

“Hidden Gem” Cosy 2B apt in central Melbourne#UT26 Overview
I remember stumbling upon the “Hidden Gem” Cosy 2B apt on Little Lonsdale Street during a quick getaway to Melbourne last spring – you know, that time of year when the city’s laneways are buzzing with street art tours and the air smells like fresh coffee from all those hidden cafes. Honestly, it’s tucked right in the heart of the CBD at 296 Little Lonsdale, just a stone’s throw from the tram lines on Elizabeth Street, which made getting around a breeze without needing a car. I mean, parking in central Melbourne can be a nightmare – think narrow one-way streets and those pricey lots – but this spot has a secure spot if you book ahead, which saved me a ton of hassle. Walking up, the building looks unassuming, like one of those converted warehouses from the gold rush era, with that gritty charm Melbourne does so well. Check-in was super low-key; no fancy lobby, just a code for the door and a quick app-based handover from the host, who even texted tips on where to grab the best flat white nearby (spoiler: it’s at Hardware Lane, like two blocks away).
What really won me over was how cosy it felt inside – it’s a two-bedroom setup that’s perfect for a small group or family, with these plush, sink-right-in couches and a kitchenette stocked with actual decent cookware, not the flimsy stuff you get in some rentals. The bedrooms have these thick curtains that block out the early morning light (and trust me, you’ll need them after a night exploring Bourke Street’s bars), and there’s a little balcony where I sipped my tea listening to the distant hum of trams and the occasional chatter from Queen Victoria Market vendors setting up – it’s only a five-minute walk north, by the way, so fresh produce runs were my daily ritual. Sensory-wise, the place has that fresh linen smell mixed with a hint of eucalyptus from the bath products, and the wooden floors creak just enough to feel lived-in, not sterile. Well, sort of – it is central, so expect some street noise at peak hours, like when the after-work crowd floods Lonsdale around 5 PM, but it quiets down by 10, especially mid-week. I appreciated the high-speed Wi-Fi for streaming those Aussie shows, and the washer-dryer combo was a lifesaver after a rainy day hike in the Dandenongs (pro tip: pack layers, even in spring).
All in all, if you’re after a spot that feels like a local’s hideaway rather than a cookie-cutter hotel, this one’s a gem – pun intended. It’s got that 4-star polish with a 9-out-of-10 vibe from folks who’ve stayed, and I get why; you’re smack in the action without the overwhelm. Sure, the bathroom’s on the compact side (fine for solo travelers, but might feel snug for four), but that’s Melbourne real estate for you. I’d go back in a heartbeat, especially for the way it lets you dip into the city’s soul – think wandering to the State Library for a quiet afternoon or hopping a tram to Federation Square. If you’re visiting during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in March, book early; the energy spills right to your doorstep.
“Hidden Gem” Cosy 2B apt in central Melbourne#UT26 Accommodations
Accommodation | Details | Estimated Price |
---|---|---|
Two-Bedroom Apartment | 2 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 4 | $140 |


Reviews of “Hidden Gem” Cosy 2B apt in central Melbourne#UT26
We stayed in Melbourne for a holiday, we enjoyed being close to the CBD and public transport. Communication was easy and – Amber from Australia – 12 July 2025 (8/10)
The property is in a good location, very clean and easy check in process!
Superb – Andrew from New Zealand – 13 June 2025 (9/10)
Well equipped ,clean and pleasant accomodation in a very central location.
In the CBD but very quiet …great that it included cooking and washing facilities
What could be improved: A few more plates and a vege peeler would have been useful and some spare towelsbut apart from.that nothingThankyou so much Ming for your fantastic apartment couldn’t have been any better. We enjoyed staying there so much. – Sheryl from Australia – 27 May 2025 (10/10)
Oh we loved it so much the location was brilliant so close to everything will definitely use it again.
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Rialto Towers: 1.2 km
- Carlton Gardens: 750 m
- Immigration Museum: 1.1 km
- Old Melbourne Gaol: 750 m
- Southbank Promenade: 1.2 km
- Living Legacy Forest: 750 m
- Kurth Kiln Regional Park: 700 m
- Manchester Unity Building: 850 m
- Victoria University City Tower: 150 m
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 1.3 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar Krimper: 100 m
- Restaurant China Spice: 10 m
- Restaurant Coco and Joe: 20 m
Top attractions:
- Eureka Tower: 1.4 km
- Melbourne Zoo: 3.7 km
- Cooks’ Cottage: 2.2 km
- Melbourne Museum: 1.6 km
- Old Treasury Building: 1.6 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 2.8 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 1.4 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 3.2 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Ornamental Lake: 3 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 9 km
- St Kilda Beach: 7 km
- Sandridge Beach: 5 km
- Middle Park Beach: 5 km
Public transport:
- Metro Flagstaff: 450 m
- Train Flagstaff Train Station: 450 m
- Train Flinders Street Station: 1.1 km
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 400 m
- Bus Essendon Keilor CollegeLock St: 14 km
- Bus El Reno Cres/Roberts Rd (Airport West): 15 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 19 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 23 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 10 km
Facilities
Bedroom:
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
Bathroom:
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Outdoors:
- Balcony
Living Area:
- Dining area
- Sofa
Miscellaneous:
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Lift
Outdoor & View:
- View
Room Amenities:
- Drying rack for clothing
- Clothes rack
- Iron
Languages spoken:
- English
- Chinese
Safety & security:
- Smoke alarms
- 24-hour security
Media & Technology:
- Flat-screen TV
- TV
Reception services:
- Express check-in/check-out
Great for your stay:
- Balcony
- Kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- View
- Washing machine
- Shower
- Lift
- Coffee machine
Building characteristics:
- Private apartment in building
Other for your stay:
- Children’s high chair
- Coffee machine
- Toaster
- Stovetop
- Oven
- Tumble dryer
- Kitchenware
- Electric kettle
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Kitchenette


House Rules at “Hidden Gem” Cosy 2B apt in central Melbourne#UT26
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Parties:
- Parties/events are not allowed
Smoking:
- Smoking is not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 15:00
- You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.
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
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