Chic CBD Retreat Pool Gym Sauna Steam Westside Place

Hotel Description

You know, when I first rolled up to the Chic CBD Retreat in West Side Place on Lonsdale Street – right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, smack between Spencer and King Streets – I was honestly a bit skeptical. It’s one of those towering apartment-style hotels that blends into the skyline, and with the postcode 3000 vibe, you expect the usual urban hustle. But stepping into the lobby, which is all sleek lines and that fresh, slightly citrusy scent from whatever diffuser they’ve got going, it felt like an instant escape. I mean, check-in was a breeze – the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best tram routes to avoid the peak-hour crush on Collins Street – but fair warning, if you’re driving, parking’s a nightmare down here. We ended up using the underground spots in the building, which cost a bit extra, but hey, it’s better than circling blocks like a lost tourist.

What really sold me, though, was how this place turns the typical city stay into something more – like a mini retreat without leaving the grid. My room on the higher floors overlooked the jumble of rooftops toward Docklands, and at dusk, you’d catch that golden light bouncing off the Yarra River in the distance (pro tip: request a west-facing view if you can). The amenities? Oh man, the rooftop pool is a gem – heated just right for those crisp Melbourne evenings, and it’s surprisingly quiet mid-week, away from the weekend crowds. I spent an afternoon in the gym, which has all the free weights and machines you’d want, then hit the sauna and steam room – they pipe in this subtle eucalyptus aroma that makes you feel like you’re in the Dandenongs, not downtown. Honestly, after a day wandering Hardware Lane’s laneway cafes or hitting up Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce (it’s a quick 10-minute walk north), coming back to soak in that steam was pure bliss. Sure, there’s a faint hum of traffic from Lonsdale if your window’s open, but it dies down after 10 PM, and the beds are comfy enough to drown it out – thick duvets and pillows that actually support your neck, you know?

All in all, if you’re after a solid four-star spot that’s not pretending to be flashy but delivers on the essentials, this one’s a winner for a Melbourne trip. It’s perfect for business folks needing quick access to Southern Cross Station – literally a five-minute stroll for trains to the airport – or leisure travelers wanting to dip into the city’s energy without the exhaustion. I stayed during spring, when the jacarandas are blooming nearby, and it just elevated the whole experience. Well, maybe skip peak summer if you hate the heat radiating off the concrete, but otherwise, it’s got that balance of convenience and comfort that makes you want to extend your booking. Trust me, after a few days here, you’ll feel like you’ve cracked the code to CBD living.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $181. Apartment with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities