Large Two Bedroom Apartment with City Park and Bay views

I remember pulling up to 171 Fitzroy Street in St Kilda – you know, that buzzy stretch right near the beach where the trams rattle by and the air always smells a bit salty, mixed with coffee from the cafes lining the road. It was one of those Melbourne afternoons where the sun’s dipping low over Port Phillip Bay, and honestly, finding parking wasn’t the nightmare I expected; there’s a spot out front if you’re lucky, or side streets like Grey or Alfred that usually have room, especially mid-week. The place is called the Large Two Bedroom Apartment with City Park and Bay Views, and yeah, it’s more like a spacious Airbnb-style setup than a traditional hotel, but with that solid 4-star feel and a 9.5 rating that actually holds up. Check-in was a breeze – no stuffy front desk, just a quick code for the door and a welcome pack with local tips, like where to grab the best fish and chips on Acland Street (spoiler: it’s Cicciolina, but go early to beat the crowds).

Stepping inside, well, it hits you right away – the space is huge for Melbourne standards, with these floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of Albert Park’s greenery stretching toward the bay, and on a clear day, you can spot the city skyline poking up like it’s photobombing the scene. I mean, we stayed during spring, when the park’s all blooming jacarandas and joggers are out in force, and waking up to that panorama with a coffee in hand felt like a total win. The apartment’s got two proper bedrooms – one with a king bed that’s ridiculously comfy, the kind where the sheets are crisp but not too starchy – and a living area that flows into a full kitchen (stock up at the St Kilda Market on Sundays for fresh produce; it’s just a short walk down Beaconsfield Parade). There’s even a balcony where you can hear the distant waves and seagulls – sensory overload in the best way, though fair warning, Fitzroy Street gets lively at night with bar-hoppers, so if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs or request a quieter unit (ours was sort of mid-level, which muffled it okay). The bathroom’s modern, with rain showers that actually have decent pressure, and little touches like fluffy towels and eco-friendly soaps made it feel thoughtful, not generic.

What really sold me on this spot, though – and why I’d tell anyone heading to Melbourne to book it – is how it nails that balance of being smack in the action without feeling overwhelming. You’re steps from the Esplanade for sunset strolls or Luna Park if you’ve got kids in tow (it’s chaotic fun, but avoid peak school holidays unless you love queues). Or hop on the 96 tram to zip into the CBD for a day at the markets or NGV. Sure, it’s not dead cheap, and the Wi-Fi dipped a couple times during our stay, but for families or couples wanting room to spread out with those killer views, it’s a gem. I left feeling like I’d actually lived a slice of St Kilda life, not just visited – and isn’t that the point of travel?