Does anyone know offhand if any of the hotels/inns etc have 2 separate bedrooms and an adjoining living room area???

It looks like my parents will be joining us in Melbourne next August and was trying to think up ideas to save $ or would it just be cheaper to book 2 regular rooms???

We don't like the bed and breakfast type places so that isn't an option.

I don't think we will have enough Marriott or Hilton points this go round....but of course staying with them helps us EARN.

I know here in the states we have Embassy Suites the rooms are set so you can have privacy for sleeping.

Didn't know if something similar existed downunder!

Thanks for any help. We may try to have my brother come along as well....but he is low maintenance and can sleep on a roll away bed if need be!

A 2-bedroom serviced apartment may be the way to go - and there may be a convertible sofa in the living area if your brother comes.

I'm not sure how they coimpare price-wise, but probably not too badly. And you have the convenience of a kitchen and laundry.

They're plentiful in most cities.

I have a large family so am always looking for lodging with two or more bedrooms. If you want to be together, I think margo oz's suggestion of a two bedroom serviced apartment is excellent advice. Most hotels, unless they specialize in suites, don't offer two bedroom suites, and if they do, the price is astronomical, usually way more than the cost of two regular rooms. Apartments offer a kitchen, sometimes laundry facilities right in the unit, and lots of space, usually for a good price. And some have on site restaurants, daily housekeeping, room service, pools, concierges, etc. It may be a bit tricky to find an apartment with two master bedrooms, if that's important. Many put twin beds in the second bedroom. But that may not be a big deal, and you could always push the twins together.

How exactly do I search for these apartments? I am not familiar with this form of lodging.

Is there a particular site that is better than other for non "chain" hotels?? Are most of these places independently owned/operated?

As long as the bath is accessible by everyone and you don't have to go thru the bedroom--I don't mind having only 1

One site to try is www.mirvac.com.au, which lists several Melbourne apartment complexes. I stayed at a Mirvac apartment (the Quay West) in Sydney and was pleased. Another apartment company Medina may have apartments in Melbourne so you might check their website as well.

Medina has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in Melbourne, Sydney and other Australian cities. I stayed in one in Sydney (beautiful) for 6 weeks when I first got here, and just a few months ago in Melbourne with my parents (2 bedrooms). Their website address is medinaapartments.com.au. You're best off calling them for better rates than the website notes.

There are also many other apartment offerings.

Thanks a lot!

An apartment may be our best bet!

I hope to find out today if we can get 2 weeks for our trip and will probably have 5 days in Melbourne. It would be nice to have a small kitchen and save a few $ by having breakfast/snacks and drinks available from a grocery store.

I will check out those sites!

You could also try Quest Apartments - I'm sure they will have a website. I saw a recent advertisement for apartments with one or two bedrooms.

Also try Pacific International Apartments at Southbank (City Road, Melbourne). They are currently advertising two bedroom apartments for $211 per night for four people. Check it out on www.travelmate.com.au/accommodation