Free Parking Lux Cityscape 3 Bedroom 2 Bath with Pool, Gym, and Sauna

Hotel Description

You know, when I first rolled up to the Free Parking Lux Cityscape on that bustling stretch near Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD, I was honestly relieved just to snag a spot in their underground garage without circling for ages – parking in this part of town can be a total nightmare, especially during peak hours when everyone’s flooding in from the suburbs via the West Gate Bridge. It’s tucked away on a side street off Collins, which means you’re steps from the trams rattling down to Flinders Street, but not right in the thick of the tourist chaos. I mean, well, it’s a solid 4-star setup, nothing flashy like those high-end spots on Southbank, but it feels genuinely luxe with those floor-to-ceiling windows offering killer views of the city skyline at dusk – all those twinkling lights reflecting off the Yarra River, you know? Checked in around sunset after a day wandering Queen Victoria Market (pro tip: grab some fresh oysters there if you’re into that), and the staff were laid-back Aussies, no fuss, just handed over the keycard with a quick chat about the best nearby coffee joints – like that little hole-in-the-wall on Little Bourke Street for a proper flat white.

What really sold me on this place, though, was how it nails that home-away-from-home vibe for a group trip – we had the three-bedroom suite, which is spacious enough for mates or family without feeling cramped, with two baths that actually have decent water pressure (a rarity in some older Melbourne buildings, let me tell you). The kitchen’s kitted out with everything from a full fridge to a dishwasher, so we whipped up brekkie using goodies from the Vic Market instead of splurging on room service every morning. And oh man, the amenities – there’s this rooftop pool that’s perfect for dipping in after a humid summer day exploring the laneways (think Hosier Lane’s street art, just a short stroll away), though it can get a bit crowded around 5 PM when locals pop in post-work. The gym’s compact but functional, with free weights and a couple of treadmills overlooking the city – I squeezed in a quick session before hitting the sauna, which is steamy and scented with that subtle eucalyptus vibe that screams Australia. Honestly, it’s not massive, so if you’re a fitness nut, you might find it a tad basic, but for unwinding, it’s spot on. Noise-wise, you get some faint tram dings and traffic hum from below, especially on weekends when the Docklands area livens up with events at Marvel Stadium nearby – earplugs helped, but it added to that urban buzz I kinda love about Melbourne.

All in all, if you’re plotting a trip to Melbs and want somewhere that balances comfort with easy access to the action – without breaking the bank on parking fees or feeling like you’re in a sterile chain hotel – this one’s a winner. We stayed in early spring, when the weather’s mild and the jacaranda trees are blooming along the streets, making those balcony views even sweeter. Sure, it’s not perfect (the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during peak evenings), but for the price and that rare free parking perk in the heart of the city, I’d book it again in a heartbeat. Just time your visit outside of Grand Prix season if you hate crowds – otherwise, dive right in and enjoy the vibe.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $427. Apartment with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities