Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport by IHG

You know, I’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport a couple of times now – once on a quick layover from Sydney and another when I was heading out early for a conference in the city – and honestly, it’s one of those spots that just makes sense if you’re flying in or out of Tullamarine. Pulling up to 10-14 Centre Road, right off the Tullamarine Freeway, it’s literally a stone’s throw from the terminals; I mean, their free shuttle whisked me over in under five minutes last time, which was a godsend after a red-eye flight. The lobby hits you with that familiar IHG vibe – clean, no-nonsense, with a whiff of fresh coffee from the bar area that sort of perks you up even if you’re jet-lagged. Check-in was smooth, the staff chatting about the best times to avoid the peak-hour rush on Mickleham Road if you’re driving in from the north. Oh, and parking? They’ve got plenty of spots, though it fills up quick during those busy holiday seasons around Christmas when everyone’s fleeing to the beaches.

What really stands out, though – and this is coming from someone who’s dealt with enough airport hotels to know the drill – is how they’ve nailed the basics without trying too hard. My room on the third floor overlooked the runway (ask for one facing away if plane noise bugs you; it’s not deafening, but you can hear the occasional roar during takeoff hours, especially early mornings). The bed was comfy, with those crisp white sheets that feel like a hug after a long day, and the bathroom had decent water pressure – none of that dribbly shower nonsense you get in some places. Breakfast in the mornings is a highlight; I grabbed a plate of eggs and bacon from the buffet, and the smell of sizzling sausages mixed with the hum of travelers swapping stories made it feel lively but not chaotic. There’s a little gym too, if you’re into that – nothing fancy, just some treadmills and weights to shake off the flight stiffness. And if you need to pop out, there’s a servo (that’s a gas station for non-Aussies) and a couple of fast-food joints down on Melrose Drive, which saved me when I craved a late-night snack. It’s not glamorous, mind you – the decor’s a bit standard-issue Holiday Inn, could use a freshen-up in spots – but for a 4-star spot with an 8.3 rating, it punches above its weight in practicality.

Look, if you’re transiting through Melbourne or catching an early bird to somewhere like Brisbane, this place is a no-brainer. It saved me from the hassle of trekking into the CBD, and with trams running from nearby stops to the city if you’ve got time to kill, you’re connected without the stress. Sure, it’s not a resort – don’t come expecting spa treatments or ocean views – but for what it is, it’s reliable and welcoming. I’d book it again in a heartbeat, especially during those shoulder seasons in autumn when the crowds thin out and you can actually hear yourself think. If you’re flying solo or with a group, give it a go; you’ll thank me when you’re not scrambling for a cab at dawn.

Early hotels booking in Melbourne secures theatre premieres, hidden supper clubs, and sunrise balloon flights over the Dandenongs.