

Kimberley Gardens Hotel, Serviced Apartments and Serviced Villas Overview
I’ve gotta say, pulling up to the Kimberley Gardens Hotel on Inkerman Street in St Kilda East – you know, that leafy stretch between Balaclava and Caulfield – my first thought was, “Huh, this feels more like crashing at a mate’s place than some flashy downtown spot.” It’s tucked away in this quiet residential pocket of Melbourne, where the streets are lined with those classic Victorian terraces and the occasional tram rumbling by on nearby Carlisle Street. I arrived mid-afternoon during a drizzly spring day (typical Melbourne weather, right?), and check-in was a breeze – the staff were these friendly locals who chatted about the best nearby spots for brekkie without making it feel scripted. No long queues or stuffy formalities; they even sorted out parking for me in their secure lot, which is a godsend because street parking around here can be a nightmare, especially on race days at Caulfield. The place itself? It’s this clever mix of hotel rooms, serviced apartments, and even these self-contained villas – I opted for an apartment, and honestly, it was spotless, with a full kitchen that smelled faintly of fresh herbs from the little balcony herb garden (a nice touch if you’re into whipping up your own meals after a day out).
What really won me over, though, was how it balances that homey vibe with some thoughtful perks – like the outdoor pool area surrounded by actual gardens, not just some token pot plants. Mornings there were peaceful; you’d hear birds chirping over the hum of distant traffic on Dandenong Road, and the air had this crisp, eucalyptus tang that screams Aussie suburbia. I mean, it’s not right in the heart of the CBD – you’re looking at a 20-minute tram ride to get to Federation Square or the beach at St Kilda – but that’s kind of the appeal if you’re after a break from the tourist crowds. The rooms are comfy, with those plush beds that make you sink in after exploring, and the Wi-Fi’s reliable enough for streaming (no buffering issues during my Netflix binge). A minor gripe? The villas can feel a tad isolated if you’re solo – they’re set back a bit, so it’s super quiet at night, which is great for light sleepers but might feel too hushed if you crave some buzz. Oh, and during peak summer, the pool gets busy with families, so snag a lounger early. But overall, with its 4-star setup and that solid 8.6 rating, it punches above its weight – especially for longer stays, where you can actually live like a local, popping down to the kosher bakeries on Acland Street or grabbing falafel at those hidden gems in Ripponlea.
Look, if you’re planning a Melbourne trip and want something authentic without the inner-city chaos, Kimberley Gardens is a smart pick. It’s got that understated charm that makes you feel settled in, not just passing through – perfect for families, couples, or even business folks who need space to spread out. I left feeling refreshed, and yeah, I’d book again in a heartbeat, especially in autumn when the nearby Alma Park turns into this explosion of golden leaves. Just remember to pack light layers; Melbourne’s weather flips faster than you can say “flat white.”
Early Melbourne trip booking requires advance planning during peak seasons when visitors flock to enjoy the city’s museums, world-class wine regions nearby, and authentic Australian cultural experiences.
Kimberley Gardens Hotel, Serviced Apartments and Serviced Villas Accommodations
Accommodation | Details |
---|---|
One-Bedroom Apartment | 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 3 adults, 2 children |
Two-Bedroom Villa | 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 2 × 2 single beds for 6 adults, 3 children |
Three-Bedroom Villa | 4 × 2 single beds, 2 × 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 8 adults, 3 children |
Deluxe Room with Spa Bath | 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Superior Queen Room | 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Executive Apartment | 2 × 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child |
Standard Double Room with Two Double Beds | 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 3 children |
One-Bedroom Villa | large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 2 adults |


Reviews of Kimberley Gardens Hotel, Serviced Apartments and Serviced Villas
Louey from Australia (9/10)
Value for money, great facilities, friendly staff, great location..
Kerry from Australia (9/10)
Location and value for money. Clean with all we needed.
Chaim from Israel (8/10)
Sarah from Australia (9/10)
The spa was nice and the customer service was great also
Louise from Australia (9/10)
Excellent service and friendly staff; spacious rooms; clean; bonus outdoor courtyard; free parking
Michelle from Australia (7/10)
Free parking
Brodie from Australia (8/10)
We loved everything about property, from the comfort of the beds and cleanliness of the room to the reception area.
Deborah from Australia (9/10)
We loved the location, the hotel itself is really lovely, very big rooms, just loved it, will definitely stay there again.
Sue from New Zealand (8/10)
The room was spacious and perfect for our short stay.
Danni from Australia (8/10)
The pool was great, nice and clean washing machines available
Surroundings
What’s nearby:
- Alma Park: 1 km
- Penders Park: 900 m
- Memorial Park: 1.6 km
- Alma Park West: 1.4 km
- Lumley Gardens: 1.5 km
- Jim Duggan Reserve: 1.6 km
- Burnett Grey Gardens: 1.7 km
- Ben Alexander Reserve: 600 m
- William Street Reserve: 1.4 km
- St Kilda Community Gardens Club: 1.6 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Restaurant Brumby’s: 900 m
- Restaurant Daneli’s: 1.1 km
- Restaurant Zanini Pizzeria-St Kilda East: 450 m
Top attractions:
- Eureka Tower: 7 km
- Melbourne Zoo: 11 km
- Cooks’ Cottage: 7 km
- Melbourne Museum: 9 km
- Southbank Promenade: 7 km
- Old Treasury Building: 8 km
- Shrine of Remembrance: 6 km
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: 7 km
- Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne: 5 km
- ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image: 7 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Albert Park Lake: 4.6 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Elwood Beach: 3.9 km
- Hampton Beach: 7 km
- Brighton Beach: 6 km
- St Kilda Beach: 3.1 km
- Middle Park Beach: 3.6 km
Public transport:
- Train Balaclava: 1.3 km
- Train Ripponlea: 1.6 km
- Metro Parliament: 8 km
- Metro Melbourne Central Station: 8 km
Closest airports:
- Melbourne Airport: 29 km
- Moorabbin Airport: 15 km
- Essendon Fields Airport: 20 km
Facilities
General:
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Non-smoking rooms
Parking:
- Street parking
- Accessible parking
Outdoors:
- Outdoor furniture
- Terrace
- Garden
Services:
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Private check-in/check-out
- Luggage storage
- Fax/photocopying
- Laundry
Wellness:
- Fitness
- Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- Fitness centre
Accessibility:
- Toilet with grab rails
- Wheelchair accessible
Languages spoken:
- Greek
- English
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- CCTV outside property
- CCTV in common areas
- Smoke alarms
- Key access
- 24-hour security
Indoor swimming pool Free!:
- Open all year
- Heated pool
- Pool/beach towels
- Fence around pool
Entertainment and family services:
- Board games/puzzles


House Rules at Kimberley Gardens Hotel, Serviced Apartments and Serviced Villas
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 14:00 to 22:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- From 01:00 to 10:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.
Guest reviews
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