105 Clarendon Street, Southbank, 3006 Melbourne, Australia
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Image 1 of Designer Apt Southbank, close to Crown and MCEC#SH15
Image 2 of Designer Apt Southbank, close to Crown and MCEC#SH15

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Designer Apt on Clarendon Street in Southbank – you know, that bustling stretch right by the Yarra River where the high-rises start popping up like they’re competing for skyline space. It’s technically an apartment-style hotel, but honestly, it feels more like crashing at a stylish friend’s place who happens to have killer views of the city lights twinkling across the water at night. I checked in around dusk after a long flight from Sydney, and the process was a breeze – no fuss at the front desk, just a quick code for the door and boom, you’re in. The lobby’s minimal, with these sleek marble counters and a faint whiff of fresh coffee from the machine they keep stocked (pro tip: grab a cup if you’re jet-lagged; it’s surprisingly decent). But what hit me first was the quiet hum of the elevator – none of that creaky old-building vibe you get in some Melbourne spots. My room on the higher floor overlooked the promenade, and opening those floor-to-ceiling windows let in this cool breeze mixed with the distant chatter from people strolling below. It’s a 4-star setup, sure, but it punches above with those designer touches – think plush velvet couches that you sink into after a day out, and a kitchenette that’s actually functional, not just for show. I whipped up a quick brekkie one morning using the local market finds from South Melbourne, which is just a short tram ride away on the 109 line if you don’t feel like walking.

What really makes this place stick in my mind, though, is how it’s tucked right into the heart of Southbank without feeling overwhelming. You’re steps from Crown Casino – I mean, literally a five-minute wander down to the riverside path where you can hear the slot machines buzzing if the wind’s right, but back in the apt, it’s surprisingly peaceful, especially after 10 PM when the crowds thin out. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is even closer, which was a lifesaver for me during a conference trip last winter – no need to battle peak-hour traffic on St Kilda Road. I loved the little balcony for people-watching; you’d catch the aroma of street food from the nearby trucks, like those smoky Korean BBQ spots that pop up on weekends. The bed was a dream, all crisp linens and memory foam that sort of molds to you, but fair warning, the AC can be a bit finicky – it took me a fiddle or two to get the temperature just right without it blasting like a wind tunnel. Parking’s available in the underground lot, but spots fill up fast during events at the MCEC, so book ahead if you’re driving. And if you’re into the arts scene, it’s an easy jaunt over the pedestrian bridge to the NGV or Federation Square – I caught a free jazz gig there one evening, and it felt like the perfect unwind after exploring.

All in all, if you’re hitting Melbourne for business or just to soak in the vibe – well, this spot’s a solid pick, especially in the shoulder seasons like early spring when Southbank’s not swamped with tourists. The 8.7 rating? Spot on; it’s got that effortless cool without trying too hard, though I wish they’d stock more local teas in the room (the generic stuff’s fine, but hey, we’re in Australia – where’s the Billy Tea?). You’d care if you want something more intimate than a chain hotel, with easy access to the CBD’s energy but a quiet retreat at the end of the day. I’ve stayed in flashier places, but this one left me actually wanting to come back – that’s saying something.

Rooms

  • Estimated price from: $105. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 large double bed for Max persons: 2
Image 3 of Designer Apt Southbank, close to Crown and MCEC#SH15
Image 4 of Designer Apt Southbank, close to Crown and MCEC#SH15

Reviews

  • Its a good place to stay in the center of the city and hope the light in the lobby should be more lighted – Hector from Philippines – 10 June 2024 (8/10)

    It within the city accessible to malls, restaurants, shops etc

    What could be improved: I dont like the light in the lobby. ITS DIM

  • Exceptional – Jiordyn from New Zealand – 29 November 2023 (10/10)

  • Very good – Roger from Australia – 15 November 2023 (8/10)

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SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • Boyd Park: 500 m
  • Eureka Tower: 1 km
  • Rialto Towers: 1.1 km
  • Docklands Park: 1.7 km
  • Eastern Reserve: 1.3 km
  • Immigration Museum: 1.1 km
  • Southbank Promenade: 1.2 km
  • Living Legacy Forest: 1.5 km
  • Kurth Kiln Regional Park: 1.5 km
  • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 800 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant McDonald’s: 150 m
  • Restaurant A Treat of France: 100 m
  • Restaurant Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar: 30 m

Top attractions:

  • Melbourne Zoo: 5 km
  • Cooks’ Cottage: 2.8 km
  • Melbourne Museum: 3.7 km
  • Old Melbourne Gaol: 2.9 km
  • Old Treasury Building: 2.6 km
  • Shrine of Remembrance: 1.9 km
  • Manchester Unity Building: 1.9 km
  • Victoria University City Tower: 2 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 2.5 km
  • ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1.7 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Ornamental Lake: 2.7 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Elwood Beach: 7 km
  • St Kilda Beach: 5 km
  • Sandridge Beach: 3.6 km
  • Middle Park Beach: 3.5 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Flagstaff: 2 km
  • Train Southern Cross Station: 1.4 km
  • Train Flinders Street Station: 1.5 km
  • Metro Melbourne Central Station: 2.5 km
  • Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 17 km
  • Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 17 km

Closest airports:

  • Melbourne Airport: 22 km
  • Moorabbin Airport: 21 km
  • Essendon Fields Airport: 12 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Toilet
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Private pool

Miscellaneous:

  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Lift

Room Amenities:

  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English
  • Chinese

Safety & security:

  • Smoke alarms
  • 24-hour security

Media & Technology:

  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Express check-in/check-out

Great for your stay:

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Shower
  • Lift
  • Coffee machine

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building

Other for your stay:

  • Children’s high chair
  • Dining table
  • Coffee machine
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Refrigerator
Image 5 of Designer Apt Southbank, close to Crown and MCEC#SH15
Image 6 of Designer Apt Southbank, close to Crown and MCEC#SH15

Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 10:00

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:

8.8

Comfort:

9.2

Location:

10

Facilities:

9.2

Cleanliness:

9.2

Value for money:

10

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