Reviews by sonieee

This review is for Vibe Savoy Hotel, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 16 Apr 2012

We live in Melbourne but we were attending an event in the city that we knew would finish quite late so we decided to book a hotel room and stay overnight rather than drive home. We did a search for hotels in Melbourne and this was one of the results that came up. We found the price to be reasonable ($150 for one night in a King room) so we decided to book it. The online booking system on their website was clear and easy to use.

The foyer of the hotel is clean and stylish. We were checked into our room by a friendly clerk quickly and without any issues. Our room (#717) was clean and nicely decorated. It was a little small, but for our purposes, this wasn't a problem (anyone requiring to stay for a longer period of time may want a bigger room). It had all the amenities we required (good quality iron and ironing board, etc) and the bed was really quite comfortable!

Check-out was just as quick and easy as check-in. We did not eat in the hotel restaurant, or use the minibar or room service, so I cannot comment on that.

We found the hotel to be reasonably priced, comfortable and in a really good location (opposite Southern Cross Station, with a tram stop right outside). Recommended if you're after a nice place to stay in the city that won't break the bank.

Approximate cost: $154 for one night's accomodation (room only)

This review is for La Belle Miette, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 04 Apr 2012

I visited La Belle Miette a few weeks ago after reading the review about them on WOMO. I love macarons and the flavours listed on their website are absolutely mouthwatering! They have a gorgeous little shop on Hardware Lane in the Melbourne CBD (it's really tiny, so if you blink you'll miss it) and the presentation of the macarons is stunning.

I bought a selection of flavours including 'Moet et Chandon & blackcurrant', salted caramel, 'Pimms & pomegranite' and 'cherry blossom & sake'. I found them all to be really delicious and flavourful (my favourites were the Moet and Pimms ones!) The cost per macaron is pretty standard at around $2.50 each.

The only disappointing part of the experience was the staff member who served me. I found her to be quite cold and disinterested. I asked for flavour recommendations and before I even finished my sentence she started listing the flavours in a very quick, robotic tone of voice. It's really disappointing because warmer, more inviting staff would really complement what is already a gorgeous store and delicious product.

This review is for Periwinkles, Highett VIC

verified email - 24 Mar 2012

We had breakfast here last week, having stumbled upon the place by accident. Unlike another place in Highett we tried that didn't allow ANY variations to their menu items, my husband was allowed to pick and mix what he wanted for his big breakfast (because he doesn't like eggs) and I got to add avocado to my breakfast sandwich (which I must say is a highly recommended addition!) The staff were really friendly and accommodating and the chef even came out to see how everything was. The decor of the cafe is basic, and it's not as "trendy" as some other places in the area, but the food is delicious and we would definitely visit again!

This review is for Gauge Espresso, Ormond VIC

verified email - 15 Mar 2012

Since opening last year, this little espresso bar has become one of my favourite places in Melbourne. The owner and his staff are some of the most genuinely friendly and welcoming people I've come across in the hospitality industry. They know exactly what I'm going to order as soon as I come in without my even having to speak!

The quality of the coffee is fabulous. The coffee is always hot (I never have to ask for "extra hot" because its normally perfect!) and the selection of sandwiches and pastries are DELICIOUS!!! They source their bread from a French boulangerie in Port Melbourne and make everything fresh. The Chicken and Avocado sandwich is one of my particular favourites. As mentioned in a previous review, they mix a bit of lemon and cheddar cheese into the avocado to give it a kick (its subtle but DELICIOUS!) I also love the fresh pastries too.

I could go on all day about how much I love this business. I'm lucky enough to work around the corner so I can visit as often as I like. They're also open on Saturday mornings until midday, so if you're after a coffee I'd definitely encourage you to drop by.

Overall, a fabulous business in all aspects!

Approximate cost: $4 for a large takeaway coffee

This review is for Kinkaku Japanese Restaurant, Ormond VIC

verified email - 13 Mar 2012

I discovered this hidden gem tucked away on North Road when I started working in Ormond last year. They make really delicious Japanese food of a very high quality.

They freshly prepare sushi handrolls when you order them so they're always fresh; the rice warm and perfectly cooked (no sitting around in refrigerated cabinets for goodness knows how long!) The cost of the handrolls during weekday lunchtimes starts from $2.30 each(!!!) which is extremely competitive when compared to other sushi places in Melbourne - especially considering their size and freshness!

I've eaten in and had takeaway from their main menu as well and I find that the portion sizes are huge (you'll never walk out hungry) and that the prices are very reasonable. I love the Bento boxes. The Yaki Udon is REALLY good too and highly recommended!

The owners are really polite and friendly and the service is great. You'll never walk away unhappy and you'll never want to go anywhere else!

This review is for Yoyogi, Melbourne VIC

verified email - 21 Feb 2012

I often pop by when going to/from uni to pick up a quick snack. The sushi rolls are reasonably priced and taste quite fresh. What I ESPECIALLY love are the brown rice sushi rolls. They have so much more flavour and texture than the regular white rice ones. As they have grown in popularity, they've introduced more flavours in the brown rice variant which is great. The one let down is the service, which leaves a lot to be desired. The staff are often short and don't smile or ask how you're doing.

This review is for Platform One Bakery Cafe, Ormond VIC

verified email - 12 Feb 2012

I came back from my Christmas break to find that the Bakery at Copper Cafe had changed hands and re-opened as the Platform One Bakery Cafe. The cafe has been renovated so now it feels much roomier and has a much better layout with the coffee machine right up the front.

There have definitely been some very positive changes to the cafe, such as a new breakfast and lunch menu, the sandwiches, wraps and rolls are now freshly made to order and there is a shiny new coffee machine! They still make the same delicious artisan breads and have a lot of yummy looking cakes and pies (which also look a lot fresher and tastier than before!)

Some of the old staff from Copper Cafe still work there, which is great because they are really friendly and a make terrific coffee. I've found that the newer staff don't make coffee as well, but I'm sure they'll get the hang of it eventually. I don't think that the prices have changed either, which is positive too.

New name, still a great place to visit!

This review is for T2 Tea, Cheltenham VIC

verified email - 12 Feb 2012

I love all of the teas at T2. They have a HUGE range with lots to feed my tea addiction. There is always something new to try and so much to choose from. My favourites are their Earl Grey and Rooibos teas. The quality of the teas is extremely high and I love their pyramid tea bags - they never break and are of far superior quality to the normal tea bags you find in the supermarket.

The store in Westfield Southland is always a delight to visit. It is welcoming, colourful and really well presented. I've also found that every single time I've gone into the store, the staff have been really helpful and welcoming. They never wait until you need help, they always approach you first. They also leave you to browse in peace when you tell them you're OK.

T2 have also launched a new loyalty program called The Tea Society. Although the program tiers seem a little out of this world (spend $500 to advance to the 2nd tier and $2500 for the top tier!) the rewards look kinda neat. I think I spend enough that I might just progress, albeit slowly!

This review is for Just Jeans, Cheltenham VIC

verified email - 12 Feb 2012

I wouldn't normally take the time to review a big brand like Just Jeans but, with the significant drop in the quality of customer service these days, I think that it is only right to congratulate anyone who provides an outstanding customer service experience.

I was in the store a couple of weeks ago with my husband, looking to buy him some new jeans and t-shirts and what not. It's hard enough trying to shop for a man, but especially so when you're getting him to try out something new.

The shop assistant who approached us to help (I think her name was Lauren) was extremely polite, friendly, patient and attentive. She was also very knowledgeable about the products in store and helped us find exactly what we were after. Never once did she try to force us to buy something we didn't want, nor did we feel that she was paying lip service to get us to buy something that didn't look right.

I was really impressed by the service and I will send an email through to Just Jeans head office as well to let them know.

A genuinely positive customer service experience!

This review is for BeWaxxxed, Bentleigh VIC

verified email - 12 Feb 2012

I drive past BeWaxxxed almost every day and I always thought in the back of my mind, "I should give them a go", but I've had enough bad waxing experiences in the past that I'm always reluctant to try a new place.

I decided to check and see if BeWaxxxed had been reviewed on WOMO, which they had, and the positive reviews put me at ease. I booked in for some treatments and have since been back again.

The salon is very clean and hygienic (more so than I've seen in a lot of places!) and the staff are really chatty and friendly. I'm also surprised at how quickly they finish the job, but without sacrificing the quality of their work (I'd never seen wax rollers before I visited their salon and they seem to work really well!)

I've since been back for a second visit and would happily return again and again. It's close to where I live, it's easy to find parking and the prices are reasonable. Recommended!