3000 Melbourne, Australia
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Image 1 of Experience the Buzzing Swanston Locale from QV
Image 2 of Experience the Buzzing Swanston Locale from QV

Hotel Description

You know, I stumbled upon the QV – that’s short for Queen Victoria, this massive complex right in the thick of Melbourne’s CBD – during a rainy weekend trip last spring, and honestly, it kind of surprised me how well it captures that buzzing Swanston Street vibe without feeling overwhelming. Pulling up to the entrance on Little Lonsdale Street (yeah, it’s tucked away from the main drag, which is a godsend if you’re hauling luggage from Flinders Street Station), I remember thinking, “This place is smack in the middle of everything.” The check-in was a breeze – no long lines, just a friendly staffer who handed over the keycard with a quick tip about the best nearby coffee spots, like that little hole-in-the-wall on Lonsdale where they do killer flat whites. My room was on a higher floor, overlooking the laneways, and it had this clean, modern feel with plush bedding that actually smelled fresh, not like some stale hotel scent. But fair warning, if you’re a light sleeper, the distant ding of trams rumbling down Swanston can sneak in at night – I mean, it’s Melbourne, so that’s part of the charm, right? – though the double-glazed windows do a decent job muffling it.

What really sets QV apart, though, is how it plugs you right into the city’s pulse without the hassle of constant commuting. Step out the door, and you’re basically on the edge of the Queen Victoria Market – I spent a whole morning wandering those stalls, grabbing fresh oysters and chatting with vendors about the best spots for hidden graffiti alleys nearby. It’s a four-star spot with an 8.2 rating that feels earned; the gym’s small but functional (perfect for shaking off jet lag with a quick treadmill session), and there’s an indoor pool that’s blissfully quiet in the evenings, especially during off-peak seasons like winter when the tourists thin out. Parking’s a bit of a pain – it’s valet only and costs extra, so if you’re driving, well, maybe just hop on the free City Circle tram instead. Oh, and the on-site cafe serves up solid brekkie options, though nothing mind-blowing; I ended up venturing to Bourke Street Mall for better pastries. Little details like that make a difference – the rooms have those USB ports by the bed (a lifesaver for charging on the go), and the Wi-Fi held up even during peak Zoom calls. Sort of wish the bathroom amenities were a tad more luxurious, but hey, for the price, it’s spot-on.

All in all, if you’re hitting Melbourne for the first time or just want a base that’s lively yet livable, QV’s a smart pick. It’s not some secluded retreat – you’ll hear the street performers and smell the kebab stands wafting up from below – but that’s what makes it authentic. I left feeling like I’d really experienced the city, not just skimmed the surface, and I’d book it again in a heartbeat for that easy access to places like Federation Square or even a quick walk to the State Library. Just time it right; summers get crowded with festival crowds, but shoulder seasons? Pure gold.

Rooms

  • Estimated price from: $185. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 4
Image 3 of Experience the Buzzing Swanston Locale from QV
Image 4 of Experience the Buzzing Swanston Locale from QV

Reviews

  • Best location ever – Furqan from Australia – 2 December 2023 (9/10)

    The location was the best aspect. You went down the lift and everything was there.

    What could be improved: Lack of adequate lights in the washroom

  • Outstanding location, pretty apartment and spacious. – Karly from Australia – 27 November 2023 (8/10)

    Outstanding location and very secure building. Beautiful apartment and very well stocked shower with body soaps, shampoo and conditioner. Spacious apartment with great view. Host very responsive. This is an excellent place for 4 people and everyone has their own space. The couch is also very big.

    What could be improved: Nowhere near enough toilet paper provided (fixed after contacting) and no milk provided. Outside balcony glass and glass sliding doors not clean. Even with instructions and videos the carpark spot is very hard to find and get in and out of.

  • A comfortable and convenient place – Doreen from Singapore – 18 September 2024 (10/10)

    Great location. Easy access to supermarket, food and trams. Walking distance to museums, parks etc

  • Great place to stay – Ben from Australia – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

    Location

    What could be improved: Keys to gate didn’t work.Bathroom a little dirty

  • Very poor cleanliness – Michael from Canada – 16 December 2024 (3/10)

    Good breakfast location

    What could be improved: Clean sheets and linen should be standard
    The sheets were all stained as well as pillows

  • Superb – Tuan from Vietnam – 20 December 2023 (9/10)

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SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • Wesley Place: 300 m
  • Carlton Gardens: 550 m
  • Community Garden: 550 m
  • Old Melbourne Gaol: 450 m
  • Living Legacy Forest: 950 m
  • Old Treasury Building: 1.3 km
  • Kurth Kiln Regional Park: 1.1 km
  • Manchester Unity Building: 550 m
  • Victoria University City Tower: 550 m
  • ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1 km

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Cafe/bar Gong Cha: 40 m
  • Restaurant Dragon Hot Pot: 20 m
  • Restaurant Father’s Office: 6 m

Top attractions:

  • Eureka Tower: 1.5 km
  • Melbourne Zoo: 3.7 km
  • Rialto Towers: 1.5 km
  • Cooks’ Cottage: 1.8 km
  • Melbourne Museum: 1.3 km
  • Immigration Museum: 1.5 km
  • Southbank Promenade: 1.3 km
  • Shrine of Remembrance: 2.5 km
  • SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 1.8 km
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 2.9 km

Natural beauty:

  • Lake Ornamental Lake: 2.7 km

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Elwood Beach: 9 km
  • St Kilda Beach: 6 km
  • Sandridge Beach: 5 km
  • Middle Park Beach: 5 km

Public transport:

  • Metro Parliament: 950 m
  • Train Flagstaff Train Station: 850 m
  • Train Parliament Train Station: 850 m
  • Metro Melbourne Central Station: 400 m
  • Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 15 km
  • Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 15 km

Closest airports:

  • Melbourne Airport: 19 km
  • Moorabbin Airport: 22 km
  • Essendon Fields Airport: 10 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor dining area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Balcony

Wellness:

  • Fitness centre

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Seating Area
  • Desk

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Accessibility:

  • Upper floors accessible by elevator

Miscellaneous:

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

Outdoor & View:

  • City view
  • View

Room Amenities:

  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Great for your stay:

  • Private bathroom
  • Balcony
  • Parking
  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Flat-screen TV
  • View
  • Fitness centre
  • Free parking

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building

Indoor swimming pool Free!:

  • Heated pool

Other for your stay:

  • Dining table
  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
Image 5 of Experience the Buzzing Swanston Locale from QV
Image 6 of Experience the Buzzing Swanston Locale from QV

Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 21:00
  • Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

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:

9.4

Comfort:

8.1

Location:

10

Facilities:

8.0

Cleanliness:

8.0

Value for money:

8.1

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