(Serviced) Apartment advice in Melbourne

[QF WP]

Have a business conference coming up in Melbourne at the MCEC, and I'm looking after the accom requirements for the 3 of us going from our company (for nights of Wed 18th & Thurs 19th November). All of us are men (one is my brother ) and previously, we have used 2 rooms in hotels (this has worked as generally one of us have our wife & kids with us), so the other 2 share.

But this year, no wives and with the GFC, we are looking to see what 2 bed apartments there are in walking distance. The Conference booklet lists 2 options (Manta South Bank and Quest Southbank Serviced Apartments). Have not stayed in either and would appreciate any feedback from members who have stayed at either (or any other serviced apartments you want to put forward). Mantra is quoted at $294 per night for 2 bed, Quest is $287 for 2 bed.

Still trying to get some Frequent Guest value (need some stays at Hilton or IHG), so will be putting them up as options, but think the price might be more of a factor this year (even with my Hilton 20% off). Hmmm, just noticed Hilton South Wharf have 2 bed apartments...

 

[QF WP]

Hmm, after looking at both hotels as well as apartments (that either have rooms that can sleep 3, or 2 rooms that can sleep 3), seems the short list is:

Quest Southbank (2 bedroom internet special @ $247 pn, excluding breakfast),
Melbourne Short Stay Apartments (2 bedroom apartment @ $285 pn, excl brekky)

After a short meeting discussing the options, seems that Quest Southbank is the leader.

 

[serfty]

Sorry I can't help. Serviced apartments in Melbourne are not my forte ...

 

[QF WP]

Thanks for the thought serfty. Quest Southbank booked (as well as the flights). Disappointed that it was the only Quest in MEL that wasn't on QF Hotels, so I couldn't get any QFF points.

Still interested to hear from anybody who has stayed there.

 

[oz_mark]

Don't know much about that particular one.

I had stayed at the Mantra back when it was a Pacific International, and it was fine for the purpose!

I thought Quest was a QFF partner so you should get 3 points per dollars (subject to all the terms yada yada yada)

 

[poppet]

I have stayed in a 2br apartment at the Grand Mercure Docklands before and they are really nice. We are staying there again in November when we head over there for the golf - but a 3br apartment this time. Worth a look if you are happy to stay in the docklands areas.

I have also stayed at the Quest Docklands and they were ok (mercure are better) - but I managed to flood the room by putting a load of washing on and popping out to DFO only to come back and find that housekeeping didn't divert the washing machine hose down the drain ... instead it drained onto the floor of the apartment (and the adjoining room) so we were fortunate enough to get an upgrade to a 2br apartment out of it.

 

[Tooner]

Thanks for the thought serfty. Quest Southbank booked (as well as the flights). Disappointed that it was the only Quest in MEL that wasn't on QF Hotels, so I couldn't get any QFF points.

Still interested to hear from anybody who has stayed there.

Lindsay, I stayed there with my family probably 3 years ago. The 2 bedders were good and the furnishings etc also good. At the time I felt they were better than Medina (which was my usual haunt). Its not far from Southbank but make it quite clear to the taxi driver the name and full address: when I went there from the airport he took me to Quay West (nice, but out of the price range)

 

[QF WP]

poppet & tooner, many thanks for taking the time to reply.

poppet, for some reason the Grand Mecure Docklands wasn't in the original options. Hmmm, the 2 bedroom, 2 bath, City View is $506 - only $12 more expensive than the current booking. Just have to see if it's closer to the new MCEC (the map on the website doesn't really give me the clarity I need).

Tooner, yes the debate rages whether we get the Skybus to Southern Cross and a shuttle bus/taxi to apartment (my perferred option) or a taxi from the airport direct to apartment - 3 of us with small to medium sized suitcases. At the time we are arriving (6.15pm), should be at the tail end of the peak hour traffic into town. I would have thought the taxi fare would have been at least $80; versus the Skybus (3 x $26 bought on-line plus any shuttle/taxi fare). Anyone want to wade into this debate :?:

Of course, I suggested walking from SC to Southbank (as I have done SC to Hilton), was howled down by the two lazy sods here :shock:

 

[drewbles]

If you're at the MCEC, you won't want to stay at Mantra as it's a pretty decent walk from there every day. That said, their 2 bedroom apartments are excellent (I also have stayed there when it was the Pacific International just after it opened, and the two bedroom apartments have a huge kitchen/lounge area facing City road). It's pretty much behind the Arts centre on St Kilda road, so a hike to the MCEC each day.

Not sure about other options, but there's sure to be plenty as you're finding out.

 

[Batesy]

LW. The grand mercure or any of the managed apartments at Docklands are great. They are full size homes with all the normal home conveniences. Tram into the heart of the CBD plus Spencer street (southern cross) railway station and shopping close by. Lots of bars and restaurants to use for brekky, dinner.

 

[Flashback]

LW. The grand mercure or any of the managed apartments at Docklands are great. They are full size homes with all the normal home conveniences. Tram into the heart of the CBD plus Spencer street (southern cross) railway station and shopping close by. Lots of bars and restaurants to use for brekky, dinner.

I have stayed in a 2br apartment at the Grand Mercure Docklands before and they are really nice. We are staying there again in November when we head over there for the golf - but a 3br apartment this time. Worth a look if you are happy to stay in the docklands areas.

I have also stayed at the Quest Docklands and they were ok (mercure are better) - but I managed to flood the room by putting a load of washing on and popping out to DFO only to come back and find that housekeeping didn't divert the washing machine hose down the drain ... instead it drained onto the floor of the apartment (and the adjoining room) so we were fortunate enough to get an upgrade to a 2br apartment out of it.

My father spent approx. 4-5 months at the Grand Mercure Docklands (2 bedroom apartment) and thought the place was great. In fact, when he was back in town for the Grand Final last week he stayed there again; and the rates were still very reasonable!

He didn't get any points though (but that may have been due to it being a corporate rate).

 

[Nigelinoz]

Can I put in a word for the Quality Inn On Batmans Hill?
It's at the top of Collins Street in the old state bank building,I've stayed there many times and always found it excellent .
Directly opposite Southern Cross station and easy walk from the Skybus terminal and I'm pretty sure that you can earn QF points as well.
Quality Hotel Batman's Hill on Collins - 623 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3000

 

[QF WP]

drewbles yes all of the Mantra's were ruled out for that reason (too far to walk to/from), the closest one was actually booked out. We want to be close to the MCEC - we want to be able to find our way there when we stagger there in the mornings (although we do want a little walk to help clear the head and eyes).

Batesy and Flashware, the Grand Mecure Docklands is in the mix - thanks for your thoughts. Next meeting between us all is tomorrow, so will bring it to their attention. Cost differential is slight, so being closer to MCEC might help (IIRC, I walked past them when walking from Hilton back into Collins Street - via the little bridge last time I was in MEL).

Batesy, get there late Wed, so no meals needed (QF will have fed us in QP and on board), Thursday night is a function and flying back Fri night (QF feeds us again). All lunches included in Conference, so breakfasts are the only concern. I'm sure we'll find something in the general vicinity (or buy something from 7-11 and eat-in)

NIGELINOZ, you can always put up your favourite hotel into discussions. Alas, it's the wrong side of the Yarra and similar comments to drewbles apply. Even the prepaid rate on the Suite (1 King, 2 Singles) was $296, but only available on Thursday night - Wed was sold out). Even at that price for the night, puts the budget under strain (and still needing to find Wed night accom, plus moving...nah, they won't go for that - I'm into mattress runs , not them).

 

[oz_mark]

Batesy and Flashware, the Grand Mecure Docklands is in the mix - thanks for your thoughts. Next meeting between us all is tomorrow, so will bring it to their attention. Cost differential is slight, so being closer to MCEC might help (IIRC, I walked past them when walking from Hilton back into Collins Street - via the little bridge last time I was in MEL).

I think you have the wrong Grand Mercure in mind. The Grand Mercure Docklands would be a good 2-3 kilometre walk to the convention centre. Perhaps it was the Grand Mercure Flinders Lane you are thinking of.

Best Western Riverside Apartments on Flinders Street would be closer than those. Not stayed at them so can't comment beyond that.

 

[QF WP]

Actually, no, it was something in Siddeley Lane that I was recollecting...so definitely neither of the Mecures.

 

[oz_mark]

Might be the Waterfront Apartments you are thinking of.

There is also Docklands Apartments @ Watergate that has some connection to the Grand Mercure (if you turn up at the wrong time you get moved to the Grand Mercure Docklands type thing!)

 

[Batesy]

Just to clarify on the Grand Mercure Docklands. These are a collection of apartments that are in various buildings in the docklands precinct. You check in at the "office" and they give you directions and keys/access cards to the buuldings and apartments. They are residential buildings that have apartments manged by Mercure. No hotel facilities are available.

 

[QF WP]

Having pondered over many web sites last night & this morning, I think we are going to refine the search to only apartments at Southbank, rather than bringing in Newquay or Dockland precincts. Kavanagh Street at the moment looks okay, a short walk, but not too far. The Whereis function is good, but it doesn't show all the available apartments, just the ones on the list.

We don't want to have to stagger too far to the sessions both days, plus we will be going straight from the MCEC on Friday aftenoon (last session finishes 4.20pm) to the airport (flight is at 8pm, made sure we have plenty of time). A short walk to Southern Cross station and the bus out to the airport should suffice.

 

[markis10]

LW - most of the southbank options are quite a walk from MCEC, for instance Quest is 4 blocks or 1KM if you are a crow flying. Melbourne Short Stay is half the distance but the closest aprtments are across the river at Medina Executive Northbank - a short stumble from Crown/MCEC and Southern Cross. You may have seen it before, its just round the corner from the HI - Melbourne City Accommodation - Medina Executive Northbank Hotel . Google Earth has most if not all options displayed if you need a good visual on what is where for accomodation.

 

[MAX_1]

Check this site out.

Melbourne Short Stay Apartments - Home

We have used.Most times they have special deals.

Darling Towers Serviced Apartments Melbourne offers accommodation for studio, one, two and three bedrooms apartments in Melbourne. Collin St-Melbourne CBD ...
www.darlingtowers.com.au

have stayed here. great spot.