I’d say Melbourne is one of the most renowned cities in the world for having some completely, for lack of other words, extra accomodation options. Notel Melbourne is definitely up there in being one of the most unique.

The websites description is simple; NOTEL IS LIKE NO HOTEL YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO.

And I can’t say they’re wrong.

Consisting of six chrome airstream trailers, completely refitted as designer urban accommodation in the heart of Melbourne CBD,  hidden speak-easy style on the roof of a Melbourne car park.

If you’ve been to Melbourne before, I bet you’ve walked right past the nondescript carpark and never even noticed the little hotel right above your head.

So here’s the catch, there’s no signage, no staff to check in with, not even a tangible key. How do you get in, let alone find the place you ask? Well that’s all part of the charm and adventure of staying at the Notel.

Your key is on your phone through an app called ‘JustIN Mobile.’ Therefore, my top tip for you throughout your stay is to make sure you have a fully charged phone on you at all times otherwise you might find yourself a little stuck on the wrong side of the door.

Let’s get to the fun bit, actually getting into the hotel.

The website’s clue: NOT ALL ROLLER DOORS ROLL. 

Now this probably makes no sense to you right now, but it was the one clue I made sure I remembered and I can assure you it certainly came in hand*.

*see above photo for evidence. 

I won’t give away all the details on how to find Notel as I don’t want to ruin the excitement for you if you ever find yourself staying here one day. All I will say is keep an eye out for the pink hints.

Once you’ve made your way through the ambiguous NO ENTRY door, up a few flights of stairs and then one final door, wander on to a rooftop dotted with pink hues and shimmering aluminium.

The design makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to the deserts of America (or it did in my eyes).

Of the six available air-streamers there is one known as the AIRSTREAM WITH BENEFITS, essentially it’s the only one with an open air Saphire Spa – quite frankly it’s also the best positioned one with a secluded private deck sitting front and centre, overlooking Melbourne’s famous Flinders Lane with views of Melbourne’s sky risers.

Each of the 1970’s airstreamers have been decked out fit for an urban king/queen.

It was definitely more spacious than I thought it would be, I was expecting it to be the size of a VW Kombi van but it was far from that!

The 31 foot trailer is decked out pretty simply. It’s not over the top. It’s clean and basic, in a good way.

Step inside to your lounge area featuring a free minibar stocked with complimentary beer, wine and snacks (the chocolate is hands down the bessttttttt – Pico Chocolate for those asking), there’s complimentary Wifi and Netflix via the iPad Pro, as well as an in-Room HP Sprocket Photo Printer to capture rooftop moments and selfies (if you can work out how to use this on your stay please let me know for future reference because we just couldn’t work it out). There’s even complimentary vouchers for 9 Holes at the Holey Moley Golf Club.

In the morning, take the bottomless coffee cup to the guys downstairs at Saluministi and nab yourself a free coffee (we all know how much Melburnians love their coffee) – they also have a variety of food options to pick from if you’re wanting to grab something on the go.

At the end of the trailer awaits your queen sized bed decked out with the comfiest (and when I say comfiest, I well and truly mean it) organic bamboo sheets from ECOSA.

Whether you’re visiting in the peak of summer of the frosty winter months, you don’t have to worry about being uncomfortably hot or cold as each trailer is fitted with an individual split system to keep you comfortable.

Let’s face it, most ensuites aren’t really worth a mention, however, I feel it would be rude not to touch on the airstreamers one even if briefly. It has a full sized shower – bigger than the shower in my own home! That’s all I wanted to say on that.

The lighting options are pretty cool too. Leave just the ensuite light on and the trailer has a pink tinge to it, still bright enough to see around though. Switch to the main trailer light and it changes the entire vibe to what I can only describe as a spaceship feeling.

While there’s no cooking facilities or bar/restaurant associated with the hotel, there are endless options at your feet given you’re in the heart of Melbourne CBD.

Whether you’re sitting on your deck enjoying a cuppa or chilling in the open air spa, it’s a weird yet unique feeling watching pedestrians wander by on the ever popular Flinder’s Lane with little to no idea that you’re quietly living it up above them.

Our stay at Notel was as a gift and I booked the Airstreamer with Benefits because let’s be frank if you’re going to do it you might as well go all out.

It’s definitely not a cheap stay (most unique places like this in Melbourne aren’t if we’re being honest), at $440 a night it can definitely break the bank account if you’re staying for several nights, but a one night staycation is more than enough to get a good experience of the hotel and some awesome photos, therefore I say if you can you must.