, limited-edition objects – like Sarah Nedovic gaunt’s sculptural lamp – and listen to a specially curated 100-song Spotify playlist of Whitaker’s favourite tracks. 

“These are all the things that are incredibly important to me,” Neale says, adding that he wanted to showcase a cross-section of Australian artists when curating the room. “There are three big ticket items: a large painting by artist Nunzio Miano, a Sarah Nedovic Gaunt lamp and a portrait by Flynn Cowan.” The illustration of Whitaker himself, created by former Ovolo staffer Cowan, leans into Warhol-like themes, using repetition and colour-blocking to bring the room to life. 

For information or to book, visit ovolohotels.com 

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