20 Feb 2023
The television personality and design aficionado has stamped his style on his favourite space
As Melbourne's cultural district prepares to welcome the new-look Laneways by Ovolo, the hotel group has unveiled a first glimpse of the Neale Whitaker suite – the design aficionado's room of choice when staying in the city. Neale worked alongside Australian interior design studio Luchetti Krelle to style the suite, adding to their 80s Memphis-inspired decor by incorporating some of his favourite pieces.
“In the theme of Memphis nostalgia, I sourced a whole load of styling items and a few knickknacks to put into the room, artwork as well, fitting with Luchetti Krelle's design narrative,” Neale explains.
Guests who reserve the suite can expect to stay among a collection of original art, limited-edition objects and soft furnishings – each hand selected by Neale – as well as a 100-song Spotify playlist of his 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.”
Nunzio Miano is a Melbourne-based artist whose flamboyant and generous use of colour brings high-octane energy to the room's scheme. The sculptural lamp by Sarah Nedovic Gaunt was the last of the highly sought-after 'Lady' collection, similar to a piece which Neale has in his own home. And the work featuring an illustration of Neale himself, created by former Ovolo staffer Flynn Cowan, leans into Warhol-like themes, using repetition and colour-blocking to bring the room to life.
The collaboration between Ovolo and Neale came about “by accident,” he says, after several years of being allocated the room, leading to it to be known unofficially as his personal suite. “It became a bit of a standing joke,” Neale says of his connection to the room, formerly known as 303. “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.”
The hotel's location in the vibrant heart of Melbourne's many tangled laneways has always been a deciding factor for Neale. “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.”
The unveiling of the Neale Whitaker suite follows the onsite opening of Amphlett House, an elevated taphouse with a buzzing atmosphere, spearheaded by two of Australia's hospitality finest: Maybe Sammy co-founder Andrea Gualdi (awarded 'The Best Bar in Australasia 2021' by 'The World's 50 Best Bars') and much-loved Melburnian and celebrated chef Ian Curley.
-ENDS-
Laneways By Ovolo
19 Little Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
For further information, please contact:
Stephen Howard
Group Director of Marketing, Ovolo Group
T: +61 2 9331 9068
E: stephen.howard@ovologroup.com
OR
Alice Moore
Director, Élysée Collective
T: + 61 402 693 366
E: alice@elyseecollective.com.au
About Ovolo Group:
The Ovolo Group was founded by entrepreneur Girish Jhunjhnuwala and first entered the real estate market in 2002; then further expanded into the hotel industry in 2010. Ovolo Hotels quickly became one of Hong Kong and Australia's most dynamic independent owner operated hospitality firms by providing guests with the best in effortless living across hotels and food and beverage outlets.
The Ovolo Group is a collection of contemporary hotels that keep you connected to the little luxuries you love, all effortlessly included. The company prides itself on being in touch with the modern traveller through award-winning interior designs, detail-driven comforts, complimentary value-added services like the mini bar and breakfast, with cutting-edge technology. Ovolo Hotels have been acknowledged for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, receiving the accolade “Hotel Brand of the Year”, at the 2019 and 2020 HM Awards.
A proud Hong Kong brand, Ovolo Group remains a family-owned and privately-operated business operating four hotels and three restaurants in Hong Kong, and eight hotels and seven restaurants across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.
Ovolo also has the By Ovolo Collective within its portfolio of hotels, a distinctive collection of four hotels. These include Nishi Apartments in Canberra Australia, The Sheung Wan by Ovolo and The Aberdeen Harbour in Hong Kong, and Mamaka Kuta Beach in Bali Indonesia.
Ovolo acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we are located. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
