CHECK-IN
The 1875 Continental Hotel constructing is to the Mornington Peninsula city of Sorrento what Flinders Street Station is to Melbourne – a commanding landmark central to the city’s character and life.
Little surprise there was trepidation when the hallowed native pub turned topic to redevelopment, with earlier makes an attempt failing earlier than the present consortium accomplished a $120 million effort this 12 months.
Fears seem allayed. With the unique four-storey limestone construction totally renovated and joined by a Woods Bagot-designed new construct, the general public bar and beer backyard – now in glossier kind – stay populated with locals. The bistro and evening spot come to life within the night, persevering with their custom as egalitarian gathering locations on Sorrento’s more and more fancy major road.
The property can be now house to the five-star InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, which is the place I’m staying.
THE LOOK
With touches similar to rugs by Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin, it is no shock there’s retro glamour afoot. An overriding color scheme of bottle inexperienced and crimson takes me again to my college uniform – and to heritage interiors of the Eighties. But it’s up to date and works, maybe as a result of it is damaged up.
In completely different zones, there are completely different aesthetics. Reception has a Thai Airways-looking floral backdrop that is in reference to endemic orchids. An extended breezeway has rattan wallpaper and a chinoiserie vibe. A visitor lounge with mirrored partitions and pink chairs is artwork deco. The photogenic pool deck (above) with ocean views is pure Sorrento of the Italian selection and eating zones every have their very own feel and look.
It’s all a part of the property’s purpose to be like a cruise ship – stuffed with curiosity and selection, encouraging inhabitants to discover and linger.
At the time of writing, the big adjoining spa by Aspar is but to open, however appears a deal with, in calm gray marble and timber.
THE ROOM
There are 108 rooms of varied sizes and styles, together with one and two-bedroom suites. I’m in a nook suite within the previous construct, with views of Port Phillip Bay past the heritage balcony and Sorrento township rooftops. It’s beautiful, with velvet furnishings, an enormous mattress, standalone bathtub and toilet tiles to die for.
But it’s on the smaller facet; I run into an acquaintance at breakfast who’s in an identical house and he and his spouse discover the scale disappointing.
Checking out the brand new construct rooms, all good and sunny and shiny, I feel on my return, I’ll gap up right here. They really feel extra vacation.
The ethical of the story? Research for a room that fits.
FOOD + DRINK
Acclaimed chef Scott Pickett is a companion within the general Continental enterprise. Audrey’s, within the InterContinental house correct, is his advantageous diner with a honed, seafood-focused menu (there’s wagyu and vegetarian choices on the evening I dine) providing “this or that” choices. It’s scrumptious. A brilliantly curated wine record ranges from inexpensive to eye-watering.
Breakfast, afternoon teas and informal eats are served within the Atrium, a glass-roofed house inhabiting a former void. And then there’s the bar and bistro going through the road for elevated pub classics.
OUT + ABOUT
Sorrento has stylish boutiques, cafes and eateries – that is high-end Mornington Peninsula. Hit the gorgeous entrance seaside or roaring again seaside and the unbelievable 30-kilometre Coastal Walk, plus golf choices and sizzling springs.
ESSENTIALS
23 Constitution Hill Road, Sorrento; (03) 5935 1234. From $595 an evening. See ihg.com
THE VERDICT
In an space the place vacation house lodging guidelines, the Intercontinental Mornington Peninsula Sorrento is a welcome addition for individuals who desire a luxurious seaside keep with out having to make beds, cook dinner or vacuum up the sand.
Julietta Jameson stayed as a visitor of the Intercontinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula.
SCORE OUT OF FIVE
★★★★
HIGHLIGHT
All too usually these sorts of redevelopments can dispossess residents. Seeing the great people of Sorrento proceed to get pleasure from their native is heart-warming.
LOWLIGHT
The higgledy-piggledy format and poorly marked service lifts had us ending up misplaced and in all method of locations we did not intend, together with a kitchen.
