The Interlude

Superb! It’s not in the tourist part of Melbourne but that’s not why you come here. It’s a great hotel experience and unlike anything around. Service was great, accommodation was clean and comfortable. Food was quality. Perfect end to a trip in Melbourne.

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.

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.

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 book in to the Adina hotel in Pentridge Melbourne got a phone call from the reservation team giving us a free upgrade there are 4 cells to a suite and good for those who want to get what it’s like to have a cell experience definitely recommend to any traveler

An unexpected delight Unexpected delight staying in a well equipped and comfortable room converted from 4 original cells, with the original doors and bars at the windows. Excellent service from warm and friendly staff, with a must dine at restaurant downstairs (North & Common) and a beautiful residents pool and gym. Very good value for money and highly recommended