Element Melbourne Richmond

First Impressions

Walking into Element Melbourne Richmond, you immediately get that modern, clean-lined vibe that Westin’s extended-stay brand does so well. The lobby feels more like a stylish apartment building than a traditional hotel — which honestly makes sense given the four-star property’s focus on longer stays. There’s this relaxed energy here that I really appreciated, especially after dealing with Melbourne’s unpredictable weather outside.

Location & Neighborhood

Swan Street in Richmond is actually a brilliant spot if you want to experience Melbourne like a local rather than a tourist. You’re surrounded by some of the city’s best Vietnamese restaurant (seriously, the pho here rivals anything in the CBD), plus there are independent cafes and bars scattered along the strip. The hotel sits right in this foodie corridor, and I found myself walking to dinner most nights instead of catching trams into the city center. Though when you do need to head into town, Richmond Station is close enough for an easy commute.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in felt more like a serviced apartment than a hotel room — there’s a proper kitchenette with a full-size fridge, which honestly saved me a fortune on Melbourne’s expensive breakfast scene. The bed was comfortable enough, and I loved having space to actually unpack and settle in. The design leans heavily into that Element aesthetic with lots of natural materials and earth tones, though it can feel a bit sterile if you’re used to more character-filled boutique places.

Breakfast & Amenities

The breakfast setup here is pretty practical — they do a decent buffet spread, but what I actually used more was their breakfast-to-go option when I had early meetings in the city. The parking situation is worth mentioning because, well, this is Melbourne and finding a spot on Swan Street can be a nightmare. Having private parking at the hotel genuinely made my stay less stressful, especially when I was driving out to visit friends in the suburbs.

Why Guests Love It

You know what really works about this place? It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Element Melbourne Richmond knows it’s an extended-stay property in a residential neighborhood, and it leans into that identity completely. The staff seemed to understand that most guests weren’t just passing through for a night — they were here to actually experience Richmond, not just use it as a base for city sightseeing. I can see why couples rate the location so highly; there’s something genuinely romantic about wandering Swan Street in the evening, ducking into a cozy restaurant for dinner, then walking back to what feels like your temporary Melbourne home. It’s not flashy or Instagram-perfect, but it’s real Melbourne living — and sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a hotel stay.