I hoped to perform my compositions for them at the upstairs place with the piano, free of charge. I visited earlier this week, to see if it was possible, the staff say to come back on Thursday, that it would be open then. So I returned (on Thursday) at about 3:00pm or so, the staff said it would be open at 5:00pm, and that she would ask the other manager if it would be ok for me to try the piano, so I went home again and then came back around 5:00. Downstairs, I purchased an orange juice (I purchased it not because I very much wanted orange juice, but I tried to support local business, and hoped that the hope given me would not be a false hope), and so then asked the staff if I could play the handwritten scores I brought with me, and they said no - that it was not open for me.
In about 2 years, this is the second time I tried to approach them about performing my work for them (after a similar thing happened the first time, I decided not to return, but recently reconsidered), and voluntarily, not for employment. Because actually, some years earlier a man from CATT (Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team) came to my home, uninvited, and at one point, after looking at my resume, he forbade me from seeking employment ("wealth for toil"). The man from CATT told me that he would return to me when I was ready to seek employment. It was a hypocrisy, because he was being paid to tell me not to get a job. So for many years I have been unemployed, because I was obedient to the man from CATT (who visited my home several times, uninvited), these are seemingly an organisation working for Alfred Health (they were coming to my home, because I had been in the Psychiatric Ward at Alfred Hospital, following a false accusation against me that Victoria Police took to be true).
Anyway, I don't plan to return to this unwelcoming Hotel Esplanade They have added to my burdens, when I tried to give my music away for free (I studied piano and composition at University of Melbourne years earlier).
[EDIT: At the time of this edit, Management of Esplanade Hotel seemed to reply to most reviews, but made a point of skipping this one, after it's initial posting - they responded to newer ones, and older ones too - probably they just don't like...
Read morei had lost my drivers license a few days prior going to the espy to celebrate a friends birthday and had called up to ask them what other forms of id they could take. the man who i spoke to acted like he couldn’t care less about it and basically told me to bring all forms of id that i can provide and hope for the best and if the security guards don’t let me in, ask to speak to a manager and sort it out with them.
when i got to the venue, before i even lined up, i went to the security guard and prefaced my situation to him; before i could even get a word out he just bluntly interrupted me and said “if you don’t have a license, can’t help you, go somewhere else” then I tried to tell him i had six forms of other id which included a past school id that had my birth date and photo on it, my literal birth certificate, a photo of my drivers license, my Medicare card and my concession card and a literally proof of purchase of my drivers license with all necessary information. all of that pieced together would be more legitimate than a drivers license itself. i also asked to speak to a manager like i was told and he told me that his opinion overrides the managers and that he won’t let me in regardless. then he continued to yell in my face and wave his hands around and kept interrupting me and at the end said “end of conversation go somewhere else” and walked away when I didn’t even get the chance to even SHOW him all the proof of me and my age that I had. He also insulted me and was just yelling at me for no reason when i was being so nice and understanding.
i then spoke to some other security guard and one of the people who stand in line with us and they both agreed i should be let with with how much proof of age i have but told me they couldn’t override the front security guards opinion because he wouldn’t listen and they just told me to try again once i got to the front of the line.
a little respect next time from the security guards would have been appreciated. they don’t need to prance around with a big ego because they think they can pick and chose to do what they like and override a...
Read moreIf I could give more than five stars, I would. Hosting an event can be daunting, but at The Espy, you’re in the hands of professionals who redefine what seamless event execution looks like.
I recently hosted a milestone birthday at The Espy’s Balcony Bar, and from the very first enquiry, I knew I had chosen the right venue. The event management team was responsive, professional, flexible, and genuinely invested in making our night spectacular. No request was too much trouble, and their attention to detail was second to none.
On the night, everything came together flawlessly. The setup was perfect, the hospitality staff were warm, attentive, and effortlessly in sync, and the food—well, let’s just say the rave reviews from my guests haven’t stopped. Pair that with the breathtaking St Kilda waterfront views and a truly intimate, atmospheric space, and you have a venue that delivers on every level.
But a great venue is nothing without great people. Events succeed because of the unsung heroes behind the scenes—the event coordinators, kitchen staff, AV technicians, and front-of-house team who work tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. And at The Espy, they do it with precision, passion, and an energy that makes you feel like your event is the most important one they’ve ever hosted.
A Masterclass in Hospitality: The Espy’s Balcony Bar delivered for me an unforgettable special event! If you’re looking for a stunning event space in Melbourne that offers unparalleled views, exceptional food, and a team that goes above and beyond, look no further. A heartfelt thank you to everyone at The Espy for helping us create an unforgettable celebration. Highly, highly recommend! Thank...
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