Europewithkids

My family will be in Melbourne in August and we are looking for an apartment hotel. Even if you do not have hotel recommendations, what locations would be the best -- nice and convenient? We will need to take public transportation out to Gardenvale a few times.

inthechips2

We stayed at Hotel Enterprize which was about a 10 minute walk from the Spencer Street station and then yet another 10 minutes the other direction to the river and dining options, and the trolley was close by that took us around the city to the Queen Vic market. It was a very nice location for us. It did not have any kitchen facilities though - just a pot to make tea and coffee with. But reasonable and clean.

maryk

There are heaps of apartment hotels in Melbourne's CBD. Try Pacific International (www.pacificinthotels.com) or Medina (www.medinaapartments.com.au). Both are good and have apartments reasonably close to Flinders St station and the major tram routes out to Gardenvale.

Mac123

Also try www.wotif.com.au to see numerous hotels/apartments at discount prices. You can book up to one month in advance. I usually stay in the CBD at the Darling Towers on Collin Street. This is an apartment hotel, you get studio, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments. When I stayed in Feb 06, a two bed apartment over the w/e was $190 to $210 per night. I love the location, very central to shopping and transport.

cheers Mac123

Europewithkids

Thanks, Marc123. Darling Towers does not have an indoor pool, which may emd up being a factor. However, it certainly looks nice and I will keep it in mind, as well as the location.

surich

We will be in melbourne next month and after looking around have opted for Medina Grand apartments on Queen St. We will let you know how it was.

Europewithkids

Thanks. The Medina Grand looks really nice, but it is VERY expensive.

margo_oz

I stayed at Pacific apts on Exhibition for the tennis in January - and the location was great. The hotel wasn't too bad - probably not too expensive considering it was peak period, and walking distance from the tennis centre. A 2-bedroom apartment was quite comfortable.

I've also stayed at Somerset Gordon Place. I stayed in a studio, but looked at a 2-br apartment - and it was also OK, small but livable.

I second having a look at wotif.com. You can get an idea of places and location, amenities, etc. Even if you can't book the period you want now - nust the information availabloe there is worth checking.

JohnFitz

I suggest looking for apartments in Exhibition , Russell , Flinders or Spring Streets and Southgate but at the Arts Centre end . These will put you near theatres ,restaurants , transport and shops .

Eekthecat

We stayed at Quest apartment in South bank when ever we are in Melbourne and its really impressive. close to the casino, CBD, Trams and in walking distance to river.

I highly recommend it. Get a good price on www.wotif.com if you can.

eek

Karen246

Wotif is the way to go - depends on budget but the Medina in Flinders street is nice, Clarion down the street is also good, Punt Hill are all very convenient and comfortable - sure you will find something nice

tetrabit

We used to live in Melbourne...you'll love it there. Melbourne is pretty compact, lots of trams everywhere. Stay near Chapel street South Yarra if you want to walk to shops and restaurants etc...CBD is OK, around Bourke street, near the cinema is pretty lively at night also and lots of restaurants. Collins street for shopping during the day, but don't have to stay there. I'm not sure about staying in Spencer Street though, don't usually hang out at night there.

Loved the Casino area also. Gardenvalle? Hmm...have not heard of this place, are you sure it's not Springvale? Which is a suburb, you can catch a train from Flinders Street station. From Flinders, you can pretty much go any where by train, although it's much better using trams traveling around the city.

surich

Further to our ealier response we spent 5 nights at the Medina Grand apartments on Queen Street Melbourne and were really pleased with the location and the standard of the accommodation.