My wife's parents are staying at this hotel in January. Their travel agent sort of foisted it upon them because I think she got extra comission by booking it through Qantas tours.

Obviously Sheratons are usually nice, but I was wondering if this was a good location for them to stay. Is it walking distance from fun "local" neighborhoods, good restaurants, shops and attractions?

Also, my wife and I will be joining them in Melbourne but do not want to pay Sheraton prices. Can anyone suggest another hotel/motel nearby that's nice but not so dear?

Thanks!

i stayed here and loved the location. Its a little bit of a walkover a bridge,if I remember thru a train station.

Thanks Frani -- may I ask you what is a walk through a train station? Can you provide a little more detail?

From what I remember just a quick walkthrough. When we were there they were building the mega building next door with restaurants, stores , etc. and there were shows on the street, but it is a walk to be in the city.Maybe 10 minutes.

Sheraton Towers Southgate is on the banks of the Yarra River. I'd certainly recommend its location to visitors. A very short walk across the river, through the subway under the train station and you are in Flinders Street in the CBD. In Flinders Street you can get the free city circle tram to connect with the Queen Victoria market, aquarium, museum, parks, etc.Our excellent art gallery and theatre complex is five minutes walk away, the Botanic Gardens 15 minutes walk away. Southgate has many restaurants and touristy shops. Boat trips along the river and to Williamstown leave from Southgate. The Crown casino/hotel complex is further along Southgate with more restaurants and shops.
I understand Travelodge have a hotel very close to the Sheraton which is cheaper - about $Aus.100 or so.

Sheraton Towers is in a great location - although it's not my 1st preference when recommending accom in Melb as the rooms are on the small side. There's no need to walk through the subway to get into the city - you can either cross the river via the footbridge and go through the subway or walk about 100metres and cross the river over Princes Bridge in St Kilda Rd- a much more scenic way to go. The State Gallery has just re-opened just aorund the corner and make sure you check out the gallery at Federation Square - also right nearby. A ferry trip to Williamstown is also a great way to see the river and visit one of Melbourne's most historic and pretty areas.
The Travelodge is literally right behind the Sheraton and there are also several apartment rentals in the area.

Should have also mentioned that Crown have also just opened (last week) a new 4* hotel nearby. I think it's called Crown Promenade - considerably cheaper that Crown Towers. The travelodge is also less that 12 months old and as it's so close to the Sheraton I'd probably try for that 1st.

Thank you all. The Travelodge looks perfect and has availability.

Is cab the easiest way to travel from the airport to the hotel?

There are airport buses but by the time you pay for two fares, it probably wouldn't cost much more to get a taxi (cab) directly to your hotel, particularly if you arrive tired and cranky as we usually do.
Hope you all have a great holiday.

Get a cab - the bus can be quite slow and as Marg says with 2 fares on the bus, it's about the same amount for a cab.

stayed at sheraton southgate and loved it - at night that side of the river is active with restaurants and people milling about...the pedestrian bridge is right outside the hotel, if you want to go downtown - check out the new art gallery in federation square - excellent