Series - The Chen
Art-forward boutique hotel. The aesthetic is warm and playful rather than cold-gallery serious — Zhong Chen's Kung Fu series prints and pastel drip-marks give corridors genuine character. Self-contained suites skew toward the extended-stay crowd, but the rooftop pool and artwork pull in weekend visitors too.
Request a high floor suite facing away from Whitehorse Road to avoid traffic noise — lower floors facing the main road can be loud
Why It Matters
The only hotel in Australia dedicated to Zhong Chen's transcultural Chinese-Australian art. Part of the broader Art Series collection under Accor, each property honoring a different Australian artist. Opened 2017 as the 8th Art Series hotel and the first located well outside the Melbourne CBD.
The Chen is built around the art and personality of Zhong Chen — a Chinese-Australian painter whose bold, Pop-influenced works hang in every room, corridor, and lobby. It occupies five floors of Whitehorse Towers, Box Hill's tallest building, and the rooftop pool on level 24 delivers real skyline views back to Melbourne's CBD. One hundred open-plan suites, an on-site Cantonese restaurant, and a five-minute walk to one of Melbourne's best Asian food precincts. It also sits a short walk from two major hospitals, which makes it a practical base for longer medical-adjacent stays.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
2-Bedroom Deluxe Interconnecting Suite
Two interconnecting open-plan Studio Suites that open into each other — the go-to for families or groups. Each side has its own king bed, bathroom, TV, and minibar. The combined space is one of the most practical family configurations in the building.
2 KingDeluxe Studio Suite
Larger open-plan suite with a fully equipped kitchenette including microwave, fridge, and cooking facilities — the pick for longer stays. King Art Series Signature bed and the same art-laden fitout as the rest of the property.
KingDeluxe Studio Suite Balcony
The Deluxe Studio with the addition of a private balcony. Views look across Box Hill and surrounds. Full kitchenette, king bed, and the full Art Series amenities package.
KingStudio Suite
Open-plan studio with a king-size Art Series Signature bed, Zhong Chen artworks on the walls, walk-in shower, and a compact but well-equipped layout. Good for solo travellers or couples who do not need a kitchenette.
KingStudio Suite Balcony
Open-plan studio with a private balcony for views across Box Hill and surrounds. Otherwise the same spec as the standard Studio Suite.
KingStudio Suite Twin
Same open-plan layout as the Studio Suite but configured with two queen-size Art Series Signature beds. Good for families or friends travelling together.
2 QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Hotel art curators and advocates offer free guided tours of the artworks throughout the property for guests who want to go deeper into Zhong Chen's practice and the stories behind the pieces.
Every room comes with a curated stack of art books and a dedicated TV channel screening a mini-documentary about Zhong Chen — his life, work, and the intersection of Chinese and Western culture that defines his practice.
Lekker brand bicycles available for hire to explore Box Hill and surrounds. A practical and fun way to get around the suburb.
Smart cars available for hire through the hotel — useful for day trips or CBD visits.
Covered entertainment area adjacent to the rooftop pool on level 24. Features barbecues and seating — guests can cook and dine with city views as the backdrop.
A 25m heated outdoor pool on level 24 with unobstructed views of Melbourne's CBD skyline. Large sundeck for lounging, plus a covered entertainment pavilion with BBQs and communal seating. One of the property's signature drawcards.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rooms adapted for guests with accessibility needs. Property actively welcomes guests with access requirements including vision impairment.
Boutique conference and events spaces available within the hotel.
Shared common lounge and TV area for guests.
Complimentary WiFi available in all rooms and most public spaces.
On-site gymnasium — note: the gym is closing from 23 June 2025 for relocation. During closure, guests are provided access to a nearby off-site facility arranged by the hotel.
On-site self-parking available at AUD$24/day. Limited spaces — not guaranteed. Access via Fairbank Lane off Nelson Road; use intercom at first boom gates. Confusing for first-timers; read pre-arrival instructions carefully.
Heated outdoor pool on level 24 with Melbourne CBD skyline views.
Secure luggage storage available for early arrivals and late departures.
Room service available during limited hours.
Dry cleaning and laundry available for guests.
Reception staffed around the clock. Room service also available (limited hours).
BUILD YOUR ART SERIES - THE CHEN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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