where to stay:
420 Punt Boutique Guesthouse: Enjoy an intimate stay on the fringes of the center of Melbourne and South Yarra at this boutique hotel with delightful palm tree-filled gardens on the grounds. This Art Deco inspired home with friendly staff will make you feel as if you are staying with friends, rather than at a hotel. Each room is decorated and supplied with lovely linens and towels, hope you don't mind sharing a restroom down the hall (clean and you'll truly feel like you're at home). The guesthouse offers a delicious breakfast to guests, however if you're looking for a hearty breakfast -- you'll have no trouble finding a place within walking distance. Room pricing begins at $123 USD/night. http://www.420punt.com.au/
The Langham, Melbourne: Take your luxury experience to the next level when you stay at the Langham in Melbourne, with sweeping vistas of the Yarra River and a hot location smack in the middle of the city's Arts and Leisure district. Each room is stocked full with all the amenities- shampoo, nail files, talcum powder, blow dryers, and more. Never leave the hotel for breakfast either when you enjoy a 5-star buffet breakfast of made-to-order omelettes and juice bar. The entire ambiance of the Langham will wow you from the minute you walk in the door. We suggest booking a room with riverfront views. Room pricing begins at $178 USD/night. http://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/melbourne/
where to eat:
The Grain Store: Enjoy a fusion of funky country-style food with an urban flare at this wild restaurant in Melbourne. Their best meal is breakfast, which we recommend for the extensive menu of many options. Choose something a little different than your regular eggs. Try the smashed greens with avocado, eggs, corn salsa, and topped chipotle mayo. So delicious, you may end up eating here for breakfast more than once while in Melbourne.
Hunky Dory: This busy little upmarket shop has great food, at a great price. You can't go wrong with their classic Fish and Chips and they don't skip on serving sizes, so you certainly won't leave still hungry. All of the seafood is so fresh, as if they'd caught each order to make. For those of you who want something different than the classic fine dining that Melbourne typically has to offer.