Coppersmith Hotel

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Coppersmith Hotel on Clarendon Street in South Melbourne – you know, that stretch where the old Victorian terraces mix with those trendy cafes and little boutiques. It’s not right in the CBD chaos, but honestly, that’s part of the charm; you’re just a quick tram ride away from the city center, maybe 10 minutes on the 12 or 96 line, which stops practically at the door. I arrived mid-afternoon after a flight into Tullamarine, and the check-in was a breeze – no long lines, just a friendly bloke at the desk who chatted about the local footy scene (AFL, of course, since it’s Melbourne) and handed over my key with a tip on where to grab the best coffee nearby. The building itself has this cool, heritage vibe, like they’ve repurposed an old pub or something – exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and that faint, welcoming smell of fresh linen mixed with whatever’s brewing in the onsite bar downstairs. Well, it’s actually a boutique spot with only about 15 rooms, so it feels intimate, not overwhelming.

Stepping into my room – I had one on the second floor overlooking the street – it was surprisingly spacious for a 4-star in this part of town, with a king bed that was plush enough to sink into after a day wandering around Albert Park Lake, which is literally a five-minute stroll away (great for jogging or just watching the swans, especially in spring when the jacarandas are blooming). The decor’s got that modern-Aussie twist: timber floors that creak just a bit underfoot, a rainfall shower that actually has decent pressure (none of that weak trickle you sometimes get in older buildings), and a minibar stocked with local goodies like Four Pillars gin from nearby Yarra Valley – I mean, who doesn’t love a cheeky G&T at sunset? Breakfast downstairs is solid, too; think smashed avo on sourdough from the South Melbourne Market just down the road, where you can pop in for fresh produce or those famous dim sims if you’re feeling peckish later. Oh, and parking – it’s on-street mostly, but they have a few spots out back if you book ahead, which saved me from circling the block during peak hour. Noise-wise, Clarendon can get a tad buzzy on weekends with folks spilling out from the pubs, but the double-glazed windows kept it quiet enough – sort of muffled, like distant chatter rather than a full-on racket.

Look, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Melbourne without the tourist trap vibe, the Coppersmith’s a winner – that 8.6 rating doesn’t lie. It’s not perfect; the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during my stay (probably from all the remote workers in the area), and it’s pricier in summer when the Grand Prix turns Albert Park into a madhouse. But overall, it’s the kind of place where you wake up feeling like a local, grabbing a flat white from the corner cafe and hopping on a tram to explore. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for a weekend getaway – you know what, pair it with a market visit and a lakeside picnic, and you’ve got yourself a proper Melbourne escape.

Rooms

• Deluxe Queen Room with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe Queen Room – Disability Access with 1 double bed for 2 adults
• Deluxe King Room with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Constance from United States (9/10)

  Restaurant on site. No breakfast but cereal and milk in room. Stay so friendly.

• Daniel from Australia (8/10)

  Great blend of modern comfort and classic charm. Room amenities and toiletries were great. Restaurant looked nice however, we didn’t eat there. The hotel's location is convenient, being a short tram ride from Melbourne's CBD, with attractions like the South Melbourne Market and Albert Park nearby.

• Paul from Australia (8/10)

• Louise from Australia (9/10)

  Easy access to Melbourne central
  Boutique hotel
  Bed comfy with all amenities and looks like a great place to eat GF.

• Andrew from Australia (8/10)

  Great location with modern, tasteful facilities

• Helen from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Great room, very stylish accommodation that was just what I needed, good location from which to explore and very close to a tram stop into the CBD and down to the beach, great!

• Alicia from Australia (8/10)

  Location

• Patricia from Australia (9/10)

  Location

• Nicky from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Perfect position for us as we did Albert Melbourne Parkrun and a yes a 5/10min walk to the start. We liked the area with easy access on tram 12 to the city.
  We met Fay first the very lovely and helpful lady who was cleaning early morning. We found the staff in the bar really friendly too.
  Loved the big bed and great wet room. It was quiet too. Tea and coffee facilities and an optional minibar were lovely extras.

• Catriona from Ireland (8/10)

  Pleasant stay. Very clean. Good location near trams.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities