Contemporary, Accessible, and Perfect for Respite: Lanson Place Parliament Gardens

I recently had the pleasure of checking out the brand new Lanson Place Parliament Gardens, and wow – this hotel has raised the bar for boutique city stays in Melbourne. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that accessibility here wasn’t just an afterthought. Lanson Place has seamlessly woven accessible features into the hotel’s sleek, contemporary design, making it a beautiful and welcoming space for everyone.

Location and First Impressions

Located on Albert Street, Lanson Place sits across from the tranquil Parliament Gardens, offering guests a restful stay just a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s CBD. This location is ideal if you’re looking to recuperate, as it’s close to both St. Vincent’s and Epworth Freemasons Hospitals. The hotel strikes a perfect balance between city buzz and peaceful retreat, so whether you’re recovering from treatment or looking for a break, it’s an excellent base.

First impressions count, and Lanson Place delivered. Housed in the heritage protected 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works, the historic exterior is gorgeous. The main entrance on Albert Street is nice and wide and, most importantly, step free, so it’s easy to enter using mobility aids.

Pro Tip: There’s a second step-free entrance off the side driveway if you need to be dropped off without navigating the busy bike lane out front. This is particularly useful for rideshare or taxi arrivals.

Accessible Room Options

One of my favourite things about Lanson Place is the variety of accessible rooms. This is a rare treat; many hotels only offer a single accessible room type, if that. But here, you can choose from multiple options, each thoughtfully designed to meet different needs and preferences.

Room Types Available:

• Hotel King Room: Notably spacious, with plenty of room to manoeuvre in a mobility aid around both bed and bathroom
• One Bedroom Apartment: Perfect for longer stays, featuring a separate living area and interconnecting room options for carers or family for privacy and convenience
• Studio King: Accessible but note the narrower hallway between bathroom and bedroom

Hotel Amenities and Facilities

Lanson Place doesn’t just tick accessibility boxes – it thoughtfully delivers a well-rounded, inclusive experience. On level 1, you’ll find:

• A heated indoor pool and spa with a pool hoist available on request
• Well-equipped gym
• Accessible change rooms and push-to-open toilets
• Albert’s Lounge – offering a spacious and sunlit setting for buffet breakfast
• Chronicle 502 Bar & Dining – the lobby bar and restaurant with a welcoming layout

Comprehensive Accessibility Features

Final Thoughts

What truly sets Lanson Place apart is that accessibility is fully integrated throughout the hotel – it’s not just an added feature but part of the entire guest experience. Every area is functional, spacious, and welcoming, proving that a luxurious stay can also be inclusive. Whether you’re looking for a post-treatment respite or simply want a beautiful, accessible city break, I’d highly recommend Lanson Place Parliament Gardens.

Meet Ashlee Dolby

Ashlee Dolby serves as MediStays’ Accessibility Assessment Reviewer, bringing unique insights to this crucial role. Living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, Ashlee is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. Her experience in the hospitality sector and work with Able Foods enriches her understanding of accessibility needs. Ashlee’s dedication to improving accommodation standards aligns perfectly with MediStays’ mission to ensure all guests find suitable lodging for their specific requirements. You can also find more about Ashlee Dolby on MediStays blog and the NDIS website.