While the notorious Gatwick Hotel provided its share of challenges for the teams on this year’s season of The Block, things aren’t likely to get any easier next year.
It’s been confirmed that Channel Nine has snapped up yet another run-down, seedy hotel in Melbourne for the fifteenth season of the long-running renovation show.
According to Domain, the network paid just $10,815,000 for the former Oslo Hotel, which is just a five minute walk from the newly-renovated Gatwick in St Kilda.
Coming soon! Channel Nine has purchased yet another run-down, seedy Melbourne venue for the fifteenth season of The Block: The Oslo Hotel in St Kilda
Nine is teasing the upcoming season as The Block’s biggest yet and, in terms of size, the Oslo is reportedly twice as big as The Gatwick – and just as derelict.
The graffiti-covered establishment is reportedly plagued with asbestos issues, with danger signs taped to the facade of the building.
And just like The Gatwick, the Oslo was previously used as budget accommodation, with some guests paying as little as $18 a night.
Same neighbourhood: The Oslo Hotel is just a short walk from The Block 2018’s Gatwick Hotel
Health warning: The graffiti-covered establishment is reportedly plagued with asbestos issues, with danger signs taped to the facade of the building
Major project: The Oslo is reportedly twice the size of the Gatwick Hotel, and just as derelict
From low budget to luxury: Channel Nine paid just $10,815,000 for the former Oslo Hotel, which is just a five minute walk from the newly-renovated Gatwick in St Kilda
Dirt cheap: Just like The Gatwick, the Oslo was previously used as budget accommodation, with some guests paying as little as $18 a night
Despite the low rates, the Oslo has attracted a series of damning reviews on Tripadvisor, with many former guests complaining about the ‘sordid’ conditions.
One former guest wrote: ‘This is the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in… The bedrooms are disgusting. There’s mice in the kitchen. Rude staff. The manager is too busy smoking outside half the time to care what’s going on at the hostel. I’ve never stayed in a dirtier place. Avoid avoid avoid!’
Another commented: ‘Been travelling for four months throughout all of Southeast Asia and this is by far the worst place I’ve been to. Filthy lobby that smells [of] weed and feet, and the rooms were just as dirty. We stayed there for several nights and they didn’t ever clean the bathroom… Don’t go here!’
Grim: Despite the low rates, the Oslo has attracted a series of damning reviews on Tripadvisor, with many former guests complaining about the ‘sordid’ conditions
History: The Oslo was built in 1859, and originally housed five stately Victorian homes. It’s believed the original homes are concealed behind the hotel’s current facade
Makeover: Channel Nine is reportedly obtaining permission to demolish a section of the main building, which is heritage listed
Extension: Plans have been submitted to add a two-storey extension at the back of the building
The Oslo was built in 1859, and originally housed five stately Victorian homes.
Although the property is heritage listed, it’s believed the original homes are concealed behind the hotel’s current facade, with the show reportedly obtaining permission to demolish a section of the main building.
Producers have also submitted plans to add a two-storey extension at the back of the building.
House of horrors: ‘This is the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in… The bedrooms are disgusting. There’s mice in the kitchen. Rude staff,’ read one Tripadvisor review