Exhibition Central – Cosy CBD Queen Studio

Hotel Description

You know, when I first rolled up to Exhibition Central – that cosy little Queen Studio smack in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD – I was already half-exhausted from dodging trams on Collins Street. It’s tucked away on Exhibition Street, right near the corner where it meets Little Collins, so you’re basically steps from that buzzing intersection with all the cafes and the old-school arcades. Honestly, finding parking was a bit of a nightmare – CBD spots are like gold dust, especially during peak hours when everyone’s rushing to work or hitting up the theaters – but once I ditched the car in one of those pricey underground lots nearby (pro tip: aim for the one under the QV building if you can), check-in was a breeze. The front desk folks were super laid-back, no fuss with long lines or anything, and they even tossed in a quick rundown of the best coffee spots – like that hidden gem, Patricia Coffee Brewers, just a five-minute stroll away. Walking into the studio, it felt immediately homey, you know? Not one of those sterile chain hotel vibes, but more like crashing at a mate’s city pad – soft lighting, a plush queen bed that actually sinks in just right, and this faint, welcoming scent of fresh linen mixed with whatever eucalyptus cleaner they use. I mean, it’s rated an 8.3 for a reason, and as a 4-star spot, it punches above its weight without trying too hard.

What really sold me on the place was how it nails that “cosy CBD” tag without skimping on the essentials. The studio’s got this clever layout – compact but smart, with a kitchenette that’s stocked enough for whipping up brekkie (think microwave, mini-fridge, and even a Nespresso machine for that morning caffeine hit). I loved curling up on the couch after a day wandering Federation Square or crossing the Yarra to Southbank – the windows let in just enough natural light during the day, but at night, you can hear the distant hum of the city winding down, maybe a tram bell or two if you’re on a lower floor. Well, sort of a minor gripe: the street noise picks up around rush hour, especially in summer when the Australian Open crowds flood in and everything’s alive till late – earplugs helped, though. But hey, that’s Melbourne for you; it’s part of the charm. The bathroom’s spotless, with those rain shower heads that make you linger a bit too long, and there’s free Wi-Fi that’s actually reliable for streaming or work calls. I remember one evening, after grabbing dumplings from Chinatown (literally a 10-minute walk up Little Bourke Street), coming back to find the air-con humming quietly – perfect for those humid Aussie afternoons. And the queen bed? Oh man, the pillows are that memory foam type that cradle your head without going flat – slept like a log every night.

All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels authentically Melbourne – central enough to hop on a free city circle tram to the markets or the MCG, but cosy enough to recharge without the big hotel crowds – Exhibition Central is a solid pick. It’s not flawless; the space might feel snug if you’re traveling with more than two, and breakfast isn’t included (though there’s a Woolies supermarket right around the corner for quick fixes). But for the price and that 8.3 rating, it delivers on comfort and convenience in a way that makes you want to extend your stay. I’ve recommended it to friends heading down for the comedy festival season – quieter in the off-months like winter, when the city’s got that misty, introspective vibe – and yeah, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just remember to pack light; those CBD elevators can be finicky during busy times.

Rooms

• Queen Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults

Reviews

• Chen-yu from Taiwan (9/10)

  The facilities are fully equipped, including everything from a dishwasher to a washing machine. The place is clean and spacious, and the location is perfect for traveling around.

• Jodie from Australia (9/10)

  Location wonderful

• Matthew from Australia (7/10)

  Location was good
  The property size was good

• Thi from Vietnam (9/10)

  Vị trí trung tâm ngay bến xe free tram nên tiện đi lại !

• Wendy from Australia (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities