We would like to stay in Melbourne area for several weeks From Feb 15/02.Would someone who has been a visitor there know where we could get a one bedroom self contained apartment w/ washer/dryer,and all the other appliances for a reasonable price? <BR> My wife and I are Canadians and although we are seniors we enjoy playing tennis and hiking.<BR>Any guidance from fellow travellers would be much appreciated.

Hi Bruce:<BR><BR>I stayed at the Gordon Oakford Place, right near Chinatown in the City Center. I got a studio for about $165AUD. The hotel has two sections...one newly remodeled, and an older section. I requested a newer studio, and it was small and terrible! They then put me in a "deluxe" studio in the older section, and while the furnishings were much older, it's was large and airy (high ceilings) with a small kitchen and all appliances. There is a laundry facility right on site, and best of all, it's free! They even give you the detergent. It's not the swankiest place by any stretch of the imagination, but it is centrally located and reasonable.

Check out the www.wotif.com.au site and see whats on offer for the next few weeks and then you will be able to book it later in the month.

I think the address does not have au on the end of it. I just tried to get into the site but it was down - should be back soon.

Just had a look at the site and they have the Oakford on Collins listed which is in a very good position and in self-contained, though I am not sure if the washer and dryer is in the apartment or available in a laundry room. The cost is going for an average of $120 Au per night on standby. If that is what you want I would email them and tell them how long you would be staying and ask if they would match that rate, or better it, for the time you are there. I am sure you would get a favourable reply. There are others on the list as well so you could try them all and see which gives you more of what you want. <BR><BR>Good luck <BR>Liz<BR>

Although I live in Melbourne, I'm not familiar with apartments in the city area. Two suggestions - try www.racv.com.au (this is the Victorian motoring organisation who put out a good accommodation guide and will make bookings for you) and www.melbournecitysearch.com.au

We visited Melbourne last March and I found this website very useful. http://www.visitvictoria.com/ I booked most of the accommodation through hotels/B&Bs found in here. <BR>For self contained apartment, use their search function: choose Melbourne and Self Contained. This website will give you comprehensive descriptions of the apartments identified and in most cases you will find a link to the ones you like and be able to check it out before booking. Good luck and have fun. It is a beautiful city.<BR>