Last weekend, I had to go away on a business trip. The company generally coughs up for a good hotel, a general reward for working your guts out when you're away. (When I've gone away on a business trip, I've never done any less than a 12 hours of work per day - they want to get their money's worth).

Anyway, the hotel the sent me to was stunning, to say the least. It was on Mornington Peninsula, which is popular holiday spot 1 hour south of Melbourne. The whole place is just wonderful, but the hotel (Brooklands) is something else again. Its not a huge place, its only got about 30 rooms, but the rooms are full of old-style character, and the grounds are full of native plants and animals. Each room has a private back-yard that looks over a small creek. At sunset, all the parrots and other bird life come out to eat the fruit and suck the nectar from the trees and shrubs. Its peaceful and picturesque, so relaxing and soothing.

The main building, where the dining rooms and reception are located, is actually the old homestead that has been renovated. It has a great charm to it by itself, you can almost feel the presence of the "olden day" lifestyle. There was a room called the "tapestry room" which was the lounge room, for want of a better name. It was the place where you could have a few quiet drinks or relax with a newspaper, or even do tapestry! There was a lovely old fireplace, which would have been absolutely incredible in winter (shame it was summer) and there was soft classical music coming from somewhere. Soft dappled sunlight shone through the bay window, giving a light and airy feeling. The staff were friendly, but unobtrusive, doing their utmost to make sure you enjoyed your stay without intruding into your privacy. There was only one thing missing that would have made the whole place utterly perfect.

A beautiful friendly cat dozing quietly on one of the chairs.

After mentioning this to Pauline, one of the managers, she said that I was right, a place with such majesty needed a friendly cat just to complete the picture, but Australian Hygiene Laws prevented animals being kept in hotel and motel premises. I sighed, and thought how much Shmoggleberry would have fitted into the picture. Well, maybe not the "friendly" part, but he would have looked just perfect snoring contentedly by the fire.

I had to go back to my room and call Joel. After having a good conversation ourselves, he read my mind, and let Shmoggleberry purr down the phone at me. After that, I felt contented, and had an excellent nights sleep. It would have been a perfect place too, had it not been missing that one thing.

(It's still my favourite hotel though.)

Copyright © Vicky Chapman
December 7, 1998