Ajolder

I am traveling with a coworker to Melbourne on business as first time visitor in mid June and will be staying three nights. We typically stay on the club floor of major hotels. Will have a free Saturday to see sights. Appreciate hotel recommendations. Items of importance (in no particular order): proximity to restaurants, decent sized room, well appointed club room, decent exercise room. Budget around 300 A$, give or take.

tt7

We have the usual suspects, though as I've never stayed in any of them, I can't really comment on how closely they would fit your criteria. The Westin, on Collins/Swanston, would generally be convenient, as would the Grand Hyatt, though their proximity to restaurants obviously depends on which restaurants you're going to. The Park Hyatt and the two Hiltons, the Sheraton, the Langham and the Crown (Metropol or Towers) would be somewhat less convenient and might necessitate a cab rather than walking, though it obviously depends on where you're going. Getting around - walk, tram or cab - is pretty easy. Where do you need to get to for work and what restaurants are you thinking of going to?

Ajolder

Thanks for response tt7. Unfortunately I do not know. We will be picked up by locals for business. Since I have no restaurant in mind then I will strike that criteria from my list. Would appreciate then your hotel recommendation then based on remaining three stated criteria - and I will worry about getting around, whether it be for business or dining.

Ajolder

I seem to have narrowed choice down to Hilton South Wharf vs. Marriott Melbourne. Hilton appears newer with larger rooms but located "out" at convention center whereas Marriott is older hotel with smaller rooms (only Queen sized beds…) but located in city center region. Anyone have any other comments to offer or pros/cons of one vs. the other. Recall we do have Saturday free for sightseeing.

tt7

I would consider the Marriott to be a more convenient location. As you have already observed, the (newish) Hilton at South Wharf (adjacent to what is referred to locally as "Jeff's Shed", aka the Convention Centre) has always seemed a bit out of the way to me.

Paul_H

The Westin is very good. Regarding proximity to good restaurants, unless you're staying in the 'burbs you are very close to lots of good restaurants so I wouldn't worry about that. Has a very good gym if memory serves. The Crown also has a very good gym and probably the best hotel pool in Melbourne (long enough to properly swim lengths) but last time I stayed the rooms were starting to look a bit dated.