Boutique Stays – Cocomo

Hotel Description

I stumbled upon Boutique Stays – Cocomo last summer when I needed a break from the Melbourne CBD chaos – you know, that constant tram clang and tourist bustle around Federation Square. Tucked away in Elwood, right on the edge of where the bay meets those quiet, tree-lined streets like Ormond Esplanade, it’s the kind of spot that feels like a local secret. I mean, Elwood isn’t as flashy as neighboring St Kilda with its Luna Park crowds, but honestly, that’s what makes it perfect for unwinding. Pulling up to the address – it’s at 3184, sort of nestled between the beach paths and those cute Victorian terraces – I was greeted by this charming boutique setup that looks more like a stylish friend’s beach house than a hotel. Check-in was a breeze; the staff (a couple of laid-back locals) handed over the keys with tips on where to grab the best flat white nearby, like at Combi on Ormond Road – raw, organic vibes and all.

What really won me over, though, was how the place nails that relaxed coastal feel without trying too hard. The rooms – well, mine was this airy one-bedroom suite with high ceilings and these big windows that let in the salty breeze off Port Phillip Bay. You can actually hear the waves lapping if you crack them open at night, mixed with the occasional seagull cry, which is soothing unless you’re a light sleeper (earplugs helped me, just saying). It’s got that boutique touch with plush linens that smell faintly of lavender – probably from some eco-friendly laundry they use – and a little kitchenette stocked with basics, perfect for whipping up brekkie after a morning jog along the Elwood Canal path. Parking’s street-side and free, but it gets competitive on weekends when everyone flocks to the beach; I lucked out mid-week in January, during that sweet spot before the Aussie Open crowds spill over from the city. Oh, and the Wi-Fi’s solid – streamed a few episodes without a hitch – but the real draw is stepping out and being five minutes from Elwood Beach. I spent an afternoon there, toes in the sand, watching kite surfers zip across the water; it’s quieter than Brighton Beach further down, less windburn and more chill picnics.

Look, it’s not flawless – the 4-star rating feels spot-on with an 8.3 that matches the no-frills luxury, but if you’re after a pool or spa, you’ll have to head to St Kilda for that (Acland Street’s got options, about a 10-minute drive). Still, for anyone craving a genuine Melbourne suburb escape, Cocomo’s a gem. It’s close enough to zip into the city via the 96 tram from nearby Glen Huntly Road – takes maybe 20 minutes to the heart of it all – but far enough to forget the hustle. I left feeling recharged, like I’d actually lived there for a bit, and isn’t that what travel’s about? If you’re visiting in the quieter shoulder seasons, like spring or autumn, it’s even better – fewer people, same stunning sunsets. Totally worth it for couples or solo travelers who want that homey, beachy authenticity without the big-chain sterility.

Rooms

• Apartment with Balcony with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Mike from Australia (9/10)

  The location suited us perfectly, as we had family nearby.
  Close to both bus (next street) and train (10 min walk) nearby, about 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
  Very light, bright rooms, newly renovated.
  a nice welcome package

• Christine from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Location, quiet block, apartment well kitted out,

• Dianne from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Stylish, clean, safe

• Isabelle from Italy (9/10)

  Elwood e' una cittadina situata al sud di Melbourne. Melbourne e' facilmente raggiungibile dall'alloggio sia in treno che in autobus (si possono comperare dei biglietti giornalieri o a seconda delle esigenze per piu giorni, la cosiddetta scheda Miki: la fermata dell'autobus 606 per raggiungere la stazione del treno piu vicina e' situata a 160 metri dalla struttura ricettiva). Non lontano dalla stazione dei treni, si trova il supermercato Coles dove fare la spesa poiche' i negozietti nelle vicinanze dell'abitazione sono piuttosto cari. Nella cittadina si trovano molte belle case di un tempo, forse case di villeggiatura e case piu moderne, con viali alberati, e tutto sommato la tranquillita' di una cittadina sul mare. Nella strada principale vicino all'abitazione vi sono moltissimi punti di vendita di cibo gia' pronto, pubs, bars dove le persone si incontrano la sera e amano passare un po' di tempo assieme. Molto piacevole e frizzante per i giovani e i meno giovani! sul retro della casa vi sono i parcheggi auto, molto comodi, visto che il parcheggio in citta' a Melbourne e' piuttosto caro. Per chi ha animali domestici come noi, viene chiesto un supplemento di 15 AU$ a notte per unita'.

• Deborah from Croatia (9/10)

• Kai from Finland (9/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities