HOP or HSW? - not as easy a choice as one would think

[serfty]

Southern Cross is more like a 10 minute walk; 15 minutes from the Skybus stop.

Do the reverse of this for the most efficient way (you will need to climb some stairs):

It's always been like that since the transfer bus service started AFAIK.
...

There is a shorter (less picturesque) way and that is to head West along the north side of Collins st. past the R/S, cross the bridge over "Wurundjeri Way" and past one more building until you get to the bit that passes over "Aurora Lane". To the right there are steps leading down to "Aurora Lane". Head down these stairs then follow the lane to the South. Cross Flinders St (watch out for Trams), head down "Siddely St." past the Seaman's church and over the Yarra on the bridge there and you are basically at the HSW.

Southern Cross Station, Docklands VIC 3008 to Collins St - Google Maps

Aurora Ln to Unknown road - Google Maps (Walk between the two white dots, ignore the loop to Spencer St)

 

[simongr]

I am actually considering a hire car as an option if I can find parking at the office...

 

[Andyc]

Southern Cross is more like a 10 minute walk; 15 minutes from the Skybus stop.

Do the reverse of this for the most efficient way (you will need to climb some stairs):

...but only 5mins on the blue bikes


Although my usual trip is from HSW to the Red Spot car rental near Exhibition St.

 

[serfty]

...but only 5mins on the blue bikes ...

Yeah, but it's five minutes to the blue bikes and than another couple enticing the vending there of (+ a few minutes more getting to the 7-11 nearby for your $5 helmet).

 

[Andyc]

Yeah, but it's five minutes to the blue bikes and than another couple enticing the vending there of (+ a few minutes more getting to the 7-11 nearby for your $5 helmet).

Ok, I confess, I think I like the idea of the bikes more than they may actually be useful..... but I stand by it

 

[QF WP]

As a long time traveller to MEL, I initially started staying at the HOTP as my clients were at 101 Collins and this was pre-HSW anyway. I liked the hotel, but agreed it was starting to tire and getting there was the expensive option - taxi all the way or Skybus and then taxi. At that stage, I wasn't as confident with catching trams. I had a number of issues with the staff recognising Gold benefits, then renovations of the Exec Lounge and general aging issues of carpets, TV's not working, etc.

Sounds like they have changed a bit since my days and you have some compelling reasons to stay there -particularly when their rates are better than HSW and factoring in the differential in taxi fare.

Then my clients moved to the opposite end of Collins Street (Rialto North) - before HSW had been completed, so I split my stays at HI on Spencer and the CP. Others here on AFF (straitman) convinced me to try the HSW after it opened. If it wasn't for the HPC discount, I probably wouldn't have changed and like you simongr, I can't always get the numbers to stack up.

However, the vast majority of my stays are at HSW now, I justify it the same way as you - looking at the savings I get from other areas like no dinner or breakfast costs by utilising the Exec Lounge, or catching Skybus over taxi to/from the airport, then walking to/from Southern Cross and HSW (not saving any time over a taxi, but good for my health). I have never looked back.

YMMV, but I hope you get some nights at HSW.

 

[hgwells01]

I stay at HOTP more frequently than HSW but have stayed at both recently and am at HSW this Fri night. I actually prefer HOTP because of its smaller size, and the fact the staff all know me there now and greet me by name, Trevor downstairs is absolutely fabulous, always helps me with my luggage and asks how Mum is, and the girls in the exec lounge all know me too. I find the HSW a bit less personal, they are still very polite and I can't fault them, but being larger and busier they just don't get to know you. Yes the rooms seem to be all the same regardless of weather you are on the Ex floor or not in HOTP, but its only me so I don't really care, plus they have given me a few upgrades over the years just because they know me to the lovely relaxation suites on the corners. Both are quality places, but for different reasons. I also managed to grab quite a few points and pay rooms for $66 at HOTP, none avail at HSW, and the recent any where any weekend sale once again had good availability at HOTP but only Sun nights sporadically thru the year for HSW. If anyone is there on Fri night, i'll be the one sitting on my own reading the paper at HSW having a wine, wander over and say hi. cheers Lorraine