Everyone is always so helpful on this site, and I'd love to get some advice on the places we think we'll stay in March. We prefer smaller places, like B&Bs, and actually prefer to be a little away from the CBD, which can empty out at night.

In Melbourne, we hadn't gotten to specifics yet, because we don't know if St Kilda is too far from stuff. Is Fitzroy a better option?

In Sydney, we last stayed in Potts Point, but this time were thinking of Darlinghurst or Paddington. Does anyone know of the Sydney Park Lodge? We also like the look of the Hughenden. It is in Woollahra, an area we are unfamiliar with. Is this perhaps too far away from things?

Perhaps you know of a good place in the area. Any help would be much appreciated!

I don't know Sydney Park Lodge.
The Hughenden (I've not stayed there) is just at the end of Paddington, as it goes into Woollahra. It's quite well located, and there's certainly some night life around - lots of bars, pubs and restaurants. Some gay focus. Good markets in Paddo on Saturday

Thank you for the info. Someone just told us to look into Manor House, Sullivan's,Paddington Terrace and Glenview B&B, also in that area. i just printed up some information off their websites, but I always like to hear what posters have to say. Anybody who can help?

For Melbourne, the suburbs bordering the CBD include St Kilda, Fitzroy, Carlton and East Melbourne. Kings B&B is a gorgeous (if you like grand old houses) building opposite the Melb Museum in Carlton. Magnolia Court is a boutique hotel/B&B in East Melb, not that much around the area, mainly residential but only 10 min walk into the CBD. St Kilda is popular, particularly with backpackers, does have a bit of a reputation for drugs and sleaze but we've always liked the vibe there. The Novotel is in a great spot, opposite the ocean. The Sunday craft market along the esplanade in St Kilda is good, as are the amazing cake shops in Acland St. Loads of restaurants in St Kilda, also in Lygon St, Carlton and Brunswick St, Fitzroy. If you choose to stay in the city, try Southbank which is on the edge of the CBD but livelier on weekends and evenings. We found the new Travelodge very well located, next to the Sheraton Southgate but more reasonably priced.
Kay

Thanks Kay! Can I trouble you to ask if Southbank is the South Yarra area? St Kilda sounds good to us - A little sleaze and drugs can make for a memorable time. But, will we always be on trams, or is the trip to places other than St Kilda really not too far. From the post I've read, some feel it's way out of the way, and others say not at all, which is a bit confusing.

Southbank is across the Yarra River from the Central Business District - say 3 min walk. South Yarra is about 15 mins away from the CBD by tram. St Kilda would be about 20-25 mins away by tram. However it depends what you want to do. Fitzroy would be about 15 mins. There are great restuarants in all of these locations (as well as in the CBD itself)

As Mary says, Southbank is very close to the city but South Yarra (different suburb) is a bit further away. It depends on where you want to go from St Kilda, if you have a car it won't make much difference whether you stay in St Kilda or the city, if you plan on doing tours, not sure whether tour companies would pick up in St Kilda, you may have to get to the city first. St Kilda is pretty lively, especially on sunny weekends, there are lots of places to eat, the beach, the Sunday market, etc. If you want to do things in the city, you will have to jump on a tram or catch a cab.
Kay

For an elegant B&B type experience, try the Tilba Hotel in Melbourne.
So a websearch and have a look at their site and see if it suits your style.

We used to live in Melbourne, moved to California five years ago. My pick is South Yarra, right on Chapel street(very trendy street), we used to live in St Kilda East (5 minutes drive to Chapel St). This was our favourite place for cafes, restaurants, shopping, going to the movies at the Jam factory...etc.. St Kida used to have a bad reputation...but it's now a trendy place for Yuppies, perhaps there may be some seedy street but overall, great place to walk around, Sunday market along the beach, restaurants, cafes etc.. South Bank is another favourite, it's along the river with restaurants, cafes, night clubs etc...
Melbourne is very easy to get around, including St Kilda, Fitzroy is OK, wouldn't advise tourist to stay there, because there's nothing to do, but they do have cute restaurants and cafes though. There's lots of trams to/from St Kilda, South Yarra area. Richond also has lots of shops, restaurants, night clubs..etc..

We used to live in Melbourne, moved to California five years ago. My pick is South Yarra, right on Chapel street(very trendy street), we used to live in St Kilda East (5 minutes drive to Chapel St). This was our favourite place for cafes, restaurants, shopping, going to the movies at the Jam factory...etc.. St Kida used to have a bad reputation...but it's now a trendy place for Yuppies, perhaps there may be some seedy street but overall, great place to walk around, Sunday market along the beach, restaurants, cafes etc.. South Bank is another favourite, it's along the river with restaurants, cafes, night clubs etc...
Melbourne is very easy to get around, including St Kilda, Fitzroy is OK, wouldn't advise tourist to stay there, because there's nothing to do, but they do have cute restaurants and cafes though. There's lots of trams to/from St Kilda, South Yarra area. Richmond also has lots of shops, restaurants, night clubs..etc..

Thank you all for this terrific information! We have a much better idea now of what to expect, and how to plan around it.