Named by critics as one of the leading hotels of the world, Melbourne's Langham Hotel on the banks of the Yarra River stands within easy reach of the city's business fashion and shopping districts, sports venues, parks and gardens, al fresco restaurants, cafés and nightlife. Located in the center of Melbourne's art precinct, the Langham is close to the Arts Centre and National Art Gallery of Victoria, and only a kilometer from the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Center, Crown Casino, aquarium, cricket ground and Rod Laver tennis arena. Melbourne International Airport lies 22 kilometers from the hotel. A place where both sexes escaped from the active, yang side of life, to seek respite from the world was the Chinese garden... So starts the philosophy of the hotel's Chuan Spa, where an East meets West philosophy and views of the river and skyline combine with Scandinavian saunas, conservatory covered pool, aromatherapy, saunas, spa bath and fitness center. The hotel's Melba Brasserie, an historically local favorite with envious views over the Yarra and skyline, draws in the patrons with international cuisine spiced with Australian flair, including such yummy dishes as Asian crispy duck pancakes, Boeuf Bourguignon, Singapore murtabak in roti, grilled calamari, veal scaloppini, Hainanese chicken rice, and vegetarian pumpkin soup. In addition, the Tisane Lounge offers a primo mix of cocktails, coffee, snacks, traditional high tea and live music. The Langham also features a business center and nine meeting rooms for up to 400 people. The 387 guestrooms, including 11 suites, feature bathrobes, cable TVs, coffeemakers, work desks, safes, Internet access, minibars, refrigerators and premium bedding. Couples on romantic Australian junkets, business travelers and other vacationers will get the treatment, accommodations, amenities and location they expect from such a luxury place as the Langham Hotel.