Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Pentridge

Harini made a real difference to our stay. She was warm, professional, and attentive, and her friendly welcome made us feel looked after. We stayed at The Adina Pentridge last night, and loved the cosy room and intimate, carefully styled feel. The old prison's history still comes through in the building, while the room has been transformed in a way that feels luxurious and respects its character. The whole hotel has a special, atmospheric vibe. I'd happily come back and recommend it if you're after something different that's still beautifully done.

The rooms were lovely, clean, and modern, and we'd recommend the hotel. We chose it while travelling because we wanted to visit the prison, and the evening guided tour was brilliant. It's a handy stopover, with underground parking and a walk through reception into the wine bar in an old prison wing. The 140 acre site keeps some areas as the old prison, while other parts have had additions built on.

For the rate, I expected better standards and more consistent follow-through. I've stayed in the CBD for less and had a better experience, but I needed to be in the northern suburbs. The rooms look modern and presentable, and the location worked well for me, near supermarkets, restaurants and pubs, north of the CBD. During my two weeks at Adina Apartments Pentridge, I was locked in the basement twice, a week apart. After the first time, I was told it wouldn't happen again, but it did. I raised several concerns with staff, though I can't say whether anything was done. Cleanliness was uneven. The windows were visibly dirty, and one room had broken cabinetry. The air conditioning failed in my first room, so I had to move. The replacement wasn't serviced when scheduled. When it was eventually cleaned, the sheets were wet and smelled strongly stale, like they'd been left in the washing machine. That's not acceptable over a multi-week stay. They also oddly don't provide facewashers unless you ask. If they're available, they should just provide them. Modern rooms and a good location only go so far when consistency and follow-through are missing.

The hotel is a striking restoration, with original cell doors, walls and barred windows preserved, then finished elegantly and lit beautifully. Melbourne public transport is right nearby, and being outside the CBD wasn't a problem for me because I chose the place for the experience. I got upgraded to a cell suite because one was available. It's four old jail cells joined together, still clearly arranged in a line of four. The room was fitted out very well, with four-star quality. It won't suit everyone, and two days is probably enough for most people. Who knows what twenty or thirty years in one cell must have felt like? If you're not claustrophobic, staying in one for a night or two is a unique experience.