Exclusive Stays – Yarra Condos

Exclusive Stays – Yarra Condos Overview

I remember pulling up to Exclusive Stays – Yarra Condos on Kavanagh Street in Southbank, and honestly, it felt like I’d stumbled into one of those hidden gems that locals rave about but tourists might overlook at first glance. It’s right there in the thick of things, you know, just a short stroll from the Yarra River promenade – I mean, you can literally hear the faint hum of trams rattling along St Kilda Road from your balcony if you listen close. Checking in was a breeze; no stuffy front desk drama like some places – they have this self-service kiosk thing that works most of the time, though I did have to buzz the manager once when the code didn’t sync up (turns out it was my phone’s fault, go figure). The building itself has that modern, glassy vibe, all sleek lines and big windows, but it’s not over-the-top flashy. Parking’s a bit of a squeeze – street spots are hit or miss, especially on weekends when everyone’s flocking to the nearby Crown Casino or the arts center – so if you’re driving, I’d snag a spot in the underground garage early. Oh, and fair warning: if you’re a light sleeper, the occasional buzz from the city below might keep you up, but it’s nothing earplugs can’t handle.

What really won me over, though, was stepping into the condo itself – these aren’t your standard hotel rooms; they’re proper apartments with full kitchens (stocked with decent cookware, even a dishwasher that actually works quietly) and laundry setups that make longer stays feel like home. I stayed in one on the higher floors, and the view? Stunning – overlooking the river and the skyline, with the Eureka Tower poking up like a giant glass finger in the distance. Mornings were my favorite: brewing coffee from the in-room machine while watching joggers along the river path, the air crisp with that faint eucalyptus scent that drifts in from the botanic gardens just across the way. It’s got all the little touches that matter – fluffy towels that don’t feel like sandpaper, a comfy king bed that doesn’t sag in the middle, and Wi-Fi that’s surprisingly zippy for streaming Netflix after a day out. Sure, the decor’s a tad minimalist (think IKEA chic with some Melbourne flair, like abstract prints of the laneways), and the air con can be a bit noisy if you crank it up during those humid summer nights, but overall, it’s solid for a 4-star spot. I even whipped up a quick brekkie one day using ingredients from the Queen Victoria Market – it’s only a 15-minute walk north, crossing over to the CBD, which beats overpriced room service any day.

Look, if you’re heading to Melbourne and want something more than a cookie-cutter hotel, Exclusive Stays is worth it, especially in the shoulder seasons like spring when Southbank’s not swamped with festival crowds. It’s got that 8.6 rating for a reason – practical, well-located without being right in the noisy heart of Flinders Street chaos, and perfect for families or solo travelers who like space to spread out. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of Melbourne life, not just visited – wandering to South Wharf for craft beers or catching a show at the Malthouse Theatre nearby. Yeah, it might set you back a bit more than a budget chain, but for the independence and those river views, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just pack light; the elevators can get crowded during check-out rushes.

Facilities