Lovely Studio with Free Parking in East Melbourne!

Hotel Description

I remember pulling up to the Lovely Studio in East Melbourne after a long drive from the airport—honestly, that free parking spot right out front was a lifesaver, especially in this part of town where finding a space on Wellington Parade can feel like winning the lottery. It’s tucked away in that leafy pocket of 3002, just a stone’s throw from Fitzroy Gardens, you know, where the paths wind through those massive old trees and you can hear the distant hum of the city without it overwhelming you. I arrived in the late afternoon, and the check-in was super straightforward—self-service with a code, no fussing around with a front desk, which was perfect after dealing with Melbourne’s unpredictable traffic on Hoddle Street. The studio itself? It’s compact, sure, but in a cozy way that makes you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s place rather than some sterile hotel room. I mean, the bed was plush, with those crisp white sheets that smell faintly of fresh laundry, and there’s a little kitchenette stocked with basics—coffee pods, a microwave, even a mini-fridge that didn’t make that annoying buzzing sound like some do.

What really sold me on this spot, though, was how it balances that inner-city vibe with actual peace and quiet. East Melbourne’s got this elegant, almost hidden charm—think Victorian terraces lining the streets, and you’re only a 10-minute walk to the MCG if you’re catching a game (pro tip: avoid match days if you hate crowds, but the energy is electric otherwise). The studio’s on the quieter side, facing away from the main road, so at night, it’s just the soft rustle of leaves from the gardens and maybe a tram clanging in the distance—nothing that kept me up. I whipped up a quick brekkie one morning using the electric stove, and the natural light pouring in from the big windows made the whole place feel brighter than its size suggests. Oh, and the bathroom—spotless, with a rain shower that actually has decent pressure, not like those dribbly ones you get in budget spots. There was a minor hiccup with the Wi-Fi being a tad spotty during peak hours (well, Melbourne’s internet can be finicky everywhere), but it sorted itself out quickly. It’s rated 8.3 for a reason—four stars worth of comfort without the pretentiousness.

If you’re heading to Melbourne and want something practical yet charming, this studio’s a solid pick, especially if you’re solo or with a partner and don’t need a ton of space. It’s close enough to hop on a tram to the CBD for coffee at Degraves Street or a wander through the Botanic Gardens, but far enough from the tourist chaos that you can actually unwind. I stayed during spring, when the jacarandas are blooming purple everywhere—gorgeous timing, though summer might get a bit sticky without full AC (there’s a fan, mind you). Honestly, for the price and that parking perk, I’d book it again in a heartbeat—beats overpaying for something flashy in South Yarra, you know?

Facilities