Villa Donati is centrally located in Richmond. When you experience a luxurious stay in this fine private hotel, you’ll be minutes away from all the action. Richmond is located on the edge of the CBD close to the landmark Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Historic Richmond is one of Melbourne’s earliest settlements and has a rich history of immigrants who settled in the tiny streets and sought work in the nearby factories. Now one of Melbourne’s most vibrant inner suburbs it is best known for its architecture, food, fashion and furniture.
Swan Street and Bridge Road offer a wide range of eateries including some long established and very authentic Greek cafes. Nearby Victoria Street is known as Little Saigon and is the centre of Melbourne’s Vietnamese community. Villa Donati is in close proximity to some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants- Pearl, Church Street Enoteca, Fenix, the Grand Hotel, Il Duca and the Richmond Hill Café & Larder (made famous by Stephanie Alexander) are all within walking distance. Richmond is also known for its music and bar scene – Der Raum, Platform and Public House are among the most popular. Victoria Bitter and Fosters beer enthusiasts can enjoy a tour through the Carlton & United Breweries’ brewhouse in Abbotsford or the Mountain Goat Brewery. For fresh food lovers, the Gleadell Street Market off Bridge Road, adjacent to the Town Hall opens Saturdays from 7am to 1pm. Reminiscent of a European street market it provides a wide range of local seasonal produce at market prices.
Richmond is renowned for shopping. Bridge Road’s designer outlet and seconds stores are minutes away Some of Australia’s best fashion and accessory stores including Mimco, Country Road and Atelier have shop fronts here. The equally famous Chapel Street precinct, for more up market shopping, is 5 minutes by tram. Designer homewares, Space, Poliform and Coco Republic are also nearby.
For sporting fans, the famous MCG, well known by cricket and football fans is within walking distance. Trams from the corner also pass the Melbourne Tennis Centre, Rod Laver Arena.
From the airport, take the M1. Follow the South East Suburbs sign, taking the Burnley tunnel. Once in the Burnley tunnel move over into the left lane and take the left turn Burnley exit. Turn left into Swan St. At the second set of lights, turn right into Church Street. Villa Donati is centrally located, with easy access via Melbourne’s famous tramway system to the CBD and major tourist attractions. Tram: Take number 70 from Flinders Street along Swan Street to Church Street, or number 48 or 75 from Flinders Street along Bridge Road to Church Street. Train: From Flinders Street Station to Richmond Station or East Richmond. Travelling time from CBD: 10 minutes.