Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

You know, I stumbled upon the Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank kind of by accident last time I was in town – I mean, I was chasing a cheap flight deal and needed something central without breaking the bank, and this place on City Road just popped up. It’s tucked right there in Southbank, overlooking the Yarra River, and honestly, pulling up after a long drive from the airport (which, fair warning, can take forever during peak hour traffic on the Tullamarine), the first thing that hits you is how unpretentious it feels. No grand lobby with chandeliers or anything flashy – just a straightforward check-in desk where the staff were chatty and efficient, even at 10 PM when I rolled in exhausted. They sorted my room key in minutes, and yeah, there’s undercover parking nearby, but it’s not free (about 30 bucks a night, so factor that in if you’re driving). My room on the higher floor had these big windows framing the city lights – you could hear the faint hum of trams rattling along St Kilda Road below, which sort of lulls you to sleep if you’re into that urban vibe. The bed was comfy, nothing fancy but firm enough to crash on after a day out, and the bathroom? Spotless, with those rainfall showers that actually deliver hot water without the usual hotel sputter.

What really sold me on this spot, though, was how it plugs you right into the heart of Melbourne without feeling like a tourist trap. Southbank’s got that lively buzz – you’re steps from the promenade where locals jog along the river at dawn, and on weekends, it’s packed with food trucks and buskers down by the Crown Casino (which, let’s be real, can get a bit rowdy late at night, so earplugs if you’re a light sleeper). I loved grabbing the included breakfast – it’s your standard Express fare, like fresh pancakes from the machine and decent coffee, but they throw in some Aussie twists like Vegemite on toast, which made me chuckle. Rooms are modern and compact, with free Wi-Fi that actually streams without lagging (huge plus for remote workers like me), and there’s a little gym if you want to sweat off the jet lag. Oh, and pro tip: if you’re into the arts scene, it’s a quick stroll across the pedestrian bridge to the NGV or Federation Square – I caught a free exhibit there one afternoon, dodging the unpredictable Melbourne rain that rolls in out of nowhere in spring. It’s not luxurious, mind you – no spa or room service bells and whistles – but for a 4-star spot with an 8.3 rating, it punches above its weight in value.

All in all, if you’re the type who wants to dive into Melbourne’s vibe without the fuss – maybe hitting up the markets at Queen Vic or wandering to Flinders Street for that iconic station photo – this Holiday Inn Express is a solid pick. It’s clean, convenient for public transport (the 109 tram stops practically at the door), and yeah, there might be some construction noise from ongoing developments in Southbank during the day, but it quiets down by evening. I left feeling like I’d gotten a genuine slice of the city, not just a bed for the night. Would I stay again? Absolutely, especially in summer when the riverside bars are hopping – just book early, as it fills up fast with conference crowds from the nearby convention center.

Apartments in Melbourne suit remote workers with cowork lofts, balcony herb gardens, and fast trams to coworking hubs.