BEST WESTERN PLUS Travel Inn

First Impressions

Walking up to BEST WESTERN PLUS Travel Inn on the corner of Grattan and Drummond Streets, you immediately get that “this is exactly where I want to be” feeling. The four-star property sits right in Carlton — honestly one of Melbourne‘s most walkable neighborhoods — and there’s something reassuring about seeing the same faces checking in again (apparently they get way more repeat guests than most hotels, which tells you something). The building itself has that solid, dependable look that makes you think they’ve figured out how to do hospitality right.

Location That Actually Matters

You know what’s great about this spot? You’re literally surrounded by everything that makes Melbourne special. Carlton Gardens is right there — I mean, you can see it from some rooms — and the Royal Exhibition Building is close enough for an easy morning walk. The trams on Swanston Street are maybe a three-minute stroll, which means the CBD is basically at your doorstep. Plus, Lygon Street’s famous Italian strip is walkable, so you’ve got your pick of cafes and restaurants without needing to plan elaborate transport routes.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from a well-run four-star place — clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out. Nothing fancy or Instagram-worthy, but everything worked properly (which honestly feels like a minor miracle these days). The beds are actually comfortable — not too soft, not too firm — and the air conditioning responds when you adjust it. There’s decent storage space, and the bathroom has proper water pressure, which matters more than you’d think after a long day exploring the city.

Breakfast Worth Getting Up For

Here’s where they really shine — the breakfast spread is genuinely impressive. They’ve got everything from continental options to full English, plus vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free choices that don’t feel like afterthoughts. The buffet setup means you can actually customize your morning meal, and if you’re rushing out early, they’ll sort you out with breakfast to go. I watched them handle dietary requirements without any fuss, which suggests they’re used to dealing with all kinds of travelers.

Why Guests Love It

The parking situation alone makes this place worth considering — having your own secure spot in Carlton is genuinely valuable, especially if you’re planning day trips outside the city. But really, it’s the combination of things that works here. You’re in one of Melbourne’s best neighborhoods (couples rate the location 9.3, which is pretty much unheard of), the staff seem to know what they’re doing, and everything just functions smoothly. It’s not the kind of place that’ll blow your mind, but it’s exactly the kind of place where you can settle in and actually enjoy your Melbourne trip instead of worrying about hotel logistics.