vvanderlust

Seeking Melbourne lodging ideas in the $200 US range with 2 twin beds (traveling with a friend). Short-stay apartments, inns, etc, are all options. I've searched this site, Trip Advisor, expedia, hotelclub etc. I'm not really sold on any option. It seems as if most hotels in Melbourne are dirty, aging, noisy or smoky. I know that can't be true.... so please help if you've ** actually stayed in a place within the last year ** that's clean and convenient to CBD (either in proximity or via tram).

The strongest contender so far is Cube Serviced Apartments -- but several reviews complain about the 5am garbage truck noise and the dark back alley entrance!

I am developing a love-hate relationship with lodging reviews. Thanks in advance.

Susan7

In the last year I've stayed at two hotels in Melbourne that I would recommend and that are within your price range: Urban Hotel at St Kilda, which was about $200 AUD (which is pretty much the same as the US dollar). It's a short tram ride from the city. I liked the location, there's lots of great places to eat in St Kilda and good cafes.

I've also stayed at Mantra on Little Bourke St in the City, we got a cheap deal on that. I think it was $170 or $180 last September. It's the usual characterless chain-type place, but perfectly OK.

My favourite Melbourne hotel is Lindrum, but that's probably outside your price range.

vvanderlust

Susan7--appreciate the feedback. I can see why Lindrum is your favorite... very nice! Maybe next time...

JoanneH

I just went through that. There are several. in the 180-200 price range I even found lovely home with pool at $150 but they had 7 day min and I am going to be there 5 nights.
http://www.wotif.com is a booking site for next day bookings however I found it very useful in finding places and what they offer all in one spot. Then I went from there and contacted various ones that interested me.
http://www.punthill.com.au \ http://www.corporatekeys.com.au/
http://www.espressoapartments.com.au \http://www.ozhotels.com.au/
http://www.shortstayapartments.com.au
I ended up back at Batemans on Collins not fancy but clean. I have stayed there several times and because of that they gave me a great price on 2 bedroom self service apartment with free wifi for $149 night.In the heart of the CBD trams trains at the door.
I did find several nice places in the docklands area in the same price range.
Now if there was just something reasonable at Ayers Rock

lavandula

We stayed at Mantra Southbank last year - had a cheapie deal (I think if you stay more than 3 nights they give you a discount). We had a small apartment. It was quite nice although they charge an arm and a leg for internet access. Location is quite convenient and you can go for nice walks up and down the Yarra. There is underground parking if you have a car.

Lavandula

vvanderlust

lavandula, how close is Mantra Southbank to CBD?

lavandula

If you know where Flinders St Station is (just next to the Yarra), it's on the other side of the Yarra. To get to the CBD you just walk a few short streets to the Yarra and there is a pedestrian footbridge across the river. It takes you to a tunnel that runs under the station, and you emerge in Flinders St. You can then easily walk up Elizabeth St to the shops. I found the location convenient. There is a small supermarket down the road and you are not so far from Coles in Elizabeth St too. There is also an in-house restaurant if you don't want to use your kitchen.

http://www.mantra.com.au/victoria/me...ow-to-find-us/

Lavandula

Susan7

There was a special offer in the newspaper today for a whole series of Mantra hotels, including Mantra in Exhibition st which appeared to be the cheapest.

http://www.mantra.com.au/victoria/me...00-exhibition/

MissGreen

Hotel Lindrum is fabulous.

Check it out on wotif.com as rooms here range from $205 per night... oops just noticed a problem, they don't have twin rooms.

vvanderlust

Thanks, all, for the ideas. Yes, finding 2 beds has been an issue... Waiting to hear back on a couple properties.

hypecm

Last year I stayed at Formule 1 Hotel on Elizabeth st. in the CBD and the price was very cheap.