Offering quality contemporary accommodation - inside an historic Italianate mansion - with personal service and individual style, The Hatton enables guests to indulge in the best from times new and old.

Purpose built as a hotel in 1902, seven years ago the striking building that is The Hatton, underwent meticulous restoration and refurbishment. In this carnation, the hotel capitalises on its grand proportions while delivering comfort and functionality with sophisticated contemporary Melbourne style.

Rich in Italianate period features including rosettes, plump balustrades, cornices, stained glass windows, generous verandahs, high ceilings, and wide corridors The Hatton - with today's mod-cons, contemporary styling and creature comforts - is a warm and welcoming hotel that's routinely relied on by its discerning business and leisure clientele.

Guest rooms work within the existing structure of the building using interior walls, enclosed alcoves, and steps up or down to differentiate living spaces and provide access to en-suites.

A predominantly neutral colour palette has allowed the original architectural features to come into their own. Offset with strategic use of rich feature colours - mostly dessert orange and Aubergine - a warmth is created that is welcomed by the spacious rooms.

Colour and form cleverly contrast with a variety of textured finishes. Smooth waxed floorboards and wooden mantels; soft pure cotton, woolen or down bedding; industrial style stainless steel; and sparkling glass and ceramics; come together to define spaces within each room and create a tactile and luxurious environment that is at once sophisticated and hospitable.

Interspersed with a combination of traditional and contemporary local furniture and decorative artworks, interior design of The Hatton reflects the cross cultural diversity and history of Melbourne and Victoria and provides insight to Melbourne's rich contemporary art scene.

Furniture has been selected with equally close attention given to aesthetics, comfort and functionality. Many of the antique tables, cupboards, chests, chairs, and ornaments which furnish the hotel offer functionality with individuality.

A massive Kauri Pine topped counter with decorative pressed iron base (circa 1880) from a rural Victorian drapery store provides a focal point as it proudly defines the public and staff sections of the Front Lounge.

More contemporary pieces commissioned especially for the hotel include the stainless luggage racks designed by Duncan Turnbull, which feature purple and orange sensuade cushions and double up as extra seating and personal coffee table.

A five foot Aubergine Emma Davies Wrap Vase sets an inviting tone of modern sophistication as guests enter the front door, and is another piece commissioned specifically for a large alcove in the entrance hall. Displays of exotic flowers, fruits and foliage designed by Domain Flowers are refreshed weekly.

Special lighting effects, using coloured gels and a variety of materials, created by Melbourne stage lighting designer, Phillip Lethlean, lead guests through the hotel drawing attention to architectural features and creating an almost theatrical atmosphere.

Restoration of the building to its original splendour, with the benefit of contemporary comfort and styling, has protected the integrity of this historic South Yarra landmark and earned it its reputation as Melbourne's leading inner city boutique hotel.