Dec 21 2008
Choosing a Hotel in Melbourne
Yesterday we looked at Melbourne’s public transport system (or transit as American’s would say) today lets look at accommodation options. I’ve never lived in Melbourne but I tend to visit on a regular basis - so here is my quick guide as to how to choose where to stay in Melbourne.
Melbourne has a lot of big events either at the Hisense Arena (aka Vodafone Arena), Rob Laver Arena - for the tennis or at the MCG in the Docklands. Logically it makes sense to stay close to venue but then you may end up paying a premium.
Docklands is so close to the top end (higher numbers) of Collins and Bourke Street you will probably get a good deal from any number of self-catering apartments which are usually modern and high rise.
The MCG/Rod Laver/Hisense are adjacent to each other and about 20 minutes from the CBD. However the hotels there know it and will charge a premium. You also won’t find many cafes and shops in the area but will have to hop on a train or tram to go out and eat.
South Bank has been developed over the last decade or so to a showcase area with expensive hotels and the casino. The views can be great and its easy walking to town: but it hasn’t quite got the bustle that down town Melbourne has. The Langham would be the pick of luxury 5-star hotels here if that’s where your budget is at!
The Melbourne CBD - defined by the circle tram route - is my pick of where to stay if you want to be central to all the action and attractions. Getting anywhere is very easy as far as public transport is concerned. Driving in the city can be a little scary for the beginner though, mainly because of those frequent, large and fast-moving trams which you share the road with.
St Kilda is a delightful seaside suburb which has lots of hostels and budget accommodation, is a quick 20 minutes from the city by tram as is very convenient if you are sailing to Tasmania on the ferry. Its relatively easy to get a car to and then park it up while you are in Melbourne.
I usually use an online booking site for a hotel - the best deals are generally about 3 weeks before you travel. Check this site out for an interesting range of Melbourne hotel reviews .
