103/475 Cardigan Street, Carlton, 3053 Melbourne, Australia
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Image 1 of Cosmo Stays- Boutique Apartment Perfect Location
Image 2 of Cosmo Stays- Boutique Apartment Perfect Location

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to Cosmo Stays on Cardigan Street in Carlton – you know, that leafy suburb just a hop from Melbourne’s CBD – and thinking, wow, this place nails the whole “boutique apartment” vibe without trying too hard. It’s tucked away at 103/475, right near the corner where the trams rattle by on Rathdowne Street, but honestly, the noise fades into the background once you’re inside. I arrived mid-afternoon during peak hour (avoid that if you can, traffic on Queensberry can be a nightmare), and check-in was a breeze – no stuffy front desk, just a quick code entry and a welcome note with local tips, like where to grab the best flat white at the little cafe on Faraday Street. The building itself has that classic Melbourne terrace feel, with wrought-iron balconies and those tall, skinny windows that let in heaps of natural light. Stepping into the apartment, it smelled faintly of fresh linen and eucalyptus – probably from the diffuser they leave out – and I immediately kicked off my shoes on the soft wool rug in the living room. It’s not huge, but it’s smartly laid out, with a full kitchen that actually has sharp knives and a decent coffee machine (a godsend after those long-haul flights).

What really sets Cosmo Stays apart, though – and I mean this as someone who’s crashed in way too many bland Airbnbs – is how it feels like a proper home base in the heart of Carlton’s Italian quarter. You’re literally a five-minute stroll from Lygon Street, where the pasta joints spill out onto the sidewalks and the air hums with chatter and garlic scents, especially on Friday nights when the uni crowd from Melbourne University floods in. I loved popping out for gelato at Pidapipo (try the pistachio, it’s unreal) and wandering back without worrying about Ubers. The apartment’s got that boutique polish: king-sized bed with crisp, high-thread-count sheets that make you want to sleep in, a rainfall shower that blasts away the jet lag, and even a little balcony overlooking the treetops – perfect for sipping wine as the sun sets over the city skyline. Well, sort of – there’s a bit of construction noise from nearby Elgin Street during the day, but it quiets down by evening, and earplugs are provided if you’re a light sleeper. Parking’s street-only and can be tricky in busy seasons like summer festivals, so if you’re driving, aim for off-peak arrival. But overall, it’s spotless, with thoughtful touches like USB ports everywhere and a stocked pantry starter kit – no wonder it’s rocking a 9.7 rating.

If you’re heading to Melbourne and want somewhere that feels authentic without the hotel fuss, Cosmo Stays is it. It’s ideal for couples or solo travelers who crave that mix of convenience and charm – close enough to hop on the 1 or 6 tram into the city for the markets or footy at the MCG, but tucked in a neighborhood where you can actually unwind. I left feeling like I’d discovered a hidden gem; next time I’m in town, I’m booking it again, no question. Just pack light – the stairs to the upper units might give you a workout if you’ve got heavy bags.

Rooms

  • Estimated price from: $195. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 4
Image 3 of Cosmo Stays- Boutique Apartment Perfect Location
Image 4 of Cosmo Stays- Boutique Apartment Perfect Location

Reviews

  • I will be back 🙂 – Debra from Australia – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

    Perfect for my needs, quiet area, clean, safe and secure and easy walk to Lygon Street and surrounds. Easy instructions entry access.
    The unit was well equipped, with cooking facilities, simple pantry items, & bathroom necessities.

  • Exceptional – Callum from Mexico – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

    Amazing place. Host was very accommodating. Great location.

  • Exceptional – Gina from Australia – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

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SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • South Lawn: 900 m
  • Princes Park: 1.6 km
  • Crawford Oval: 850 m
  • Carlton Gardens: 1.2 km
  • Garry Owen Park: 1.2 km
  • Melbourne Museum: 1.3 km
  • Old Melbourne Gaol: 1.6 km
  • Princes Park Playground: 1.4 km
  • Fitzroy Wild-Plants & Cactus: 1.5 km
  • Carlton Primary Community Garden: 600 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar Castro’s Kiosk: 550 m
  • Restaurant Adonai Foods: 450 m
  • Restaurant Dumpling House: 400 m

Top attractions:

  • Eureka Tower: 3.5 km
  • Melbourne Zoo: 2.1 km
  • Cooks’ Cottage: 3.2 km
  • Immigration Museum: 3.4 km
  • Southbank Promenade: 3.3 km
  • Old Treasury Building: 2.6 km
  • Shrine of Remembrance: 4.5 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 4.8 km
  • ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 3 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Ornamental Lake: 4.6 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • St Kilda Beach: 8 km
  • Sandridge Beach: 7 km
  • Middle Park Beach: 7 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Parliament: 2.3 km
  • Train Royal Park Station: 2.4 km
  • Train Parliament Train Station: 2.2 km
  • Metro Melbourne Central Station: 2 km
  • Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 14 km
  • Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 14 km

Closest airports:

  • Melbourne Airport: 19 km
  • Moorabbin Airport: 25 km
  • Essendon Fields Airport: 9 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Balcony

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Miscellaneous:

  • Pet bowls
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Lift
  • Family rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms

Outdoor & View:

  • City view

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Fold-up bed
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Tile/marble floor
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English

Safety & security:

  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Cable channels
  • Satellite channels
  • Radio
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Express check-in/check-out

Great for your stay:

  • Private bathroom
  • Balcony
  • Parking
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Pets allowed
  • Family rooms
  • Free parking

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building

Entertainment and family services:

  • Board games/puzzles
  • Board games/puzzles

Other for your stay:

  • Children’s high chair
  • Dining table
  • Coffee machine
  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Tumble dryer
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
Image 5 of Cosmo Stays- Boutique Apartment Perfect Location
Image 6 of Cosmo Stays- Boutique Apartment Perfect Location

Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 14:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 10:00

Age restriction:

  • The minimum age for check-in is 21

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

Guest reviews

Staff:

10

Comfort:

10

Location:

10

Facilities:

10

Cleanliness:

10

Value for money:

9.2

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