Glenferrie House, Close to City, Classic Style, Free On-Site Parking

Hotel Description

I pulled up to Glenferrie House on Edward Street in Hawthorn one drizzly afternoon last spring, and honestly, it felt like stepping back into a more gracious era of Melbourne living—you know, those grand old homes from the early 1900s that line the leafy suburbs east of the city. It’s tucked away in that sweet spot where the hustle of Glenferrie Road’s cafes and boutiques is just a short stroll away, but far enough that you don’t hear the constant ding of the number 16 tram rattling by every few minutes. I mean, if you’re coming from the CBD, it’s only about a 15-minute drive down Auburn Road, dodging the peak-hour snarl on the Monash Freeway, but once you’re there, the free on-site parking is a godsend—none of that circling for spots like in the inner city, and it’s secure too, which put my mind at ease after a long day exploring. The place has this classic Victorian vibe, with high ceilings and polished timber floors that creak just a bit underfoot, adding to the charm without feeling stuffy. Check-in was a breeze; the staff were these laid-back locals who chatted about the best nearby spots for brekkie—like that little bakery on Burwood Road where the sourdough smells waft out at dawn—and they even handed over a map with handwritten notes on avoiding the weekend crowds at the Hawthorn footy oval.

What really sets Glenferrie House apart, though, is how it blends that old-world elegance with the practical stuff travelers actually need. My room overlooked a quiet garden—think lush ferns and the faint rustle of eucalypts in the breeze—and it was spotless, with a king bed that swallowed you up after a day pounding the pavement. The decor’s classic, sure, with antique-style furnishings and those heavy drapes that block out the early morning light (a lifesaver if you’re jet-lagged from an international flight into Tullamarine), but they’ve snuck in modern touches like super-fast Wi-Fi and a coffee machine that brews a decent flat white. Breakfast isn’t included, which is a minor bummer if you’re not a morning person, but there’s a communal kitchen area where you can whip up something simple, and the whole place smells faintly of fresh linen and whatever herbs they’re growing out back. It’s not massive, so it stays pretty quiet, especially mid-week when the uni crowd from Swinburne isn’t buzzing around—though weekends can get a tad lively with families heading to the Yarra River trails nearby. I wandered down to the river one evening, just a 10-minute walk along the paths, and it was pure Melbourne magic: joggers, the earthy scent after rain, and that golden hour light hitting the water.

Look, if you’re after a four-star stay that’s more like crashing at a stylish aunt’s place than a generic hotel chain, Glenferrie House is it—especially if you’re exploring Melbourne’s east side without a car payment’s worth of parking fees eating into your budget. I’ve stayed in fancier spots downtown, but this one sticks with me for its genuine warmth and that easy access to real neighborhood life, like grabbing a craft beer at the local pub on Glenferrie or hopping the tram into the city for a show at the Arts Centre. Sure, it’s not right on the doorstep of Federation Square, but that’s the appeal—you get the calm of Hawthorn’s tree-lined streets without sacrificing convenience. I’d book it again in a heartbeat, particularly in autumn when the leaves turn and the place feels even cozier.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $257. Three-Bedroom Home with 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Fantastic, comfortable and great location – Meaghan from Australia – 11 July 2025 (10/10)

  Glenferrie house is your home away from home. Fabulous location, facilities and comfort. I cannot recommend this place enough and will definitely be back. Thank you Shoba, the owner/host, for making our stay that much more special and personal by meeting us at the property upon checking in to show us around the house, and for all your messages with answers to questions I had before we arrived.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities