Alto Hotel On Bourke

Hotel Description

I remember stumbling into the Alto Hotel on Bourke after a long flight into Melbourne – you know, one of those red-eyes that leave you feeling like you’ve been through a spin cycle. It’s smack in the middle of the CBD at 636 Bourke Street, right where the trams rattle by every few minutes, which is brilliant if you’re planning to hop over to the Queen Victoria Market for some fresh produce or those killer doughnuts (pro tip: go early on weekends to beat the crowds). Honestly, the location saved me – I didn’t even need to rent a car; Southern Cross Station is just a short walk away, and from there, you’re connected to pretty much everywhere, like the Yarra River paths or even out to the laneways in the city center for coffee. The lobby’s got this understated vibe, sort of modern with recycled timber accents that nod to their eco-friendly ethos – yeah, they’re big on sustainability here, which I appreciated after seeing all the plastic waste at the airport. Check-in was a breeze, even late at night; the staff were chatty but not over-the-top, and they pointed out the little kitchenettes in the rooms, which came in handy for brewing my own tea instead of hunting down a cafe at odd hours.

What really stuck with me was how the place feels more like a comfy apartment than a sterile hotel – I mean, it’s a 4-star spot with a solid 7.7 rating, so it’s not pretending to be the Ritz, but it delivers on the essentials. My room overlooked Bourke Street, and while the traffic hum was noticeable during rush hour (earplugs might be smart if you’re a light sleeper), it quieted down nicely after dark, letting me catch the faint sounds of the city winding down. The bed was plush, with those crisp white sheets that smell faintly of eucalyptus – they use green cleaning products, apparently, which is a nice touch for anyone with allergies like me. There’s a small gym and a sauna downstairs, nothing flashy, but perfect for shaking off jet lag, and the free Wi-Fi actually held up for streaming without those annoying dropouts. Oh, and parking – if you’re driving, they’ve got spots in the basement, but book ahead because it’s tight in peak season, like during the Australian Open when Melbourne buzzes with tennis fans. One minor gripe: the bathrooms are compact, sort of European-style, so if you’re traveling with a lot of gear, you might feel a bit squeezed, but hey, it keeps things efficient.

All in all, I’d say the Alto’s a smart pick if you’re after that balance of central access and a low-key, responsible stay – you know, without the guilt of a massive carbon footprint. It’s not the flashiest joint in town, but for solo travelers or couples exploring Melbourne’s street art scene in nearby Hosier Lane or grabbing dumplings in Chinatown (just a tram ride away), it feels just right. I left feeling refreshed, and honestly, that’s what matters when you’re on the road. If you’re heading to Oz in the cooler months, layer up – the hotel’s heating is spot-on, but those Bourke Street winds can sneak up on you.

Rooms

• Queen Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• One-Bedroom Apartment with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Apartment with Spa Bath with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Standard Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Superior Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• Small Queen Room with 1 large double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Two-Bedroom Apartment – Loft with 2 × 1 large double bed, 2 × 2 single beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 1 child
• King Studio Plus with 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King or Twin Studio with 1 extra-large double bed, or and 2 single beds for 2 adults

Reviews

• Ersuzylia from Malaysia (9/10)

  I like the apartment room. Really big and comfortable for my family. Especially for my baby.

• Mark from Australia (8/10)

  Location was brilliant.

• Malcolm from Australia (8/10)

  Location is fantastic to Public transport. Staff were very helpfull.

• Damien from Australia (8/10)

  Great central location, quiet room

• Tracey from Australia (7/10)

  Lots of street noise but nice rooms and plenty of room. Great location to DFOs and convention centre, southern cross station

• Catherine from Australia (7/10)

  The location is fantastic, the rooms are quiet, clean and well equipped.

• Tracey from Australia (9/10)

  Great location and size of apartment for 3 adults. Hotel staff were super friendly and responsive.

• Julie from Australia (9/10)

  Clean, quiet, safe for a solo traveler, close to Southern Cross station and public transport. Bed was really comfy. Shower was lovely. Really nice toiletries provided. Not expensive. Would thoroughly recommend!!

• Naomi from Australia (7/10)

  Breakfast was great, although poor quality sourdough. I’ve tried many in the past and could tell, it wasn’t that nice. Everything else was lovely.

• Mcinerney from Australia (8/10)

  Had all expected amenities. Bathroom was very small, but bed was comfortable. Great location, and very quiet inside the rooms. Added breakfast but it was very slow, food was half cold. Wouldn't add that next time as there are plenty of places outside of the hotel.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities