Apartment 405 8 Daly St South Yarra 3141 LUCIA

Hotel Description

You know, when I first pulled up to Apartment 405 on Daly Street in South Yarra, I wasn’t sure what to expect – it’s tucked away in this leafy pocket of Melbourne, right where the vibe shifts from the posh bustle of Toorak Road to something a bit more residential and chill. Honestly, finding parking was a bit of a hassle; Daly’s one of those narrow streets where spots fill up quick, especially around rush hour when everyone’s commuting in from the suburbs. But once I got inside – well, let’s just say it felt like stepping into a mate’s stylish flat rather than some sterile hotel room. The place is on the fourth floor (hence the 405 in the name, I suppose), and my apartment had these big windows overlooking the treetops toward the Yarra River – not a full-on skyline view, but enough to catch the sunset glinting off the water if you time it right in summer. The check-in was straightforward; they email you a code for the door, no fuss with a front desk, which is perfect if you’re arriving late after a flight into Tullamarine.

What really sold me on Lucia – that’s the spot’s moniker, by the way – was how it nailed that home-away-from-home feel without skimping on the little luxuries. The kitchenette’s fully kitted out with a proper oven and dishwasher, so I whipped up brekkie using goodies from the Prahran Market, just a 10-minute stroll down Malvern Road (pro tip: go early on weekends to beat the crowds at the fresh produce stalls). The bed was comfy as anything, with those crisp white sheets that smell faintly of lavender – none of that over-starched hotel stiffness. And get this, there’s a small balcony where you can sip your morning coffee while listening to the distant hum of trams on Chapel Street; it’s not too noisy, though, since Daly’s off the main drag, so nights are pretty peaceful unless there’s a game on at the MCG and the crowds spill over. I mean, it’s not perfect – the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during peak evening hours, which was annoying when I was trying to stream a show – but overall, for a 4-star setup with an 8.8 rating, it punches above its weight. South Yarra’s got that mix of trendy cafes (like the one on Toorak with the killer smashed avo) and easy access to the Botanic Gardens for a lazy walk, so you’re never bored.

If you’re heading to Melbourne and want something authentic rather than a cookie-cutter chain, I’d say give Lucia a go – especially if you’re traveling solo or with a partner and prefer space to spread out. It’s the kind of place that makes you linger a bit longer, you know? Just pack light; the lift’s reliable but compact, and watch for those peak tourist seasons in December when everything books up fast. All in all, it left me with that warm, “I’d come back” feeling – and isn’t that what matters?

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $147. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Exceptional – Albert from Australia – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Almost perfect as a near-city apartment.

• It was a good happy experience. – Songsdiwalinaleena from Australia – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  We had a really awesome comfortable cozy apartment to stay in for our holidays.The location was good.Walking distance to shops n attractions.
  Will definitely come back.
  We had a lovely helpful host as well.
  Thank you.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe stocking up fridge with essentials like milk n butter
  Thank you.

• happy to stay again anytime i need a place in Melbourne cbd – Joshua from Australia – 27 October 2024 (10/10)

  everything was great i would stay here again anytime host was friendly and shops were only a very short walk away
  
  What could be improved: nothing everything was great

• Superb – Titto from Australia – 13 October 2024 (9/10)

  Nice silent place near city to stay.
  
  What could be improved: No lighting near hot tub in night.

• Exceptional – Caity from Australia – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  the coziness of it
  
  What could be improved: nothing

• Great location for activities on and around chapel st. – Essie from Australia – 12 January 2025 (8/10)

  Great location for activities on and around chapel st.
  
  What could be improved: The property had 2 double beds and no queen size beds – would have made it more comfortable but was fine.

• Passable – Andrew from Australia – 17 June 2025 (5/10)

  The property is in a prime location and in a modern building. It has so much potential to be 10/10 however unfortunately due to a few factors, it falls short.
  
  What could be improved: Firstly, we are a group of 4 and the apartment is advertised for 4, however only one key is provided. As we are all going our separate ways, how do they expect us to have access in another person’s absence? This made it a logistical nightmare.
  
  Then, both beds are unreasonable in size. They provide double beds when there is clearly space for Queen size. Obviously a cost cutting measure.
  
  Finally, 2 appliances were not working and this was not communicated with us in advance.
  
  We booked this apartment to attend a wedding nearby and needed to wash/dry clothes in between. At no point was it communicated to us that the dryer was not working. We found this out the hard way, after desperately trying to dry our clothes in time. The dishwasher did not have detergent provided and the owner messaged me to tell me not to use it. So, handwashing without a drying rack proved a challenge as well.
  
  From a cleanliness perspective, mould build up and dust in some areas. Attention to detail and communication needs to be a focus.

• Passable – Paulette from Australia – 15 December 2024 (5/10)

  Location, secure car parking and the facilities
  
  What could be improved: Wasn't cleaned properly, no cookware. Eg saucepans frypan, cooking utensils.

• Exceptional – James from Australia – 9 June 2025 (10/10)

• Exceptional – Zainab from Australia – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities