Melbourne Serviced Apartments

[yosithezet]

I find myself coming down to Melbourne for nearly a month (April 15-May 6). Our company has a contract with the Mantra on Lt. Bourke which is a short walk from the office, but don't really like the place.

I read through www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/...ed-apartment-advice-in-melbourne-19569-3.html but it is a closed thread so I can't continue the discussion there.

One of the options that we're looking at is Waterfront Serviced Apartments www waterfrontmelbourne.com.au/ . Does anyone have any experience with this property?

Another we are looking at is Somerset on Elizabet but it doesn't have any sort of fitness facilities.

What would be bonuses as important to me:

• Some sort of exercise facility (gym, lap pool))
• In-room laundry
• Nearby dry cleaning/laundry (I can't iron for the life of me )
• Shops/restaurants in the local vicinity
• Tram service
• Reasonable internet (considering getting a MiFi and a local SIM, also considering finding a one-month BlackBerry plan of some sort)
• Power outlets that aren't behind the couch
• Wired internet (I travel with a little travel router)
• Separate bath/shower
• Comfortable living room furniture
• Westin Heavenly Bed (I can dream, can't I? )

 

[oz_mark]

Haven't stayed at the Waterfront so can't comment much.

I stayed at the Medina Grand once for a few days, and while it has a pool/gym, I didn't use them, so can't comment on them Outside that, no issues with the property.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Shrek family have stayed at apartments in Docklands a few times, convenient for tram service, restaurants nearby, quality fit -out. Also have a look at Hilton South Wharf, have stayed in apartments here and they are great quality.
Lastly another favourite of mine is Somerset Gordon Place, high ceilings , big rooms. I'm not a gym bunny so can't comment on fitness at any of the above locations

 

[samh004]

I normally stay at Cube, but that’s a bit further away than you’d like I think, and doesn’t come with a gym/pool as far as I’m aware.

 

[adayvis]

I've stayed at one in Docklands a couple of years back, it was pretty good. I'll post later once I can recall the name of the apartment.
The views were nice and its just a short walk to the trams that go to the city so its at a convenient location.

 

[yosithezet]

Haven't stayed at the Waterfront so can't comment much.

I stayed at the Medina Grand once for a few days, and while it has a pool/gym, I didn't use them, so can't comment on them Outside that, no issues with the property.

Medina Grand wants AUD 360/night.

 

[Dougal]

Normally stay at the Tyrian Serviced Apartments in Fitzroy. Fabulous and a lot less than Medina Grand. Right in the middle of everything and a very short tram trip to CBD.
Do not have a gym/pool etc but cafes, restaurants and gyms I believe virtually at your doorstep. I stay there every week and the apartments and staff are fabulous. I think cab fare to CBD about $10 but tram so close.

 

[opusman]

Citadines is brand new and meant to be quite good.

 

[oz_mark]

Out of interest, where did you end up?

 

[yosithezet]

Sorry, it has been a busy week.

I ended up taking a place at the Waterfront Apartments at Flinders Warf on Siddeley. It is a nice 25 minute walk to the office but there isn't as much around it as I'd have liked. The cost has been around $215/night including additional cleaning I wanted and the CC surcharge and the like.

Pros:
* in-room washer-dryer
* lap pool, sauna, jacuzzi, gym
* location at corner of CBD
* large unit
* dry cleaning available through security guards
* everything is new and well maintained.
* Close to Southern Cross and public transport

Cons:
* Noisy with the trains just out the window as I have a cityside unit
* Furniture is a bit low to the floor (i.e. the bed is about half as tall off the ground as a typical hotel bed)
* Cleaning service is once-weekly, no replenishment of consumables like soaps and laundry detergent and toilet paper
* Only one shop at 2 restaurants within 50 meters walk.
* The unit I'm in has limited counter space. I saw another unit with much more space.

Overall I'm happy and I'd recommend this place. For more than 3 weeks I'd be happy with the overall facility but likely not in this specific unit.

 

[oz_mark]

Although a bit more than 50 metres, there is a Coles supermarket just past Southern Cross station if you are walking up Spencer Street. It's a bit of a pain to find though, but is under the DFO shops!

 

[serfty]

Also, you are not too far from Southbank - plenty of varied style/price/cuisine restaurants there.

You could have availaled yourself of a monthly metcard; although it's probably a bit late now to be price beneficial; You are close to public transport - it's easy to get around.

 

[yosithezet]

On Sunday, after I moved in, I walked down to the South Melbourne Market. I had a nice paella at a Spanish place and I then realized that I would only be able to buy what I can carry. It worked out just fine. There are a few IGAs around in that direction and also towards Southern Cross. My office admin set me up with Coles Online which could also come in handy. For now I'm just living on fresh fruit and veggies and enjoying it.

Of course if y'all decide to come visit I'll have to order some libations and other nibbles I guess.

 

[herman_aussie]

Also, you are not too far from Southbank - plenty of varied style/price/cuisine restaurants there.

You could have availaled yourself of a monthly metcard; although it's probably a bit late now to be price beneficial; You are close to public transport - it's easy to get around.

I would recommend the Wharf Hotel. It is my favorite pub right on the riverside if you walk to Crown. On Tuesdays, they have $15 steak, chips, and veg. Chokers on Tuesday and Thursday and Friday afternoon.

 

[yosithezet]

I would recommend the Wharf Hotel. It is my favorite pub right on the riverside if you walk to Crown. On Tuesdays, they have $15 steak, chips, and veg. Chokers on Tuesday and Thursday and Friday afternoon.

Yeah I've walked past it a few times now. Looks nice enough, but I'm on my own. I seem to recall a song about drinking alone. What are Chokers?

 

[serfty]

... What are Chokers?

Actually it should be "Chockers", pronounced "chokkers".

As in completely full - "The pub was chockers tonight.".