Acland Art Deco – Coastal Chic by St Kilda Beach

Acland Art Deco – Coastal Chic by St Kilda Beach Overview

I remember pulling up to the Acland Art Deco – Coastal Chic by St Kilda Beach on a breezy afternoon last spring – you know, that time of year when Melbourne’s weather can’t make up its mind, flipping from sunny to drizzly in minutes. It’s tucked right off Acland Street, that lively strip in St Kilda where the cake shops and vintage boutiques spill out onto the sidewalks, and honestly, finding parking was a bit of a hassle; I ended up circling twice before snagging a spot on Barkly Street nearby. But once I stepped inside, the vibe shifted – it’s got this effortless Art Deco flair mixed with coastal touches, like those polished brass fixtures and seashell-inspired wallpapers that make you feel like you’ve wandered into a stylish beach house from the 1930s. The lobby smells faintly of fresh linen and eucalyptus, which is a nice nod to the Aussie surrounds, and the check-in was smooth, with the staff chatting about the best time to catch the sunset over the bay (aim for around 7pm in summer, they said, when the penguins waddle in at the pier).

What really won me over were the rooms – mine was on the second floor, overlooking the treetops toward St Kilda Beach, and it had these big windows that let in the salty sea air, though I had to crack them open myself since the AC was a tad noisy at night. It’s not massive, but clever design makes it feel spacious: think crisp white sheets on a comfy king bed, a little balcony where I sipped my morning coffee listening to the distant hum of trams on Fitzroy Street, and a bathroom with those rain showerheads that actually deliver on pressure (a rarity in some Melbourne spots, I mean, who wants a dribble after a day out?). The hotel’s got a small rooftop terrace too – nothing flashy, but perfect for unwinding with a glass of local Yarra Valley wine while watching the kite surfers dot the water. Oh, and if you’re into the scene, it’s steps from Luna Park; I could hear the faint screams from the roller coaster in the evenings, which added a fun, nostalgic buzz without being overwhelming. That said, if you’re a light sleeper, maybe request a quieter side away from Acland’s weekend crowds – it gets lively with buskers and cafe-goers until late.

All in all, this place nails that 4-star sweet spot with an 8.5 rating that feels earned; it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, but it delivers on charm and location without the pretension. If you’re visiting Melbourne and want to base yourself in St Kilda – say, for the markets on the Esplanade or easy tram rides into the CBD – it’s a solid pick. You’ll wake up to the sound of waves (well, sort of, depending on the wind), grab brekkie at one of the nearby spots like Monarch Cakes for their legendary kugelhopf, and feel like you’ve got a genuine slice of coastal Melbourne life. Just pack light layers for those unpredictable days, and yeah, I’d go back in a heartbeat.

Melbourne’s attractions showcase the perfect blend of Victorian architecture and modern urban sophistication, with many featuring panoramic city views and authentic experiences overlooking the beautiful Port Phillip Bay.

Acland Art Deco – Coastal Chic by St Kilda Beach Accommodations

Reviews of Acland Art Deco – Coastal Chic by St Kilda Beach

• A from Australia (9/10)

  The property was amazing and in the perfect location, close to shops, beach etc
  And getting in to Melbourne City was great as well.

• Vadim from Lithuania (9/10)

  Excellent location
  Very nice street, green, cozy and close to the ocean
  Very Melbournish apartment, clean, comfortable, spacious, well equipped, cozy
  Fully equipped kitchen
  Perfect place to stay for one or two couples or a family with 1-2-3 kids ( we spent a week here and it was super comfy for us as a couple)

• Darshik from South Africa (9/10)

  Spacious, cosy.

• Lauren from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Gorgeous apartment, spacious with everything you could need. Super comfy bed. Shower pressure was so strong (you appreciate this when you travel a lot!).

• Bayleigh from New Zealand (7/10)

  The location was amazing and the check in process was easy with the host being very accomodating. The place is clean and quiet with almost everything you need for a great stay in St Kilda.

• Hannah from Australia (7/10)

  We stayed in early summer and the place was so COOL on a 40degree Melbourne day! There’s no aircon in the unit but it wasn’t needed!

• James from United Kingdom (9/10)

Surroundings

Facilities