The Interlude

可能好多墨爾本人都不知道的一個酒店，在舊監獄改造而來，酒店還提供了游泳池，也可以參觀一下監獄之前的一些舊房間。酒店斜對面的一家意大利餐廳，味道不錯

Despite a couple of small glitches, we had an amazing mini-break at The Interlude. The suites are beautiful and cleverly designed to make the most of the unusual setting. We started in a regular suite, which comprised 4 of the original cells. Located upstairs, we were a little concerned about noise coming from the bar below and a wedding party around the corner, but a glass door between the entrance cell and the bed took care of that. The next day we moved downstairs to our Sanctuary Suite, directly above the pool area (which is spectacular). Comprising 5 cells, the extra one contained the gorgeous bath. This suite didn't have the glass door which buffered the sound, but being located further from busy areas, perhaps wasn't considered necessary. The only downside of this suite was being woken by blood-curdling screams from excited kids in the pool at 7.30am. Not the hotel's fault, and each time we actually visited the area it was a tranquil, relaxing space. Dinner at North & Common was utterly delicious, and the bar, Olivine, so good we went twice. Most importantly, the staff here were most welcoming, quick to address small glitches and pitched in to help one another in various ways. A credit to their hospitality profession.

I have mixed feelings about this property. We wanted something special for a significant anniversary. Thought staying at Pentridge might be it. We booked the Interlude Suite, loved the atmosphere. Room was made up of 4 old cells and this was great. However, there were things that irked. Great coffee machine but nowhere to heat the milk to put in your coffee. Not sure if we just couldn’t figure it out, but we didn’t seem to be able to isolate the lightning i.e. when the light was on in the lounge area it was also on in the bedroom. Not great for someone going to bed earlier. On the first morning the shower totally flooded the bathroom and went down onto the carpet. We were offered another room but couldn’t be bothered moving and it was fixed after we reported it. Be aware you need to climb over your partner to get in/out of bed. No walking space around bed. Decor looked good but somehow not really functional. For breakfast we had eggs benedict and poached eggs. The eggs were hard not runny. The wait person did say she would have changed for us. Next morning pancakes were delicious. Pool fantastic. Staff great. Parking good. Transport close.

We stayed at the Pentridge Adina apartments recently and as we left, we were shown the cell rooms in the Interlude by the wonderful Maddie. WOW! We were so impressed we made a booking for Valentine’s Day. The rooms are made up of 4-5 actual prison cells, each 1800 x 2700. With incredible beautiful exposed bluestone and red brick vaulted ceilings. Openings between to join the cells to create the space. One cell is the entry, robe area, another lounge area, then bedroom (bed takes up the whole space) and on the other side of the entry is the bathroom. If you love a bath then recommend booking a room with one. Nice and big, you lie there looking up out of the original, small, cell window, just imagining life in prison many years ago, and how lucky we are. From the moment we walked into the hotel, through the bar, we loved it. Who ever designed the hotel and made this project happen is amazing. It’s absolute wonderful, such a good feel. Take your bathers as the pool, in the basement, is incredible. There is also a gym, created from the old cells down there. We were well looked after, thank you Damsith. You helped make our stay even more memorable. We also did the tour of H Division, the next day, totally worth it. There is a tour of B Division, which is where the Interlude is, so you can actually wonder around and just immerse yourself in the past.

Great concept and the rooms are well done, some staff were ok but check in staff are shared between Adina and Interlude, they weren't helpful or knowledgeable. More than once when we asked questions, we were sent to someone else who then also may not have answers. Biggest disappointment was some things are very different to what's advertised. We were looking forward to enjoying time in the well-advertised Olivine Wine Bar, well too bad, despite it being advertised as a highlight and open 7 days a week (opening days have changed since we were there, not before) it wasn't open. Interlude had no food or drinks available for the evening we stayed. We had to leave Interlude and go to the fast-food outlets in the external complex. We could exit Interlude and access the fast-food outlets from an internal complex door but to re-enter Interlude we weren't able to use the same door. Apparently for security reasons, so we had to exit the complex and walk back via dimly lit foot paths. Clearly the security being considered when this decision was made was not the security of paying guests. The pool was advertised as exclusive to Interlude guests and 35 degrees, it was not exclusive, no private time as advertised and speaking with another person there he'd measured the water temp as 27 degrees. It was cold. Breakfast was very good, great service and good food. All in all, a great concept very poorly executed and very little concern for providing what is advertised to the paying guest.

I bought this trip as a birthday present for my Wife. She is a real prisons fan having worked as a prison guard for 20 years. Staying within Pentridge prison walls was a real treat. The way it’s been remodeled is just amazing. Converting prison cells into a luxury 5 star room. The staff were welcoming and helpful. The restaurant was lovely. We had the best few days and crammed lots in over our short stay.